Eddie Howe changes his tune on Nick Woltemade with big Newcastle United hint ahead of Brighton
Eddie Howe drops Nick Woltemade hint ahead of Newcastle United’s Premier League clash against Brighton.
Nick Woltemade has given Eddie Howe food for thought ahead of Newcastle United's match at home to Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend.
The Magpies' £64million club-record signing was named on the bench for a third successive match as Eddie Howe's side fell to a fifth straight defeat with a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday night.
Woltmade, however, boosted his chances of winning his place back in Howe's starting Xl following a lively 20-minute cameo at the Emirates.
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The German came on for Bruno Guimaraes in midfield and within minutes of his introduction set up a golden opportunity for Yoane Wissa with a chipped pass through the Gunners defence.
Eddie Howe drops Nick Woltemade hint ahead of Brighton
After the game, Howe hinted he now has a decision to make for the visit of Brighton next Saturday.
"I thought Nick did really well today,, Howe admitted. "I thought Yoane and Nick both performed well when they came onto the pitch. All our subs delivered good performances.
"His creativity for Yoane's chance, that’s what he can do. He's a very special talent in that respect. If he plays like he did today, he'll get loads more minutes and opportunities to impress"
It was a change in tone from the Magpies' head coach after warning on Friday that Woltemade would have to earn his place back in the team.
Howe said: "But like with every player that's not playing, they have to show their worth in the training and I think that's their shop window for me to pick them is how they train, how they commit to the training and how much they're prepared to put individual disappointment to the side for the team to then come back fighting again and it's a gradual process.*
German media ask Nick Woltemade question
Not only has Woltemade not started a game since the Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland last month, but it's also been three months since he started a game up front after being trialled in a central midfield role.
Asked about Woltemade's lack of game time from a member of the German media, Howe replied: "Well, I think our number nine, firstly, we've played with a 4-3-3 today. We changed slightly, we moulded the team selection.
"Our number 9s have been scoring, so unfortunately, he's had to wait his opportunity. But as I say, if he plays like he did today, I was very, very pleased with him."
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