Credit: Imago / Getty Images
Credit: Imago / Getty Images

Nick Woltemade dazzles in 'wonderful' moment as Newcastle United send Qarabag packing

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Nick Woltemade caught the eye in the Champions League despite the Newcastle United star failing to score against Qarabag.

The Magpies completely ran away with the result, having claimed a 6-1 win away from home in the first leg, before netting through Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in the opening six minutes.

It was obvious that Eddie Howe's side were going to advance to the round of 16 on Tuesday, 24 February, but players still needed to impress as Qarabag fought back in a 3-2 loss on the night.

Woltemade, surprisingly, was once again started in the midfield, with William Osula through the middle, with Newcastle fans given flashbacks to Joelinton's previous struggles at the club.

There was a moment of hope, however, with Chris Sutton making sure to celebrate a "wonderful" moment from the out-of-position centre-forward.

Nick Woltemade in action for Newcastle.
Nick Woltemade is reportedly unhappy at St James' Park. (Credit: Imago)

Chris Sutton blown away by Newcastle star's moment of brilliance

Woltemade was playing a very different role from his usual striker position in the Champions League, creating for his teammates rather than being the one on the end of crosses in the penalty area.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, transcribed by BBC Sport (24 February), Sutton said: "What about the skill from Nick Woltemade? Edge of the box, a little twizzle and with the outside of the right boot, flicks the ball through to Jacob Murphy.

"He looks to find the corner, and there's a wry smile on his face as he knows he should score. Wonderful from Woltemade."

Eddie Howe shouting for Newcastle
Eddie Howe is experimenting with Nick Woltemade at St James' Park. (Credit: Imago)

It is not the performance that supporters would have hoped for, and even after Osula was substituted, he remained in midfield, while Yoane Wissa occupied the centre-forward spot.

Nick Woltemade must have impressed Eddie Howe with his stats

Despite playing out of position, Woltemade put in a real shift against Qarabag, playing the full 90 minutes but never really looking comfortable in his area of the pitch.

He created three chances, one of which was a big chance, had 43 touches, completed four long balls, made two tackles and two recoveries, and entered into a total of eight duels [FotMob].

While supporters are unlikely to be confident about Woltemade switching position, Howe will have seen more than enough to keep attempting the experiment at St James' Park.

With Everton up next, it is unclear whether the German international will start or if others will be given a chance to impress in the Premier League.

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