Nick Woltemade has enjoyed a blistering start to his Newcastle United career, but Eddie Howe has admitted there is a problem.
Since becoming Newcastle United’s most expensive signing, the 23-year-old has been on fire. He has scored six goals for his new club, at a time when the man he replaced, Alexander Isak, has scored just once for Liverpool.
However, his most challenging afternoon in a Toon shirt came on Sunday. Newcastle United lost 3-1 to West Ham, with Nick Woltemade withdrawn at half-time. He was part of a triple substitution ahead of the second half, with Eddie Howe furious with his players.
The decision to take the Germany international off felt harsh, but now the Newcastle United manager has shared the real reason why Woltemade was substituted.
- Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United broke transfer record to sign
Eddie Howe admits Nick Woltemade has looked ‘fatigued’
Ahead of Newcastle United facing Athletic Club, Howe has spoken to the media.
He explained his decision to take Nick Woltemade off, admitting that he thought the forward looked ‘fatigued’ at the London Stadium.
“We’re well aware we’ve thrust him into every single game, near enough,” he said.
“I thought he looked a little bit fatigued and taking him off [at West Ham] was the case of making a decision I felt would benefit the team and Nick going forward because he’s carrying a lot of load on his shoulders.
“If at any stage I feel he is fatigued I need to act to help him.”
The decision to take Woltemade off against West Ham did not change proceedings. While Will Osula was his usual lively self, he was unable to inspire a comeback.
- Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United broke transfer record to sign
Yoane Wissa is the solution to Newcastle United’s problem
When Newcastle United signed Woltemade, no one expected him to play this much football so soon into his Toon career.
However, it has been a case of needs must because of Yoane Wissa’s injury. With the number nine unavailable, the pressure has been on Woltemade to carry the load as Newcastle’s main striker.
It is a load he has largely coped with, but Howe obviously felt there were signs it was weighing him down on Sunday.
Fortunately for Newcastle United, the situation could soon change. The hope is that Wissa will return after the international break, and that will allow Howe to dovetail his strikers.
- Who is Yoane Wissa? Newcastle United’s £55m Alexander Isak replacement
He will be able to manage both of their minutes, ensuring they are both as fresh as possible amid the Magpies’ gruelling schedule.
The striker situation has been a problem for Newcastle, but thankfully the solution is not too far away as Wissa edges closer towards making his debut.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
