Thiaw launches strong Nick defence after media criticism

Nick Woltemade's £65million club record transfer to Newcastle United from VfB Stuttgart in the summer was the subject of much scrutiny, particularly in the German media.

- by Dominic Scurr

Several high-profile pundits and Bayern Munich figures hit out at the transfer fee Newcastle had paid for the 23-year-old after Bayern were unable to strike a deal.

But Woltemade quickly demonstrated his value on Tyneside with five goals in his first six starts for Newcastle. The German international also scored a header against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup a fortnight ago.

Despite scoring just once in his last six outings for Newcastle, Woltemade went into the November international break with a respectable return of six goals in 12 starts for his new club.

While Woltemade has impressed on an individual level, the team are still dealing with the transition after losing a very different striker in Alexander Isak at the start of the season.

"I don't think we're functioning at our best level," Howe admitted.