Newcastle United stalwart Jamaal Lascelles has been impressed by Nick Woltemade during the opening stages of his career on Tyneside.
Woltemade will be needed to lead the line for Newcastle United in the absence of Yoane Wissa due to injury.
While it would be harsh to expect too much from Newcastle United’s club-record signing too quickly, the German international has made a promising start to life at St James’ Park.
The 23-year-old scored the winner on his Premier League debut against Wolves earlier this month and played a small part in goals against Barcelona and Bradford City more recently.
Newcastle think Woltemade’s best position is as a striker despite suggestions he’s capable of operating as a No.10.
Lascelles, having trained alongside the former Stuttgart forward, has been impressed.
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Jamaal Lascelles praises Nick Woltemade
The defender was writing about his new teammate in the matchday programme ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.
The message was posted on the Newcastle United official website.
Lascelles was full of praise for Woltemade, highlighting his obvious ability to link play.
That is a major part of the forward’s game, although Newcastle will no doubt want him to further establish himself as a lethal striker.
“While we’ve not seen Yoane Wissa in black and white yet, there have been really encouraging signs from Nick Woltemade in his outings so far,” he wrote.
“He’s come in full of confidence and as well as netting on his debut against Wolves, his link-up play has been there for all to see.”
Eddie Howe delighted with Nick Woltemade’s “flair”
Eddie Howe has been impressed with Woltemade, even after his brief cameo during Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup victory over Bradford.
The Newcastle United manager believes his club-record signing can bring “flair” to the attacking line, something which has been rather lacking so far this season.
Ahead of the Arsenal game, Howe said: “I see him as a nine. He plays it differently to other strikers we’ve had in the past, it is about utilising Nick’s strengths. I was really impressed with him in the short time he had on Wednesday, he showed his creative flair.”
It cannot be an easy situation for the striker. In an ideal world, Wissa would be there to ease the burden.
That is not a luxury anyone has been afforded, however, so it’s up to Woltemade to do all he can.
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