Daniel Farke has spoken very highly of Nick Woltemade ahead of Newcastle United vs Leeds United on Wednesday night.
His side travel to St James’ Park for the first time since 2022, with Newcastle United and Leeds playing out a 0-0 draw at Elland Road back in August.
When they met earlier in the season, Nick Woltemade was in attendance. He watched his new club from the stands in a suit, having only just joined the Magpies from Stuttgart for £69million.
Since becoming Newcastle United’s most expensive signing, Woltemade has done very well. He is Newcastle’s top scorer in all competitions with nine goals, and will aim to reach double figures against Leeds.
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Daniel Farke seriously impressed with Nick Woltemade
Farke is well aware of the 23-year-old’s threat, having spoken about him unprovoked during his pre-match press conference.
The Leeds United manager was asked about the challenge of facing Newcastle United, and took the opportunity to praise his fellow German.
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“Very, very competitive team,” Farke said via YouTube.
“Still a team who plays with lots of physicality, lots of intensity, high tempo in their game.
“High quality players in the offence. Also the addition in the offence of a German fella, Nick Woltemade, Who has had an impressive start at Premier League level.”
Nick Woltemade should not start for Newcastle against Leeds
Given the way that Eddie Howe has rotated his strikers as of late, it would not be a surprise if Woltemade starts against Leeds. He features in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Leeds, taking Yoane Wissa’s place through the middle.
However, Howe should resist the temptation to rotate his strikers again and hand Wissa his third consecutive start in black and white.
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The 29-year-old did not score during Newcastle’s win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, but he was a constant threat through the middle. His fitness is improving too, lasting 78 minutes at St James’ Park.
With Bournemouth in the FA Cup coming up on Saturday, that is the game that Howe should rest Wissa in. His poaching ability could go a long way towards beating Leeds, as Newcastle aim to make it three Premier League wins in a row.
Despite Farke’s praise, Woltemade should not start against Leeds.
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