Newcastle United striker Nick Urtemade has revealed his fitness fight with the Magpie since replacing Alexander Isaac. The forward already has a better goal tally than his Premier League predecessor, scoring four times since arriving at Tyneside. He targeted Nottingham Forest over the weekend, finding a top corner with a perfect penalty during the closure phase.
Woltemade’s start 11 and the absence of early alternatives in certain matches have baffled supporters about Eddie Howe’s tactical choice. However, the striker has shed light on his physical struggle since his arrival from Stuttgart in late August. Woltemade is believed to adapt to the strength of the Premier League, in contrast to the tempo of Bundesliga.
Despite having withdrawn from the German team due to illness, the 23-year-old is sure to be ready for a clash with Brighton and Hove Albion after an international break.
“It was the first game I could play without cramps. For the first time in a long time, I had the energy,” he said.
“We’ve worked on it well. There aren’t many training sessions, so it was difficult. Of course I want to come every week and be much better.”
Woltemade also revealed details about his heated penalty row in Belgium when Anthony Gordon asked to take a spot kick against Union SG just to convert instead.
He commented: “I’m a striker and I want to get a penalty, and Anthony Gordon has done really well, but I just want him to score a goal.
“He did really well against Union SG, but he wasn’t on the pitch so I thought, ‘OK, I’m going to take the ball.’
Woltemade has had a quick impact on alleviating concerns after the Isak exit and already feels at home in Newcastle.
“I’ve only been here for four weeks, but I have a really good connection,” he added. “You can see it on a really good pitch.
“It was a big win, we won two times in a row. It’s a really important and tough game. There was good energy and that was the key point.
“Now we are going to be on an international break with two wins, and it was really important to be in a good position.
“We have good energy from the bench. We’ve come really well. When you score as a striker on the pitch, the feeling is really good. Gaffer is a very good Gaffer.”
