Nick Woltemade could not have asked for a better start to his Newcastle United career.
The 23-year-old was immediately thrust into the starting XI on Saturday because of Yoane Wissa’s injury, with Toon supporters desperate to see their new record signing shine in black and white.
He did just that, with Woltemade enjoying a perfect debut. He scored the winner as the Magpies beat Wolves 1-0, handing his new side their first victory of the season.
The Germany international is up and running at St James’ Park, and former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster was seriously impressed with the big man’s Toon debut.
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Ben Foster likens Nick Woltemade to Thomas Muller
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Foster was very keen to praise Woltemade’s debut following Newcastle’s win over Wolves.
The 42-year-old hailed the striker’s match-winning header, while he also likened him to World Cup winner and Germany icon Thomas Muller.
“Thomas Muller, German, naughty little muzzy, little mullet at the back, he’s made for the Premier League, made for Newcastle,” he said.
“He’s going to be a threat. 6ft 6in. Fantastic header, by the way. It’s not easy. He’s under pressure. He’s got to arch back a little bit, as well. Dispatches it.
“For a striker, to score on your debut so soon into the game, it’s the dream start. He’s off and running already. Brilliant.”
Momentum is key for Nick Woltemade and Newcastle United
As Foster says, it really was the dream start for Woltemade. There was a lot of pressure on his shoulders. He is Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, with the added conundrum of being Alexander Isak’s replacement.
All eyes were on big Nick, but that was no problem for the giant forward. He thrived under the spotlight, and now he has momentum ahead of a busy run of fixtures.
Newcastle have six games in three different competitions before the next international break. Wissa will be injured throughout, meaning the onus is on Woltemade to continue starting and continue scoring goals.
The longer he went without breaking his duck, the more the pressure would mount. Fortunately, that is not how Woltemade’s start to life on Tyneside is playing out.
He has momentum in black and white, while someone like Benjamin Sesko struggles to kickstart his Manchester United career.
Hopefully Woltemade can take that momentum into Thursday night’s game against Barcelona, as Newcastle United begin their latest Champions League adventure.
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