Shearer: Newcastle United Face Woltemade Challenge

Newcastle United’s turbulent start to the 2025-26 Premier League season has placed the club under intense scrutiny, and club legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on what he sees as a major “problem” for the Magpies: new signing Nick Woltemade. With just three wins from eleven matches, Newcastle currently languish in 14th place, a mere two points above the relegation zone—a stark contrast to their successes last season.

Newcastle United’s Plunge After Last Season’s High

Newcastle United fans celebrated a historic 2024-25 campaign, ending a 70-year wait for silverware by capturing the Carabao Cup and achieving a top-five Premier League finish, which secured Champions League qualification. However, the optimism has rapidly faded this term as the Magpies have struggled to find form domestically. Their latest setback—a 3-1 defeat at Brentford—highlights the team’s struggles, with manager Eddie Howe openly questioning his players’ mentality following a lackluster performance against West Ham. Howe lamented the absence of dynamism, energy, and collective spirit, stating, “It didn’t look like a Newcastle team that we’ve seen in recent seasons. Loads of little things weren’t there. It was a by-product of us just not being where we needed to be mentally.”

Alan Shearer: Nick Woltemade’s Playing Style a Problem

Alan Shearer, a Newcastle United icon, recently shared his thoughts with Betfair, defending Eddie Howe amid mounting pressure but also underlining a key tactical issue. “A manager’s always under pressure to get results, but I think the job Eddie Howe has done at Newcastle, especially bringing home the Carabao Cup, means he’s got a lot of goodwill in the bank,” Shearer explained. He noted that Howe’s sides have traditionally been known for energy, high pressing, and making life tough for opponents—qualities that have notably faded this season.

“The thing that is missing for me is the high press and the energy,” Shearer emphasized. “Nick Woltemade, for all his technical ability, is a problem for Newcastle because he’s not the quickest, can’t press effectively, and doesn’t make those penetrating runs in behind. That was always a hallmark of previous forwards under Howe, like Isak and Wilson. Woltemade’s lack of pace and pressing disrupts Newcastle’s traditional approach.”

Woltemade’s Performance So Far

Despite Shearer’s criticism, Nick Woltemade’s numbers suggest he has adapted well to life in the Premier League, at least on paper. Since his summer move from Stuttgart, the German striker has scored seven goals in 17 appearances across all competitions, including four goals in eight league games. As Newcastle prepare to face Manchester City on November 22, the pressure is on for Woltemade to deliver and prove his doubters wrong.

Howe Still Has Support Amid Newcastle United’s Struggles

The debate over Eddie Howe’s future continues to intensify, but several figures have come to his defense. Former Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul told Sky Sports, “I’m a big fan of Eddie and I think he single-handedly changed the club and the city’s expectations. He’s going to go down as one of the legendary managers at this club. Of course, there can be some criticism, especially with the away form, but if you’d asked any fan a couple of years ago if they’d accept a trophy and the chance to challenge for Champions League, they would have signed for it immediately.”

What’s Next for Newcastle United?

With just three league victories and a series of disappointing performances, Newcastle’s immediate priority is to regain their defensive solidity and rediscover the intensity that propelled them to success last season. A crucial test awaits when they host Manchester City, and the spotlight will be on both Howe’s tactical decisions and Woltemade’s ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

Opinion: Can Newcastle Adapt to Woltemade’s Strengths?

It’s clear that while Nick Woltemade has brought goals, his style is at odds with the high-intensity game that has defined Newcastle United under Eddie Howe. The challenge for Howe is to either adapt his tactical approach to suit Woltemade’s strengths or find a way to integrate him more effectively into the team’s pressing system. Given Howe’s track record and the credit he’s built with fans, he deserves time to find the right balance. For more news and in-depth analysis on Newcastle United’s season, visit for more news.