Teddy Sheringham has warned Newcastle United to appreciate Nick Woltemade as the Germany international aims to build on an inconsistent debut season and a disappointing World Cup campaign. The former England striker urged the Magpies to recognise Woltemade's all-round contributions beyond just goal-scoring.
Woltemade's Mixed Debut Season
Woltemade, who joined Newcastle last summer, scored 11 goals in his first Premier League campaign. However, he was often played out of position, losing his starting spot mid-season. At the World Cup in the United States, he saw limited minutes and missed a penalty in a shoot-out against Paraguay in Boston.
Sheringham, speaking on behalf of ComeOn, said: "Nick Woltemade's not just a goalscorer, is he? He's a provider as well, and he's got good awareness of the other footballers around. He's similar to Wayne Rooney."
The £124m Strike Partnership
Woltemade formed a £124m strike partnership with Yoane Wissa, who impressed at the World Cup with three goals for DR Congo. Sheringham hopes the duo can hit the ground running in the 2026/27 season.
"They both need to hit the ground running in the new season because there are so many teams from second to ninth competing that I think it's going to be a fascinating season," Sheringham said. "Everyone is going to be beating everyone else at different times."
The former Tottenham and Manchester United striker added: "I think it's only Arsenal who have got that organised structure and the stability you need so I make them favourites. Everybody else will be jockeying for position behind them, the way I see it, so Newcastle need their strikers going into the new season looking and feeling sharp."
Drawing Parallels with Shearer
Sheringham, who formed a legendary partnership with Alan Shearer for England at Euro 96, drew comparisons to Woltemade's situation. He recalled keeping top strikers like Les Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Chris Sutton, and Ian Wright out of the England team.
"I think you have to put the work in but sometimes you just know. You get a blend with certain players and form an understanding to know exactly where players want you to pass it or when you want that pass from them, and you work off each other to find a balance. It's a vibe, really," Sheringham explained.
"Alan Shearer and I did have a good understanding but I'm sure Les Ferdinand and Robbie Fowler would have liked to have had that understanding with Alan too for England. I was just the lucky one who Terry Venables wanted to play in that position and I loved doing it."
Looking Ahead
As Newcastle prepare for the new season, Sheringham emphasised the importance of Woltemade finding consistency. "When you play in lots of different positions, it's not always good for you, and Newcastle fans want to see Woltemade scoring goals. That's all that matters when you're a striker, ultimately," he said.
