Yoane Wissa gives honest answer about Nick Woltemade competition at Newcastle United
Yoane Wissa is yet to frature for Newcastle United after suffering a knee injury on international duty.
Yoane Wissa has insisted team success is more important than individual achievements while discussing competition for places at Newcastle United.
The DR Congo international is yet to kick a ball in black-and-white stripes after suffering a knee injury on international duty. Wissa has been forced to watch from the sidelines as fellow new arrival Nick Woltemade makes an impression.
Woltemade joined as a club-record arrival from Stuttgart and immediately scored on his debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, the German had little impact in the goalless draw at Bournemouth.
Yoane Wissa on Nick Woltemade
Playing with two strikers has been a rarity in the modern game. Eddie Howe did adopt a version of 4-4-2 at Bournemouth but, since becoming Newcastle manager, has rarely changed from his 4-3-3 system.
Speaking to the club’s matchday programme, Wissa downplayed any negativity at having another striker as competition while complimenting Woltemade’s abilities. “I watched a couple of his games at the (under-21s) Euros this summer and I spoke to my former teammate Vitaly Janelt and said ‘He's good, this guy’, which he agreed.
“I think he's a good player who is able to play anywhere because he's very skilful. When you come to a big club, there is always competition and we need to be able to push each other and make sure we are in the best position as a team.
“We want to achieve success as a team. It's not about individual players. I'm happy to have another great player joining the club as we have more chance of winning.”
Yoane Wissa timeline
Howe set October 18 against Brighton as a potential return date for Wissa. He told reporters yesterday: “He's here, and he's receiving treatment, no operation needed. Yeah, I think we're looking at the other side of the international break. We hope he can be fit and available for that first game.”
Eddie Howe on Nick Woltemade
The Toon boss also highlighted Woltemade’s fitness as an area to improve as he adjusts to the Premier League. Howe added: “Regarding Nick, I think he’s made a really strong start. I think Nick will improve the fitter he gets.
“Firstly, I think that’s a huge thing. He’s come to us with, obviously, not being used to the demands of Premier League football, and this league is relentless physically. And of course, our schedule is relentless.
“So in terms of us doing physical work with him, that’s very, very difficult. A lot of what we’re going to be doing with him in the short term is to try and keep him fit by not putting him in dangerous positions, in terms of playing 90 minutes, consecutive 90 minutes, too early.
“But fitness will be an issue, because the Premier League is different, as I said, so I think that’s the biggest thing for him. I think once he gets fitter, you’ll see an even better product.”