Jamie Carragher reveals one trait he loves about Nick Woltemade, ‘he’s completely different to Alexander Isak’

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Credit: Imago Sat 27 December 2025 7:00, UK Nick Woltemade was ultimately signed by Newcastle United as a direct replacement for Alexander Isak, but he’s not quite that figure.Woltemade scored twice against Chelsea during a four-goal thriller at St James’ Park before facing Man United on Friday, 26 December, taking him to nine for the season across all competitions.Meanwhile, Isak has suffered a broken leg at Anfield, ruling him out for the foreseeable future after a tangle of legs with Tottenham‘s Micky van de Ven, as his fitness struggles hit an all-time low since leaving.It has quickly become clear that the two are very, very different characters on the field, but with Eddie Howe getting the best out of the German, that matters very little to the Magpies.Carragher, an unapologetic Liverpool supporter, has praised the 23-year-old during some analysis of the current striker and Newcastle’s former centre-forward.Credit: ImagoNewcastle United sign completely different style of striker in Nick WoltemadeSpeaking on Sky Sports (26 December), Carragher analysed the difference in strikers, saying: “He’s completely different to Isak. He’s almost like a No.10 or a false-nine, who likes to come deep and get on the ball as well.“This [goal highlights] is probably showcasing slightly different to what we’ve seen a lot this season, making proper centre-forward runs and getting ahead of defenders, and getting on the end of crosses.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES “That is such a delicate touch [goal vs Chelsea], and he has got a lovely touch, not just for a big man, but for any man. He’s started quite well, but he’s not Isak.”Although Anthony Gordon is struggling for goals this season, and so too with Harvey Barnes recently, Woltemade’s ability to link up certainly helps the Magpies, in the Premier League or in Europe.Woltemade already has the stamp of approval from Alan ShearerAlthough Alan Shearer initially saw Newcastle’s move for Woltemade as a “risk”, those concerns appear to have disappeared as the German international continues to impress in front of goal.After scoring an own goal in the defeat to Sunderland, the 23-year-old bounced back with a first-half brace against Chelsea, and that amazed the club legend, who broke several Premier League records.That will be exactly what those at St James’ Park want to hear.

It’s a huge stamp of approval, and one that was massively needed after Isak forced his move to Anfield in the summer.With the Magpies still a few points off the Champions League spots, however, there is plenty of work to do, and that could be addressed in the January transfer window.