Nick Woltemade spent most of Thursday night sitting on the bench watching Newcastle United lose to Barcelona in the Champions League.
The 23-year-old was dropped from the starting XI, with Anthony Gordon deployed up front from the off.
However, Gordon once again struggled to impose himself as a striker as Newcastle lost 2-1 to Barcelona. Ironically, Gordon did score the Magpies’ goal, but that was when he had been shifted to the left wing.
Howe’s decision to drop Woltemade did not go down well with supporters, despite the gaffer doing his best to protect the fitness of his £69million striker.
In contrast, fans wanted to see Woltemade build on his dream debut after scoring the winner against Wolves.
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Nick Woltemade looking towards Bournemouth after Barcelona disappointment
For Woltemade, he is focusing on the future.
The Germany international has commented for the first time since losing to Barcelona, taking to his official Instagram account to comment on what was actually his Champions League debut.
Woltemade wrote: “On the big stage. Not the score we wanted, but proud moment for me personally. Now focus on Sunday.”
Unsurprisingly, Newcastle’s most expensive signing has not alluded to the fact he was dropped to the bench by Howe. There will have been no quibbles from Woltemade, even if he was disappointed not to start.
Eddie Howe is doing his best to ease Woltemade into the side, which has been made more difficult by Yoane Wissa’s injury. That was clear for all to see on Thursday night, as the Magpies reverted back to playing Gordon centrally despite spending more than £100million on two strikers.
Nick Woltemade’s subtle impact against Barcelona
Despite only being on the pitch for around half an hour, Woltemade was still able to have an impact on his Champions League debut.
He played a key role in Newcastle’s only goal of the night, as Howe’s side put together an incredibly slick move to give themselves a lifeline.
The goal offered a glimpse of how Newcastle can use Woltemade as a target man. Sandro Tonali played it into the big man’s feet, before it was quickly passed to Bruno Guimaraes. He then found Jacob Murphy, whose exquisite cross was converted by Gordon.
It was an important touch from Woltemade, not that he had many following his introduction.
During his cameo, he only touched the ball nine times. The only player who touched it less was Marc Casado, who came on in the 93rd minute.
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