Nick Woltemade helped set the tone for Newcastle United long before he scored a brilliant goal against Everton.
Indeed, Woltemade would wrap up a fine first half for Newcastle United at the Hill Dickinson Stadium by lobbing a certain Jordan Pickford in the 45th minute.
Woltemade’s goal against Everton was brilliant and again proved just what a fine player he is.
Who was your MOTM against Everton?! So many to choose from, let us know your thoughts…
The German was unlucky not to have had another goal in the second half too when he brought down a bouncing ball with some excellent footwork before seeing his effort cleared off the line.
It was another fine showing from the 23-year-old and surely his best away performance in the Premier League yet.
Even aside from the goal, Newcastle United’s club-record signing proved he was stepping up only a few seconds into the game.
Nick Woltemade’s hold-up play was much improved for Newcastle United against Everton
A lot has been made about Woltemade not being a classic centre-forward.
Though he’s certainly got the physical frame for it, the former Stuttgart star isn’t always seen in that kind of mould.
His hold-up play is certainly an area to improve. It allows others to come into the game, as was evident against Everton.
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Only seconds into the game, Woltemade controlled a ball from Anthony Elanga, rolled the onrushing Michael Keane and drove forward before freeing the Sweden star.
Elanga’s subsequent shot was saved by Pickford but it forced the corner from which Malick Thiaw scored after only 55 seconds.
While it helped that Newcastle’s wingers played much closer towards the German forward, that kind of brilliant hold-up play helped give the team a new dimension, one they’ve largely been missing in away games this season.
Nick Woltemade’s performance against Everton in numbers
During his last Premier League start away from home at Brentford, Woltemade had only 30 touches, the fewest of any outfield player who lasted 90 minutes. Just four of them were in Brentford’s box.
At Everton, however, he was more involved and boasted 36, six of which came in Everton’s penalty box.
| Everton vs Newcastle United statistics | Nick Woltemade |
| Minutes played | 89 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Shots on target | 2 |
| Touches | 36 |
| Touches in opposition box | 6 |
| Chances created | 1 |
Woltemade also created a chance against the Toffees and produced three passes into the final third for his onrushing wingers.
He did lose 10 of his attempted 14 duels but it was a much better performance all round and, crucially, won the one with Keane in the opening few seconds.
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