Paul Merson claims Nick Woltemade has already proved his theory wrong at Newcastle United

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Paul Merson has admitted he is surprised by how well Nick Woltemade has done at Newcastle United so far.

The German striker was under huge pressure when he arrived, becoming Newcastle United’s most expensive signing ever at £69million and replacing the outgoing Alexander Isak.

So far, the 23-year-old has handled the pressure. Nick Woltemade has scored six goals in all competitions for the Magpies, dazzling Toon supporters with his flicks and tricks.

The price tag is not a problem for Woltemade, who has quickly settled into life on Tyneside.

Paul Merson has praised him for doing just that, with the former Arsenal forward admitting he was unsure about how the 6ft 6in forward would do in black and white.

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Paul Merson did not expect Nick Woltemade to be this good for Newcastle United

Woltemade looked destined to join Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window, but they ultimately could not afford him.

The fact he did not sign for Bayern puzzled Merson, who has told Sportskeeda that he wondered if he was really worth the hype after his move to the Bundesliga giants failed to materialise.

“Nick Woltemade has also impressed me so far,” he said.

“I always wonder when players come to the Premier League, ‘if they were so good, why didn’t Bayern Munich want them?’. That is not the case with Woltemade, he’s showing why Bayern really wanted him to be their number nine.

“Woltemade reminds me of Peter Crouch. He is not just a target man, he can play with the ball and likes it being fed into his feet.

“Woltemade will cause problems to other teams every single week. If Newcastle’s midfield three can fire like last season, it will be perfect for him.”

Paul Merson predicts Newcastle United vs Manchester City

Woltemade will hope to continue proving Merson wrong when Newcastle United face Manchester City on Saturday.

He is expected to lead the line for Eddie Howe’s side, with Woltemade enjoying a strong international break with Germany. The big man scored three goals in two games, and will hope to take that form into the game at St James’ Park.

Ahead of that match, Merson has given his verdict on what the score will be. He has backed the Magpies to pick up a point, predicting a 1-1 draw with Pep Guardiola’s team.

“If Manchester City win this game, I will be thinking that should they keep all their main players fit, they can challenge Arsenal,” he said.

“Newcastle have not been at their best on home turf so far this season, but it is still one of the toughest fixtures in the league. If Eddie Howe’s team can play like they did against Liverpool, they have a chance at winning this game!”

Merson added: “Newcastle away is a tricky fixture right after the international break and that’s why I think City will drop points in this one.”

Merson’s prediction would see a repeat of last season’s game at St James’ Park. Anthony Gordon scored for Newcastle that day, converting a penalty in front of the Leazes End.

Eddie Howe will believe his side can win, as he attempts to improve Newcastle United’s poor record against Man City.