Newcastle, United Kingdom – 10 21 2025: Jacob Murphy and Nick Woltemade seen during Champions League league phase game between Newcastle United FC and SL Benfica

Nick Woltemade has pushed back at growing criticism, insisting his form is being misread because he is no longer playing as a striker.

The 22-year-old striker has been speaking to SueddeutscheZeitung, who asked him about his current dip in form at St James Park.

He exploded into the Premier League with a run of goals that instantly made him a fan favourite.

While other big signings were struggling elsewhere, he looked ready made for the Premier League. Then the goals slowed, and the questions started. Speaking about that now, he rejects the idea of him having “lost the thread”.

“I don’t see this as negatively as it is seen from the outside, for me that’s still a normal process,” he said.

“Of course, you could look at it from the outside and say: He only scored a goal in the new year, what’s wrong with that? But who really knows my games, knows why that is.”

A completely different Newcastle United role

Pressed on what has changed, Nick Woltemade explained that he has...