After the perfect start against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Newcastle United’s Nick Woltemade has revealed how he’s similar to the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane.
Howe “really pleased” with “humble” Woltemade
Eddie Howe couldn’t have asked for much more from his £69m striker on his debut last time out. The 6’6 forward rose highest to head home what proved to be the winning goal against Wolves, before wheeling away in celebration. After waiting all summer for a new striker, St James’ Park got the emphatic introduction that they had been desperate for.
Like the rest of those watching on in Tyneside, Howe was left delighted with Woltemade, telling reporters: “It was a great moment for Nick. I was very pleased with how he played today.
“You saw his qualities, his technical qualities that we’ve been discussing and his intelligence but most importantly for a striker, when the ball comes into the box, you need to be there and he was.
“It was a great finish. I’m really pleased for him personally because that just settles him down and relaxes him, he’s a very humble guy, he wants to do well and he’s delighted to be here — I think it’s a great start.”
Woltemade’s debut goal would have surprised no one back in Germany. There’s every reason why Bayern Munich were so keen to secure his signature and even more reason why he stole the show at the U21 Euros in the summer. Now, he’s the man that could make Newcastle forget all about Alexander Isak.
The 23-year-old is hardly short on confidence, either, and has already told Newcastle fans exactly what they can expect from him in the coming years.
Woltemade makes Ibrahimovic comparison
Revealing the players that he’s most similar to, Woltemade compared himself to the great Ibrahimovic. One inch taller than the former AC Milan star, the German’s comparison is a fair one to make, given how he still maintains his technical ability despite his height. Whether he eventually reaches the same level as the Swede is the big question.
“Yeah, this could be a difficult question. There aren’t too many 6’6” strikers, or even players in general, and most of them are centre-backs or other positions. So it’s hard.
“I’d say a bit of Kane, a bit of Havertz, maybe a bit of Ibrahimovic. I don’t know… it’s hard to say. “I mean, it’s really interesting because maybe people who haven’t watched me before might have a misconception due to my height.
“They might think I’m just a target man, good in the air, but I’m also very skilful with my feet, with lots of technique. That’s my playing style. It’s difficult to put into words. I don’t want to say I’m the only guy who plays like this, but it’s definitely rare. Maybe the fans have an idea, I don’t know.”
Describing his style as “rare” for someone of his height, Newcastle can expect the unexpected from their new striker, who will be looking to follow up his debut goal with another against Barcelona this week.
