Nick Woltemade was enjoying an incredible start to his Newcastle United, but problems have started to emerge.
The 23-year-old was particularly poor in the Tyne-Wear derby, and that is without factoring in his decisive own goal. Nick Woltemade was anonymous against Sunderland, touching the ball just 12 times.
It was the latest in a string of poor performances for the giant German, who has not been able to kick on since his extraordinary goal against Everton.
But why have things suddenly started to change for Newcastle United’s most expensive signing? Well, the club think they have the answer.
Who was Newcastle United’s most disappointing player vs Sunderland?
Feel free to list all of them in the comments 👀
Nick Woltemade suffering from fatigue
Since joining Newcastle United for £69million, Nick Woltemade has featured in every possible game either as a starter or a substitute.
The Germany international has been thrown in at the deep end, and there is a feeling that the excessive minutes are starting to catch up with him.
That is according to the i Paper, who report that Newcastle United insiders think Woltemade is suffering from fatigue after being forced to play more than expected.
Up until the last three games, Woltemade has been the Magpies’ only senior and trusted striker. Yoane Wissa’s injury has resulted in the 6ft 6in striker having to learn on the job, rather than dovetail with a teammate and share the load.
Eddie Howe still short of options to protect Nick Woltemade
In a perfect world, Eddie Howe would have started Yoane Wissa against Sunderland. However, the club clearly feel it is still too soon for him to be starting games.
What was Eddie Howe’s BIGGEST mistake against Sunderland?
I've no idea why we were so deep, or why Elanga started!
That needs to change soon, especially given the concerns over Woltemade’s fatigue. The busy schedule is not going away, with Fulham in the Carabao Cup coming up on Wednesday before Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday.
They will both be very tough games for Woltemade, whose confidence will be on the floor after what happened at the Stadium of Light.
Whether Howe takes him out of the firing line will largely depend on Wissa’s fitness. If the 29-year-old still cannot start, it could be up to Anthony Gordon to operate through the middle.
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