Marco Silva explains why Nick Woltemade is so different to Alexander Isak at Newcastle United

Add as preferred source on Google

Marco Silva is in agreement with Newcastle United supporters, having been blown away by Nick Woltemade’s start to life on Tyneside.

The 23-year-old became Newcastle United’s most expensive signing ever in August, arriving from Stuttgart for £69million.

Newcastle United have been criticised for that fee, but the giant German has proven to be worth every penny so far.

Nick Woltemade has scored five goals for his new club, with his most recent strike coming in the 2-1 defeat to Brighton. It was an audacious flick that showcased just how unique he truly is.

He then produced another glorious touch on Tuesday night, with his neat link-up play allowing Harvey Barnes to score his second goal in Newcastle United’s win over Benfica.

The Magpies have bought a superstar, and Fulham manager Marco Silva believes that is a testament to the Toon recruitment team.

• Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United broke transfer record to sign

Marco Silva hails Newcastle United for how they replaced ‘unbelievable’ Alexander Isak

The most impressive thing about Woltemade is that he has come in and filled the void left by Alexander Isak. That looked like an unenviable task, but Woltemade has done it with ease.

That is the verdict of Marco Silva, who has praised the Germany international for impressing straight away ahead of Newcastle United vs Fulham on Saturday.

“Very good striker,” he said when asked about Woltemade.

“Last two or three seasons they had an unbelievable striker, so it’s not something new for them. That is a good sign for them as a football club, when they lose a great striker because Liverpool spent the amount of money on him.

“That means recruitment, and to do it well, going for a slightly different style. To spend the money they spent on him and the impact he has had straight away. I think he’s a very good one.”

Marco Silva compares Nick Woltemade to Alexander Isak

When Newcastle United replaced Isak with Woltemade, it represented a shift in the Magpies’ style of play. Given Woltemade’s profile, there was no way that Eddie Howe could ask his players to continue utilising the same style that had been so effective with Isak.

The record signing has forced the rest of the Newcastle United squad to adapt to his ways, and the early signs are incredibly positive.

But what makes Woltemade so different to Isak? Silva has explained the differences ahead of trying to stop him at St James’ Park this weekend.

“He’s slightly different, probably not so aggressive in the space like Isak,” Silva added.

“He’s much more a player that is very good at linking play. Inside the box, he has shown he can score already. He can score in many different ways. The game against Brighton is a good example.

“He can be the extra midfielder to come and link their game and to support them to beat the first pressure.”

The qualities that Silva has mentioned have made Woltemade an instant hit with the Toon Army. They love the way he brings his teammates into the game, while the variety of his goals has been spectacular.

He is currently on a run of scoring in each of his last three Premier League games, and will attempt to make it four at Fulham’s expense.