It’s been a miserable end to the year for Newcastle United so far, and Nick Woltemade has taken a bit of a beating from one pundit for his latest display.
Newcastle can still put things right, to a degree, by beating Burnley on Tuesday night. But, that defeat to Man United on Boxing Day has left a sour taste in the mouth of many fans.
I’m fed up of hearing that Newcastle United are on the right track this season – prove me wrong! 🤔
Can’t see out a lead. Can’t come from behind. Can’t win away from home.
Can someone tell me what I’m supposed to be applauding?
Eddie Howe and the Newcastle owners may ignore the noise from outside by avoiding social media, but the volume of discontent is certainly growing.
Now, despite being one of the Magpies’ best players this season, Nick Woltemade has taken some criticism after failing to make an impact against the Red Devils.
- READ MORE: Newcastle United fans fume at Eddie Howe’s ‘irrelevant’ comments after Manchester United defeat
Troy Deeney not impressed by Nick Woltemade
In a week where Woltemade was slammed by Rio Ferdinand, the German striker has now been on the wrong end of a not-so-subtle dig from Troy Deeney, too.
Producing his regular team of the week column for the BBC, Deeney showered Man U defender Lisandro Martinez with praise for his performance against Newcastle and included an indirect remark about Woltemade.
Deeney wrote: “He’s only 5ft7, 5ft8 and he had Nick Woltemade in his back pocket all day. It was really good to see him back playing after his massive injury. Him being back fit is monumental, not only for him but his World Cup aspirations as well.”
We should take this with a pinch of salt, though. Only last week, Alan Shearer was raving about Woltemade. It’s also worth remembering he’s scored nine goals this season and has settled into English football really well.
If Eddie Howe is going to play Wissa and Woltemade together in a 4-2-3-1, which midfielder are you dropping?
Let’s pretend all six of them are fit so not everyone says Jacob Ramsey…
Newcastle system is letting Woltemade down
We would argue Woltemade has been Newcastle’s best signing of the summer, but pundits are right to pick on some of the issues the striker is facing.
The thing is, it’s not really his fault. Newcastle are simply not playing to Woltemade’s strengths, particularly with the formation being used by Howe.
Woltemade needs support up top, namely from Yoane Wissa, but Howe refuses to play them together for some reason.
Once that partnership is given a chance, both players will flourish. Until then, these same criticisms will keep arising.
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