Nick Woltemade has struggled to make an impact at Newcastle over the last few months
Nick Woltemade(Image: Getty Images)
Nick Woltemade’s recent struggles at Newcastle United are to be expected and he will come good at the club.
That’s the view of German legend Jens Lehmann, who says the big striker’s first season in England has still been a success despite the 24-year-old being confined to a bit-part role in recent weeks.
Woltemade started his Newcastle career like a house on fire with a goal on his debut and then four in his first five Premier League outings after his £69million summer move from Stuttgart.
However, the goals have dried up for Woltemade since the turn of the year. He is yet to score in the league in 2026 and has been utilised as a midfielder and No 10 as Eddie Howe tries to find the best fit for the player and the team.
Lehmann, the former Germany and Arsenal goalkeeper, however believes Woltemade will come good and says it is normal for a young player to have ups and downs in his first season in English football.
“It normally takes three, four or five months,” Lehmann told talkSPORT. “So he did really well at the beginning.
“He probably has to recover from that a little bit because he’s still a young guy. And we don’t know his physical details. So it may come down to that.
“In terms of Germany, I hope that he’s getting better, obviously [ahead of the World Cup]. But for a young player, I think it’s quite normal that you cannot have this level of presence and good performances throughout your first Premier League season.”
There has been speculation that Bayern Munich could come in for the striker during the summer and that United may want to cash in on him, but asked if he would persevere with Woltemade, Lehmann was adamant in his reply, insisting: “Yes, he’s a very good player.
“Considering his size, technically he’s gifted. And he’s got a fantastic presence in the box. And he will come [good].
“I think sometimes for a striker in his position, you need to be waiting for good assists and good deliveries. It’s not only down to yourself.”
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