Former Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle has given his take on Nick Woltemade's current situation with the Magpies.

Former Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle has delivered his verdict on how Eddie Howe can get the best out of club record signing Nick Woltemade.

The ten-times capped Germany international made a strong start to his career on Tyneside after making a big money move from Bundesliga club Stuttgart during the final days of the summer transfer window. Woltemade made an instant impact when he headed the only goal of a home win against Wolves before finding the net against Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion to make it four goals in his first five Premier League games.

A brace against Chelsea in the final game before the festive period remains the last time Woltemade has found the net in a Premier League game and his only goals since then came in an FA Cup fourth round win at Aston Villa in February. Much has been made over Woltemade’s most effective position in recent months as he has been utilised in midfield by Howe and has also made fleeting appearances as a number ten. However, the most pressing concern for the German is trying to find his way back into Howe’s starting eleven with Will Osula currently favoured in the lead role in attack by the Magpies boss.

Former United striker Gayle, who scored 34 goals in 122 appearances during a six-year spell on Tyneside, believes the German’s presence in Howe’s squad should offer some flexibility to his old manager - although he stressed Woltemade may have to focus on becoming a number nine rather than pinning his hopes of playing in support of a lead striker.

‘It’s vital’

He told talkSPORT: “I think it just gives you multiple options for certain games. In the Premier League now more than ever, you have so many different types of teams and you have to set up differently against everyone because everyone gives something different. Some teams play with really high defences and then other teams will sit back against you. I think Newcastle this season have been, not caught out, but people have been understanding a bit more what they’re about.

“So Newcastle are really good at counter-attacking and scoring goals in transition, so that’s why people like Woltemade would be perfect in terms of when teams are sitting back. He can be in the box when you’re going to get chances and have sustained attacks and be able to cross the ball for people like Nick. That’s why people like that are good to have at the club and to have other options. It’s vital.”

When asked if Woltemade could become a number ten in a Magpies side, he replied: “I think with Eddie, it will have to be as a striker to be honest. The number ten, even though he’s obviously very tidy, I think Eddie likes his number ten to have a lot of legs to join in attacks but then also do a lot of defensive work as well. I think that Woltemade might be better going as a striker to be fair.”

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