After 14 competitive matches without a goal, the national player scores precisely on his birthday. And receives extra praise from the coach.
Nick Woltemade gave himself the greatest gift. An ice-cold tap-in – and finally, this agonizingly long goal drought of 14 competitive matches was over. “That made my birthday even more beautiful,” Woltemade wrote on Instagram after the 3-1 (0-1) victory with Newcastle United at Aston Villa in the 4th round of the FA Cup.
On his 24th birthday, the national striker played in an untypical role as a “number 10” in midfield, but Woltemade performed strongly – and crowned the evening with the long-awaited goal for the final score in the 88th minute. “I had a long phase where I didn’t score and didn’t play well either. Of course, I’m happy with my performance and my goal,” Woltemade told TNT Sports .
Nick Woltemade could finally celebrate again
Newcastle’s team manager Eddie Howe was also impressed. “I am very happy with Nick. That was a role he hadn’t played for us before. I thought he was excellent,” said the coach. Teammate Sandro Tonali, who scored twice in Birmingham (63rd/76th), added: “I’m so happy for this big man. He played like an experienced midfielder.” However, before his move to the island, Woltemade was indeed used as a “number ten” at VfB Stuttgart.