Nick Woltemade is wasting no time making an impact in the Premier League, and his performances are already drawing comparisons to one of football’s best. Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has likened the German forward’s style of play to that of England captain Harry Kane, as Woltemade continues to silence critics and justify his hefty price tag.
Woltemade Off to a Flying Start in the Premier League
Newcastle’s £69 million summer signing has hit the ground running, netting three goals in his first four Premier League appearances. The 23-year-old has found the back of the net against Wolves, Arsenal, and converted a clinical penalty against Nottingham Forest.
His form hasn’t been limited to domestic action, either—he’s also opened his Champions League account, quickly proving his worth on the European stage as well.
At 6ft 5in, Woltemade brings a dominant physical presence to Newcastle’s attack and has already scored two goals with his head, making the most of his aerial advantage.
Anthony Gordon: “He Plays Like a Quarterback”
Speaking on the chemistry developing between himself and the German forward, Anthony Gordon offered high praise, likening Woltemade’s all-around playmaking ability to that of Harry Kane.
“I think they do play a very similar style of football,” Gordon explained. “They want to be the quarterback, not just finish chances but create them too. That helps me a lot—I like to make runs off the ball, and his game suits mine perfectly.”
Gordon emphasized that Woltemade’s skill set is a departure from traditional strikers, highlighting his ability to draw defenders and open up space for others in the attack.
Bayern Passed, Newcastle Pounced
Interestingly, Woltemade could have ended up alongside Kane at Bayern Munich if the German champions had been willing to meet the striker’s valuation. But Bayern deemed the fee excessive, with club board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge making a controversial comment about the transfer.
“I can only congratulate the people in Stuttgart for finding – let me use quotation marks here – ‘a fool’ who paid that much money,” Rummenigge said. “We certainly wouldn’t have done that in Munich.”
Newcastle clearly had no such reservations—and they’re already seeing the returns.
Gordon Hits Back at Bayern’s Rummenigge
Rummenigge’s remarks didn’t sit well with Gordon, who defended his new team-mate while questioning the need for the Bayern executive’s criticism.
“I don’t know why you’d comment on a player who isn’t at your club,” Gordon said. “It’s a bit stupid to be honest, especially when the player has started really well. If he was playing poorly, then maybe you’d say that. But he’s scored three in four—it’s a strange comment.”
Different from Isak, But Just as Effective
While Gordon sees similarities between Woltemade and Kane, he made it clear that the German striker brings something entirely different compared to Newcastle’s other frontman, Alexander Isak.
“They’re completely different players,” Gordon noted. “It’s going to take time for us to fully adapt to his style.”
Still, the early signs suggest that adaptation is happening fast. Woltemade’s intelligent movement and physical dominance have already added a new dimension to Newcastle’s attack.
