Ally McCoist singles out Newcastle United star who is 'synonymous' with how Magpies are playing currently
Something is certainly amiss at Newcastle United this season. It feels as though the lads just can't get motivated unless they have the St James' Park crowd behind them.
In away games, the forward line becomes so bashful in front of goal to the point where Eddie Howe talks about 'chances' after the game and you can only assume he means chances to play the ball into the box rather than chances to actually score.
Sunday's 0-0 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers showcased perfectly the problems Newcastle are facing. It took 85 minutes for Newcastle to register their first of two shots on target.
The front three looked absolutely lost all game. Nick Woltemade in particular, was cut adrift from his teammates as has been the case so often this season.
Ally McCoist thinks Nick Woltemade is struggling at Newcastle
Ally McCoist singled the German striker out as being the perfect reflection of Newcastle's attacking play when talking to Jeff Stelling on TalkSPORT.
"I'm watching him, he's one of these guys I don't know about you, Jeff, I'm willing him do well. He just looks like a great lad. He'd be a great teammate. Smashing boy to have about the dressing room. Never question his commitment. I think technically, he's actually better than probably he is given a little bit of credit for. But he's going to be judged on his goals, you know, that's what strikers are judged on.
"I don't think he's particularly easy on the eye, Jeff, playing that position. But I do think he'll score his fair share of goals. I genuinely do because I think he's one of these strikers that positions himself, and he will get chances. But I just think he's kind of synonymous with what's happening at Newcastle at this moment in time. They don't look really on the front foot, full of energy to tell you the truth"
We think Eddie Howe has taken the wrong approach with Nick Woltemade
We've been saying it for months now that Nick Woltemade just doesn't fit our style of play, and that's not a criticism of him at all; he's trying his best, but he's clearly still not sure where he's supposed to be at any given time.
Our team are still playing as if they have Alexander Isak to pass to, and that's just not how Woltemade plays. It definitely feels like Eddie Howe has made the decision to try and mould Woltemade to fit his vision rather than trying to adapt to play to his strengths, and we're not sure that's the right call.
Nick Woltemade is a naturally gifted striker; if you try to change his play style, you're only going to stifle him. As a team, Newcastle need to be more malleable; it's sticking to this rigid "Plan A" that's causing us so many issues this season, we're sure of it.
