Bench warmer, goal drought – World Cup worries? Nick Woltemade currently has a tough time at Newcastle United.
These days, Nick Woltemade is munching his way through the meatless stadium snacks at St. James’ Park for a promotional video. First, spicy cauliflower, then typical English pie and hearty curry. “Ever since I started eating vegan, my career has been…” says the German national striker, making an “Upward trajectory” gesture with his flat hand.
In recent weeks, however, there’s been this hunger that Woltemade can’t simply satisfy with “Loaded Fries” at the Magpies’ arena food stalls.
Nick Woltemade is in a crisis
Woltemade’s Goal Drought Continues
The 23-year-old years for goals, hasn’t scored in nine competitive matches, and consequently comes off the bench more often. It’s a dry spell that could also become relevant with a view to Woltemade’s role as number one in the German attack at the World Cup.
Woltemade’s footballing goalless streak isn’t causing his club coach too much worry yet. “Nick is playing well, there are no problems with his general performances. He has impressed me in recent weeks,” Eddie Howe recently said.
Newcastle: Wissa Preferred Over Woltemade
And yet, the coach opted for Yoane Wissa in the center forward position at the start of the last two matches. Even on Sunday in the Premier League, in the 0-2 loss against Aston Villa, Woltemade only came on in the 62nd minute – and remained ineffective.
“He couldn’t pose any threat during his time on the pitch,” judged The Northern Echo . The BBC also recently stated that Woltemade’s goal crisis was “increasingly a cause for concern.”
After a great start at Newcastle United, when he scored five goals in his first eight games following the €75 million move from VfB Stuttgart, he needs to work his way out of this slump as quickly as possible.
Champions League: Woltemade Just a Substitute Against PSG Again?
The next opportunity arises on Wednesday (from 9:00 PM in the LIVE TICKER), when Newcastle fights for a direct round of 16 ticket in the “final” of the Champions League group stage against Paris Saint-Germain.
Whether Howe will bring him on as a substitute again is open. But the team manager admitted he wished Woltemade would “get more chances.” And consequently: “More goal assists from the team for him.”
Either way, Woltemade will have to assert himself against Wissa, who arrived from FC Brentford in the summer for €57 million, for the remainder of the season.
DFB Team: Woltemade Impresses in World Cup Qualifiers
After all, national coach Julian Nagelsmann is known to prefer his regulations to also be established at their clubs. With regard to the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada (June 11 to July 19), it should also help Woltemade that adequate alternatives in the center forward position are few and far between.