‘What I like most’ – Danny Murphy highlights standout Nick Woltemade attributes at Newcastle
Nick Woltemade has earned plenty of plaudits for scoring in each of his last three appearances for Newcastle United.
The Magpies’ summer signing scored from the penalty spot as Newcastle defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday, 5 October.
Eddie Howe’s men took the lead thanks to Bruno Guimaraes’ impressive strike before the Germany international’s spot-kick secured all three points at St James’ Park.
Woltemade became the third Newcastle player to score in his first three home games for the North East outfit, following in the footsteps of Alan Shearer and Les Ferdinand.
Danny Murphy praises Nick Woltemade’s attributes
Newcastle’s victory over Forest marked their second consecutive win across all competitions, and saw them move up to 11th in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, speaking about Woltemade live on BBC One’s Match of the Day on 5 October, Danny Murphy said: “He’s got a great mentality, he’s calm, he’s composed, I love his interviews. He’s taken it all in his stride, he looks comfortable. I love his moustache, he’s got style, his hair.
“Most importantly, from a footballing perspective, he’s got such intelligence. He links the play beautifully. He seems to always make the right decisions, when it’s one-touch, take it in and protect it.
“What I liked most about him, he wants the ball in the box, put it in for me. He’s always in between the 18-yard box. That awareness of players around him, which is great for Newcastle because they’ve got so much pace around him and he’s got strength.
“I don’t think he gave one ball away, which for a striker is incredible. The more the game went on in the second half, when Newcastle were pushing, the better he got, he got himself in some good positions.“
Speaking about a chance when Woltemade’s shot was saved after Morato’s defensive error, Murphy added: “He’ll be disappointed here, I think he was a bit lucky for that one to fall to him and I think he lashed at it a little bit.
“But the strength. He’s up against the likes of Morato and (Nikola) Milenkovic and they can’t get through him. He’s enjoying the battle, he’s enjoying the fight and then he’s quick with his pass forward to get his team on the front foot.
“It just sets the team up for attacks and it’s a great example for young players that when you play as a striker, to not only keep your position but make sure you have pride in keeping the ball and making sure your team can build up.”
Yoane Wissa’s return can make Nick Woltemade even better for Newcastle
Woltemade has made a strong start to his Newcastle career, and has ensured that Howe’s side have been able to effectively adjust following Alexander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool.
| Nick Woltemade Premier League | Stats |
| Apppearances | 4 |
| Shots | 7 |
| Shots on target | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.94 |
| Goals | 3 |
Howe will be thrilled that the 23-year-old has scored four goals in seven appearances across all competitions, inspiring his side to victories over Wolves, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Forest.
But fellow summer signing Yoane Wissa is currently injured, meaning he has been unable to make his debut for the Magpies.
Once the former Brentford man returns to action, Woltemade will have significantly greater competition for the striker spot in Howe’s starting 11.
Wissa scored 19 goals in 35 Premier League appearances for the Bees last season, proving that he can rival the German for game time.
Newcastle must continue their new-found form in the top flight when they travel to Brighton on 18 October, just three days before they face Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League.