Move Over Alexander Isak: Nick Woltemade Emerges as Newcastle's Rising Star

FROM LONDON STADIUM—Nick Woltemade's journey at Newcastle United has been flawless in every aspect. Except for today's match against a struggling West Ham side. The towering German striker has emerged as one of the season's most impactful acquisitions, operating as an attacking midfielder while creating opportunities for teammates and finding the net with the precision of a natural goalscorer. Therefore, it came as a shock and sparked debate when Newcastle's top scorer was substituted at halftime by manager Eddie Howe, despite his team being behind. What prompted Howe's decision?

Woltemade received minimal support and found himself completely cut off from his midfield and wide players, managing just a single touch in the penalty area—a reflection of the visitors' lackluster performance overall. "I could have substituted virtually anyone," Howe explained afterward. "The squad required a significant adjustment at the interval. We were missing the physical presence and energy we needed."

Howe also replaced Anthony Gordon and Emil Krafth during the break, which seemed reasonable given their underwhelming displays. However, the decision appeared unfair to Woltemade. He remained on the substitutes' bench, bundled up in warm clothing with his hood drawn low, almost concealing his view of a match proceeding without his involvement.

His substitution disappointed not just Newcastle supporters, demonstrating Woltemade's remarkable worldwide influence. Over 600,000 of the 10 million global Fantasy Premier League participants brought Woltemade into their virtual squads for this gameweek, expecting him to deliver points. Consequently, seeing Woltemade benched proved nearly as frustrating for fantasy enthusiasts as it was for his devoted Newcastle following.

Woltemade Already Loved by Newcastle Supporters

The fanbase has embraced him wholeheartedly, and few emotions in English football match the intensity and devotion of Geordie supporters' affection for a striker. His impact on Newcastle since his £65 million ($87.7 million) transfer from Stuttgart in August has been remarkable. He helped mend the significant void created by Alexander Isak's turbulent exit, who became disinterested and moved to Liverpool.

Innovative Newcastle supporters even created a "Ghostbusters"-themed video honoring the striker who helped them move past Isak. The compilation showcases Woltemade's six strikes across his last 11 appearances, featuring powerful headers, delicate flicks, clever back-heels, and expertly taken penalties. It concludes with the pointed message "I ain't afraid of no goals" alongside Isak's image, who has yet to demonstrate his scoring prowess at Liverpool. This content celebrates the finisher who combines Rudi Voller's distinctive style with an instinct for goals.

Woltemade's statistics speak volumes about his influence on Newcastle's attack. His jersey number also carries significance. He sports number 11 for the German national squad, as he did during his final season at Stuttgart. Since Harvey Barnes occupies 11 at Newcastle, Woltemade chose 27—not because it totals 9, the traditional striker's number, but because it corresponds to his mother's birth date. Personal touches like this further endear Woltemade to Newcastle's faithful.

He could have claimed the number 9 left vacant by Callum Wilson, now playing for West Ham. This shirt holds legendary status at St. James' Park, tracing back to Hughie Gallacher in the 1920s, "Wor Jackie" Milburn in the 1950s, Malcolm "Supermac" Macdonald in the 1970s, Andy Cole in the mid-1990s, and Les Ferdinand briefly before Alan Shearer wore it for nearly ten years. Perhaps Woltemade preferred not to be typecast as a traditional number 9 and reserved it for Yoane Wissa. Once Wissa recovers from his knee ligament injury, the duo should form a formidable partnership.

Howe Must Find Ways to Utilize Woltemade Better

This made his halftime removal even more puzzling. Will Osula, the promising Danish forward, entered as the central striker while Howe sought speed to exploit West Ham's defensive line. This approach doesn't suit Woltemade's strengths. He excels at linking play and finding clever attacking positions. He performs optimally with a striker ahead of him. A Woltemade-Osula partnership might have been worth exploring. Both players shone at the European Under-21 Championship during the summer, scoring consistently.

Given Howe's stellar reputation as a manager—likely to be considered for the England position after Thomas Tuchel following the World Cup—he could have better utilized his squad to create an improved platform for Woltemade, instructing him to play higher up the pitch with more time in the box, or pairing him with Osula.

Newcastle's second-half performance was even more disappointing. West Ham must have been thrilled. They displayed all the physicality and determination that Newcastle lacked, fully earning their first victory under Nuno Espírito Santo, with Lucas Paquetá and Freddie Potts delivering standout performances. They would have been pleased to see Woltemade depart, particularly the center-backs Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman, who have faced recent difficulties.

Nick Woltemade's 2025–26 Statistics

Howe's decision to substitute Woltemade wasn't fitness-related, despite the forward being among five players who started both this match and the midweek Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur, where the German found the net. Newcastle faces a demanding schedule of Premier League and Champions League fixtures this month, including home matches against Athletic Club and Manchester City, plus away games at Brentford, Marseille, and Everton.

However, Woltemade is only 23, remarkably fit, and manages his energy intelligently. One reason for Woltemade's popularity among Newcastle fans is his work rate—he presses aggressively and closes down opponents effectively. He consistently makes himself available for passes to his feet or in the air, even when closely and physically marked. He still conserves energy wisely, ensuring he has the explosive power ready when the right moment presents itself. At one point before halftime, Gordon drove the ball toward Woltemade, who controlled it smoothly and distributed it effectively.

His seamless integration at Newcastle has been so impressive that German supporters recently traveled over, sporting blonde wigs and holding signs requesting their countryman's autograph. Further validation of Newcastle's shrewd signing came from Germany through some frustrated remarks from Bayern Munich executives Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeneß. They had clearly anticipated him joining Bayern, as many young German talents aspire to do. Perhaps Rummenigge and Hoeneß found some satisfaction in yesterday's events, but given his ability and dedication, Woltemade will soon return to starting and scoring regularly.