BRILLIANT NICK WOLTEMADE EARNS PRAISE FOR INTELLIGENT PLAY DESPITE FLAW
Newcastle United beat Athletic Bilbao 2-0 to climb the UCL table. Dan Burn and Joelinton scored, but Nick Woltemade earned high praise for his intelligent link-up play and work rate in a stellar team performance.
Nick Woltemade - Photo Credit: Getty Images
With an outstanding victory over Athletic Bilbao, Newcastle United advanced in the Champions League, and Nick Woltemade has received high appreciation for his contribution to the triumph.
At St. James' Park, Newcastle United got off to a fantastic start thanks to a spectacular header from Dan Burn. Joelinton then scored a second goal shortly after halftime to give the Magpies another important three points.
After gameweek four, that victory moves Eddie Howe's team up to sixth place in the Champions League standings. Newcastle put on a very strong, assured performance.
Even though Nick Woltemade did not score that evening, the German striker had a significant impact once more. In fact, Woltemade is still receiving a lot of acclaim, and one analyst has recently identified how the forward overcomes his worst shortcoming.
Nick Woltemade is praised by Stephen Warnock.
Stephen Warnock discussed Woltemade's performance versus Bilbao on Match of the Day, emphasising the Newcastle player's contributions on the field and how he compensates for his lack of speed.
According to Warnock, Nick Woltemade has impressed him thus far with his excellent link-up play, which has contributed to the majority of Newcastle's successful outcomes.
He is demonstrating to us his intelligence as a player. Even though he is not the fastest, he picks his times to sprint or search for the ball really effectively.
Woltemade won six duels, made two successful dribbles, was fouled twice, and missed one headed opportunity during the game.
Beyond the numbers, his relationships with players like Harvey Barnes, Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, and Joelinton were flawless. He continues to demonstrate that he is a striker who is not hesitant to put in the hard work and perform the grunt work in order to help the team.
This summer, Newcastle United emerged victorious in the pursuit of a striker.
Woltemade, who moved to St. James' Park in the summer, is already adored by Newcastle supporters and is rising to fame there.
Woltemade's quick start after joining the Magpies during a challenging transfer window when they lost their star player, Alexander Isak, is certainly helpful.
PSG PLOT MOVE TO SECURE ERIC GARCIA FROM BARCELONA
PSG may accelerate their interest in Barcelona's Eric Garcia for a January move. The need for a versatile defender has increased after Achraf Hakimi's ankle injury and upcoming AFCON absence.
PSG Set Sights on Barcelona Defender Eric Garcia - Photo Credit: Getty Images
The transfer intentions of Paris Saint-Germain might be expedited. The current European champions are interested in Barcelona's Eric Garcia (24), according to a report from L'Équipe. They had planned to move in the summer, but they might potentially move as early as January.
Garcia, a former defender for Manchester City, has a contract that ends at the end of the current campaign. Similar to Lucas Hernandez, PSG is looking for a versatile defender who can play both left and centre back.
Garcia is considered a market potential and fits into that category. But it is a chance that may be taken sooner rather than later. Achraf Hakimi may be sidelined for almost two months after suffering a major ankle sprain on Tuesday night. Les Parisiens might not hire in this field as early as January, even if they were thinking about it. However, PSG would be required to pay a transfer price if they were to entice the Spaniard to the Parc des Princes. Even if Hakimi makes a timely comeback, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will almost definitely keep the right-back out of action in January.
LAMINE YAMAL SLAMS FALSE INJURY CLAIMS, ASSURES FANS HE’S FIT
Lamine Yamal dismissed injury "lies" and refound his brilliant form in Barcelona's 3-3 UCL draw with Club Brugge. The winger scored and assisted, calling for improvement ahead of a tough La Liga trip to Celta Vigo.
Lamine Yamal Quashes Injury Myths - Image via Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Lamine Yamal's comeback to form was one bright spot in Barcelona's dismal stalemate with Club Brugge on Wednesday. Although the 18-year-old has recently fallen short of his extremely high standards, he was back to his unplayable best in Belgium.
Lamine Yamal was a one-man army at times, pushing Barcelona ahead with goals and assists. He discussed his objective briefly and responded to Barcelona's draw with Club Brugge, according to Diario AS.
"We knew Club Brugge was a strong club; when they score three goals, it is hard to win." We need to get better at it. Fermin passes it with his heel, and I am left with the notion that we were unable to win. (My goal is) a short play.
Lamine Yamal's injury problems have received a lot of attention in recent weeks. He has been suffering with pubalgia since September, and it has not gone away. The man has now made an effort to correct the numerous reports that have been made about this.
I have to play, so I do not read much. I am saddened by the amount of talk about my pubalgia, but it is all lies. I have always been content because I was concentrating on what I do best, which is returning to work and performing at this level. I must continue to perform my duties.
Lamine Yamal must improve on this performance for Barcelona.
In order to maintain their position in the La Liga title battle, Barcelona must defeat Celta Vigo, where they have infamously struggled, in their penultimate game before the November international break on Sunday. If the Catalans are to win at Balaidos, Lamine Yamal will undoubtedly need to duplicate the performance against Club Brugge.