Nick Woltemade has been incredible for Newcastle United, but Alan Shearer thinks he can get even better.
The 23-year-old continued his fine form on Wednesday night, scoring in Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Spurs in the Carabao Cup. He has now scored six goals since his £69million arrival from Stuttgart.
Everything is going right for Nick Woltemade, despite initial concerns that it would take time for him to adapt to English football.
He has had no such problems, but what is most exciting is that Woltemade can still get even better. That was the view of Eddie Howe on Wednesday night, and it is something that Alan Shearer believes too.
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Alan Shearer says Newcastle United need more ‘runners’ for Nick Woltemade
Speaking on the latest episode of the Rest Is Football podcast, Micah Richards asked Alan Shearer to give his thoughts on Woltemade’s start to life on Tyneside.
The Newcastle United legend thinks big Nick can get even better, but that is dependent on the players around him.
“He’s done really well,” he said.
“He’s definitely not a number nine, because a lot of his good game, and it is good, is that he’s coming towards the ball, but Newcastle have to get players beyond him. They have to get runners beyond him, whether that’s the two wingers or whether that’s the midfielders. That will bring the best out of him.
“Obviously you have to put crosses into the box. He’s 6ft 6in. He needs balls into the box. Another really good header. Brave. Keeper made a hash of it, but he got his goal, he won’t be bothered. He’s had a brilliant start to his Newcastle career.”
Anthony Gordon holds the key to Nick Woltemade getting better
We have seen glimpses of what Newcastle United can do in attack when they get runners beyond Woltemade, particularly in the Champions League.
However, they are far from the finished article. That is perhaps a product of the Magpies’ wingers not fully clicking into gear yet. Anthony Gordon has been inconsistent, Harvey Barnes is better as a substitute, Jacob Murphy has been in and out of the team, and Anthony Elanga has struggled.
One thing that all of those players have is pace. That is the key to getting more out of Newcastle’s most expensive signing, with the most important player being Anthony Gordon.
Not only does he have the pace, but he has the technical prowess to go with it. That allows the 24-year-old to go on the outside or come inside, as he did for Barnes’ second goal against Benfica.
Gordon is building up an understanding with Woltemade, as they begin to play off each other and make the most of their abilities. It is a work in progress, but the early signs are encouraging.
As Shearer says, Newcastle also need more runners from midfield. Bruno Guimaraes has been told to get in the box more, which has resulted in him scoring three goals so far this season.
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