Nick Woltemade dazzles in ‘wonderful’ moment as Newcastle United send Qarabag packing
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Credit: Imago / Getty Images Nick Woltemade dazzles in ‘wonderful’ moment as Newcastle United send Qarabag packing Tue 24 February 2026 22:00, UK Nick Woltemade caught the eye in the Champions League despite the Newcastle United star failing to score against Qarabag.The Magpies completely ran away with the result, having claimed a 6-1 win away from home in the first leg, before netting through Sandro Tonali and Joelinton in the opening six minutes.It was obvious that Eddie Howe‘s side were going to advance to the round of 16 on Tuesday, 24 February, but players still needed to impress as Qarabag fought back in a 3-2 loss on the night.Woltemade, surprisingly, was once again started in the midfield, with William Osula through the middle, with Newcastle fans given flashbacks to Joelinton’s previous struggles at the club.There was a moment of hope, however, with Chris Sutton making sure to celebrate a “wonderful” moment from the out-of-position centre-forward.Credit: ImagoRead more: Eddie Howe has a new plan for Nick Woltemade at Newcastle.Chris Sutton blown away by Newcastle star’s moment of brillianceWoltemade was playing a very different role from his usual striker position in the Champions League, creating for his teammates rather than being the one on the end of crosses in the penalty area. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, transcribed by BBC Sport (24 February), Sutton said: “What about the skill from Nick Woltemade?
Edge of the box, a little twizzle and with the outside of the right boot, flicks the ball through to Jacob Murphy. “He looks to find the corner, and there’s a wry smile on his face as he knows he should score.
Wonderful from Woltemade.”Credit: ImagoIt is not the performance that supporters would have hoped for, and even after Osula was substituted, he remained in midfield, while Yoane Wissa occupied the centre-forward spot.Read more: Eddie Howe remains under pressure at Newcastle as Premier League sack race heats up.Nick Woltemade must have impressed Eddie Howe with his statsDespite playing out of position, Woltemade put in a real shift against Qarabag, playing the full 90 minutes but never really looking comfortable in his area of the pitch.He created three chances, one of which was a big chance, had 43 touches, completed four long balls, made two tackles and two recoveries, and entered into a total of eight duels [FotMob].While supporters are unlikely to be confident about Woltemade switching position, Howe will have seen more than enough to keep attempting the experiment at St James’ Park.With Everton up next, it is unclear whether the German international will start or if others will be given a chance to impress in the Premier League.