Newcastle United fans, we’re going to make you love Nick Woltemade even more. The German striker isn’t all that comfortable with any praise from his teammates.
Woltemade and Malick Thiaw have been speaking to Sky Germany in a big interview today. They cover plenty of topics in that interview, including their respective adaptations to the Premier League.
The striker was brought in by Newcastle in the summer as a replacement for Alexander Isak. The deal initially cost €75m but could rise to €90m with add-ons included.
That certainly raised eyebrows at the time, particularly in Germany, where the likes of Bayern Munich, who had also been keen on him, openly doubted the value.
He’s proven those doubters wrong in the months since, with seven goals in 20 games in all competitions to date. The latest of those was a superb, scooped chip over Jordan Pickford in the 4-1 win over Everton on Saturday. It’s the latest in a series of impressive goals from Woltemade this season.
Newcastle United player laughs off praise
The big forward has impressed fans and pundits alike, very much falling into the category of good with his feet despite being a ‘big man’. Thiaw is certainly impressed by him, but Woltemade isn’t too keen to hear the compliments outright.
“He’s an incredibly good player. I think he’s very unique,” he said.
“Describing him is really difficult. He has so many strengths. Above all, the style of play he is, you rarely see. He’s so tall, but so technically gifted. He’s very, very clever, very intelligent on the pitch, and knows exactly where to be in which spaces.
“And he’s very good in the box, but especially his play outside the box, I think, is what makes him the player he is. That’s why he’s a top, top striker.”
This prompted a unique response from the striker “I find that so funny… Hahahaha,” but Thiaw was not perturbed.
“That’s all the truth!” he added.
“Yes, a top striker, and we in Newcastle and the national team are simply delighted to have him. And off the pitch too. He’s already very well known in Germany. He’s a very pleasant guy, very easygoing, very intelligent, a good man. I’m happy he’s here.”
