Overview
- Following Newcastle’s 3-2 home loss to Everton, Alan Shearer criticised Nick Woltemade’s display as “nowhere near good enough,” highlighting no shots, no touches in the box and just 14 total touches.
- Eddie Howe has trialed Woltemade in a deeper midfield role with Anthony Gordon up front, then reverted positions mid-game before substituting Woltemade after 55 minutes against Everton.
- Woltemade has not scored a Premier League goal since December 20 and has just one goal in his past 19 appearances, though he made a bright start to the season and has 10 in all competitions.
- Julian Nagelsmann told Kicker he does not expect a 15-goal league return this season and urged Woltemade to stay relaxed, stressing that Germany retains full confidence in him.
- The £69m club-record signing faces heightened expectations as Newcastle’s league form falters, with analysts noting he remains central for Germany even as Newcastle sit in mid-table.