Eddie Howe makes divisive Nick Woltemade suggestion after Newcastle United recall - hard to disagree
Nick Woltemade played an hour as Newcastle United drew 1-1 against Nottingham Forest.
Nick Woltemade was handed a rare start as Newcastle United were held to a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest on Sunday afternoon.
Before that, the Magpies’ £64million club-record signing last started the Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland on March 22.
Woltemade again lined up in midfield but rather than play on the left side of the three, he was given a free role that saw him drop into the space between Forest’s midfield and attack, whilst out of possession, he often partnered Will Osula in a front two.
The 24-year-old was one of two changes from the 3-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, replacing Joe Willock in the starting line-up.
Eddie Howe reflects on Nick Woltemade’s performance v Nottingham Forest
Woltemade played an hour at the City Ground before making way for Jacob Ramsey, who went on to assist Harvey Barnes’ opener. However, it was only enough for a point after Elliot Anderson came back to haunt Newcastle with an 88th minute equaliser.
Reflecting on the German international’s performance, Howe felt there were ‘some promising bits’ but suggested the team became ‘more of a goal threat’ after Ramsey replaced Woltemade.
Howe said: “It wasn't a dramatic change of system from Brighton, it was the same shape.
“But obviously, for Nick, probably one of the handful of times he's played that role for us from the start, with Will [Osula], and they haven't played together too much either.
“I thought there were some promising bits for Nick, probably didn't get him involved as much as we wanted to in that first half. Certainly, technically, I think we need to see his best qualities, we need to see him on the ball.
“I thought the second half we did really well as a team, and I thought we improved and we became more of a goal threat as the game went on.”
“I thought Jacob Ramsey today was magnificent when he came on,” Howe added. “I thought he really made a big difference, as was Harvey.
“It's great to see players stepping up and grabbing their opportunities when they come on.”
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