Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade has attributed his recent dip in form to a change in position, while also hitting back at critics for what he describes as unfair judgment.
The German forward completed a club-record £69 million deal to the Magpies from Stuttgart last summer, signed as a replacement for Alexander Isak who left to join Liverpool.
The 24-year-old hit the ground running immediately, scoring four goals in his first five Premier League appearances for Newcastle.
However, his form has really dipped since and the big forward is without a league goal so far in 2026, with his last strike coming back in a 2-2 draw against Chelsea in December.
However, Woltemade has now come out to defend his poor run of form in front of goal, blaming the change in his position for the dip.
“I know people associate me with goals, but you can’t compare a striker’s tally with that of a midfielder playing 50, 60, 70 meters from the opponent’s goal,” Woltemade said.
“I’m currently a completely different Nick Woltemade than I was at the start of the season. Right now, I should be judged by how I handle duels or secure space.”
Newcastle suffered an injury crisis earlier in the year, forcing head coach Eddie Howe to play Woltemade in midfield.
Of the 24-year-old’s 45 appearances across all competitions this season, nine have come away from the centre-forward role, playing a huge role in his long goal drought.
However, the Magpies are also reported to be considering signing a new centre-forward in the summer, which could spell the end for Woltemade’s time at the club.
For now, Newcastle will be focused on ending the season strongly and finishing in an European spot, with their next game coming against Crystal Palace next weekend.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
