Nick Woltemade reveals unusual method for dealing with Premier League
Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade has admitted he has turned to an unexpected part of his sporting background to cope with the physical battering he has received since arriving in the Premier League. The £69 million summer signing from Stuttgart has quickly discovered that English defenders have no intention of giving him an easy introduction to life in England’s top flight.
Since making the switch from the Bundesliga, Woltemade has frequently found himself grappling with aggressive centre-backs, often being pulled, dragged, and manhandled inside the box. Yet despite several eye-catching incidents – including images of the forward being practically tossed aside by defenders – referees have shown little sympathy. The 22-year-old has struggled to win fouls or penalties, leading to questions about whether officials judge him differently because of his tall frame and strong physique.
Some supporters believe the referees view him as a player who should be able to withstand more physical contact, while others argue officials simply are not enforcing rules on shirt-pulling and grappling consistently. But Woltemade insists he is not fazed. In fact, he believes an unlikely sporting background is helping him fight back.
Speaking to ESPN, he explained:
“Handball is really popular in Germany. After football, it’s probably the biggest sport we have. I used to go to handball school in the mornings and play football in the evenings. My body might not look extremely strong, but I can push players away when I need to. Handball gave me great upper-body strength and better coordination between my hands and feet, which helps me a lot in football.”
Woltemade’s experience in handball – a sport filled with constant contact, pushing, and physical duels – appears to have provided him with a unique toolkit for handling Premier League defenders who try to rough him up. He believes the sport has given him an instinctive sense of balance and leverage, allowing him to hold his ground even when officials remain reluctant to blow the whistle.
Adapting to Newcastle’s No. 9 role
The German striker also opened up about the tactical adjustments he has had to make since joining Eddie Howe’s squad. At Stuttgart, Woltemade was often deployed as a second striker, operating in deeper pockets of space, linking up play, and drifting between the lines. At Newcastle, however, the expectations are very different.
He now plays as a traditional No. 9 — often with his back to goal — responsible for leading the line and scoring regularly, especially during a period when star forward Yoane Wissa is sidelined with injury.
Woltemade explained:
“At Stuttgart, I used to drop into spaces a lot, but now I’m playing as a No. 9, so I’m usually positioned with my back to goal. I lay balls off to my teammates or try to turn into the channels. Eddie Howe wants me to drop deep at times to link play, but it’s still a new role for me.”
Despite the learning curve, the striker believes he is settling well. He says the more he plays, the more chemistry he builds with his teammates:
“With every match, the guys understand me better. We’ve started well, but I think we can reach an even higher level. I’m still improving in the No. 9 role in a 4-3-3 system. When everyone is fit – maybe even playing with Wissa – who knows how things will develop.”
However, Woltemade acknowledges the Premier League demands more clinical finishing from strikers compared to the Bundesliga, where forwards typically enjoy more involvement in general play.
“I don’t see as much of the ball here. In the Premier League, strikers are judged mainly on goals from fewer chances. It’s a different style, but I think I’ve done well so far.”
A player growing in confidence
Although his early weeks in England have come with challenges – physical battles, harsh refereeing decisions, and tactical adjustments – Woltemade remains upbeat. His handball background may be unconventional, but it seems to be giving him a unique edge in one of the most physically demanding leagues in the world.
As he continues to adapt to Eddie Howe’s system and waits for key teammates to return from injury, Newcastle fans will be encouraged by his attitude, resilience, and growing belief that he can thrive as the club’s long-term No. 9.
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