“Newcastle United in CHAOS: Nick Woltemade’s SHOCKING Change Sparks MASSIVE Crisis!”

Michael Carrick has praised Nick Woltemade’s growing influence at Newcastle United, suggesting the striker’s playing style “actually suits” his teammates following the tactical reshuffle after Alexander Isak’s £125 million summer exit.

Eddie Howe’s side claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fulham at St James’ Park thanks to Bruno Guimaraes’ 90th-minute winner, with Carrick highlighting how Woltemade’s presence has subtly transformed Newcastle’s attacking structure.

Since arriving in a £69 million deal, the German forward has scored five goals and offered a different type of threat compared to Isak.

While Isak preferred to run in behind defences, Woltemade tends to drop deep to receive the ball, creating space for Newcastle’s wide players and midfielders to exploit.

Carrick explained on Match of the Day: “It was a big change when Isak left, but Woltemade coming in has actually helped the players around him.

He comes to feet, which allows others — like the wide men — to attack the space behind. The wingers get more one-on-one situations, while midfielders such as Tonali and Joelinton can make runs into the box.”

He noted that this tactical shift gives added responsibility to Newcastle’s midfielders and opposite wingers to fill central spaces, as Woltemade often links play rather than finishing the move himself.

Carrick described several match situations where Fulham’s defenders, particularly Calvin Bassey, were drawn out of position by Woltemade dropping deep — leaving room for others like Murphy, Gordon, or Tonali to burst forward.

As the match wore on, Howe’s substitutions — including Osula, Tonali, and Elanga — maintained that attacking energy.

Carrick concluded that while Newcastle no longer have a No.9 constantly running behind defences, Woltemade’s selfless link-up play “enhances everyone else’s strengths” and poses a new kind of problem for opponents.