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We sought your opinions on how Eddie Howe should utilize Nick Woltemade.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Phil: I believe he should play as a forward. He showcased strong potential at the start, but his unfortunate own goal against Sunderland seems to have shifted his position. Own goals happen to all strikers; I want to see him back scoring goals up front.
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Richard: It’s not complicated. I remember how “Beardo in the hole” helped Andy Cole become a record-breaking goalscorer. To get the best from Big Nic, you need a striker ahead of him and midfield support behind. He’s a gifted player, and playing him as a number 10 would require formations like 4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1. If executed properly (which is Eddie Howe’s specialty), Nic could be a powerful asset and an excellent alternative to the usual 4-3-3.
Richie: I agree with Charlotte [Newcastle fan writer], Woltemade has shown his talent. However, we don’t see training and don’t know how players perform outside matches. Eddie and his coaching staff do, and it’s clear from the recent team selections that they don’t see Woltemade or Wissa as the immediate solution up front. It’s concerning about our recruitment process. We should have let a Swedish player sit on the bench, allowed Osula to find his form, and planned properly for a replacement in January. Hindsight is 20/20! Let’s hope we handle the roster changes better next summer.
Phil: Woltemade and Howe face a challenge: the lack of wingers who fit their formation. To maximize Big Nic’s potential within the current 4-3-3 framework, we need wingers who can contribute behind the defense and score goals—assuming tactics remain unchanged. My prediction is Woltemade will excel at the World Cup for Germany as he is rested and finding the right gameplay. This signing could be Howe’s biggest challenge yet.
Gordon: We might as well send him to play upfront with the reserves and display a for-sale sign on him, if anyone is interested!