Alan Shearer has delivered a blunt assessment of Nick Woltemade’s recent form, describing the Newcastle United forward as a player who is “really struggling” after another difficult outing in the 3-2 defeat to Everton.
The Magpies’ record signing endured a frustrating afternoon at St James’ Park, initially deployed in a midfield role before being moved up front. Despite the positional change, Woltemade failed to influence proceedings as Newcastle slipped to another damaging Premier League defeat.
Alan Shearer questions Nick Woltemade form
Woltemade arrived from Stuttgart in a club-record £69m deal and made an immediate impact in his early months on Tyneside. However, his recent output has sharply declined. He has now scored just once in his last 19 appearances, with Anthony Gordon frequently preferred as the central attacking option.
Speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, Shearer did not hold back.
“It’s definitely a conundrum. First of all, I thought Newcastle were a bit of a mess today, particularly in the first half an hour when Joelinton was on the left, Woltemade was in central midfield and Gordon was up front, and then he changed it and put Woltemade up top.
But when you look at the stats from Woltemade it’s nowhere near good enough. No goals, no assists, no shots, no touches in the opposition box and 14 touches today.”
— Alan Shearer, BBC Match of the Day
Shearer stressed that the responsibility does not fall solely on the German international.
“It’s not all his fault because others have to improve as well, others have to step up, but there’s no doubt it’s a conundrum for Eddie as to where and how he gets the best out of him.
I think there is a player in there, but it’s a player that is really, really struggling.”
— Alan Shearer
Newcastle struggle against deep opposition
Newcastle twice fought back against Everton but were undone by defensive errors and found it difficult to break down a disciplined visiting side.
Shearer highlighted a recurring theme in the Premier League compared to European competition.
“Newcastle have found it hard. In the Champions League, teams come out and play against them. But in the Premier League teams are going to sit deep and that's why Newcastle have found it hard.”
The Magpies almost rescued a point when Sandro Tonali’s powerful effort was superbly tipped onto the crossbar by Jordan Pickford.
“That is a world-class save. It’s a brilliant strike from Tonali but it’s just an unbelievably save. The reaction to get that on to the bar was remarkable, but Newcastle, in truth, probably didn't deserve something out of the game.” — Alan Shearer
Key Insights
- Woltemade has scored once in his last 19 appearances.
- Shearer labelled Newcastle a “mess” in the opening phase.
- Tactical adjustments failed to spark attacking output.
- Newcastle struggle more against deep-lying Premier League sides.
- Pickford denied a late equaliser with a standout save.
What’s Next?
Eddie Howe faces a tactical decision ahead of Newcastle’s next league fixture, with the Woltemade conundrum now central to selection debates.
Improving attacking cohesion against compact defences will be crucial if Newcastle are to regain consistency domestically.
Can Howe rediscover the version of Woltemade that once electrified St James’ Park, or is a reset required?
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