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Startling Nick Woltemade statistic proves exactly what Newcastle United must do more

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Nick Woltemade has enjoyed a captivating start to his Newcastle United career, but it is obvious that the best is yet to come.

Newcastle’s most expensive signing has dazzled Toon fans with his slick control and hold up play, showcasing exactly how he is going to transform Eddie Howe’s side.

The fallback of that is the rest of the Newcastle United squad need to get on his wavelength sooner rather than later, as the Magpies completely change the way that they attack.

The 23-year-old is not an out-and-out goalscorer. He is anything but a traditional number nine, with Woltemade expected to create more than he scores.

But finding the net has not been too much of an issue so far for Woltemade.

Nick Woltemade shakes Eddie Howe's hand after being substituted during Newcastle United vs Arsenal.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Nick Woltemade equals Stuttgart statistic already with Newcastle United

In fact, Woltemade has been surprisingly effective in front of goal for his new club.

Both of his goals have been headers at St James’ Park, which is not a major shock when you consider how tall he is. However, it is a shock when you look back at how prolific the 6ft 6in forward was in the air for his previous clubs.

Woltemade scored 17 goals for Stuttgart during the 2024/25 season. That was an impressive tally, but only one of those goals was a header.

During his time at Werder Bremen, half of the goals he scored for them were with his head. A headed goals record of 50% is impressive, until you realise he only actually scored two goals in total.

Yet his first two Newcastle United goals have been with his head. They were both outstanding, with his strike during the defeat to Arsenal arguably more impressive than his winner over Wolves.

Newcastle United must supply Nick Woltemade with more crosses

Woltemade’s two headers came via beautiful crosses from Jacob Murphy and Sandro Tonali. They put the ball exactly where Woltemade wanted it, and he did the rest.

Despite not having a rich history of scoring headers, Woltemade clearly has the talent for it. The two he has scored so far were not flukes. They were expertly despatched by a player who has a huge amount of potential.

Newcastle need to tap into that potential by playing to his strengths. As it stands, that means putting crosses into the box for him to attack.

With Yoane Wissa injured, Newcastle are yet to hit full stride in terms of their attack. Howe’s players are not creating enough chances for Woltemade, who has done well to already have two goals for his new club.

In order for that to change, the Magpies need to get much higher up the pitch and produce more crosses for their giant German to attack. He is rewriting history with his heading heroics in black and white and long may it continue, but only if his Toon teammates can supply him with more high quality crosses.