Nick Woltemade has scored one goal for Newcastle in 2026(Image: PA)

Nick Woltemade has challenged critics who have stuck the boot in on his performance in the second half of his first season at Newcastle United.

The German star made a flying start to his Toon career and was troubling the top half of the goalscoring chart after seven early strikes for the Magpies. It was in December, when Yoane Wissa returned from a knee injury, that Woltemade lost his place in the frontline under Eddie Howe.

Used as a midfielder or second striker in more recent times, Woltemade has claimed he is irked after critics continue to judge him on scoring goals.

Speaking to German publication Bild, Woltemade said: "It bothers me. If someone claims that I’m in a slump, I’d argue that this person doesn’t watch many Newcastle games.

“I know people associate me with goals, but you can’t compare a striker’s tally with that of a midfielder playing 50, 60, 70 meters from the opponent’s goal,” he explained.

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