Newcastle United are set to continue their Champions League adventure as Benfica visit St James’ Park. Despite a slow Premier League start with only two wins so far, the Magpies have still shown flashes of brilliance on the European stage.
Their recent 4–0 demolition of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium reminded everyone of their attacking potential.
Eddie Howe’s side might have stumbled domestically, but in Europe, they’ve looked sharp especially with Nick Woltemade leading the line.
The 6-foot-6 German has been nothing short of exceptional since joining Newcastle. His goalscoring form has quickly made fans forget about Alexander Isak, who once carried the club’s goal-scoring burden.
Woltemade’s performances have not just been about goals; they’ve been about consistency, work rate, and intelligent movement.
Against Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, he opened the scoring after just 42 touches of the ball a display of deadly efficiency. Against Brighton, his brilliant back-heel goal was a moment of pure instinct, proving how quickly he has adapted to English football.
Currently, he averages a goal every 99 minutes in the Premier League an elite-level strike rate. Even in a Newcastle team still finding rhythm, Woltemade’s presence has been constant chaos for defenders.
Journalist Zach Lowy once described him as an “absolutely ridiculous finisher,” and his early record at the club backs that up completely.
Woltemade vs. Isak: 2025/26 Premier League Season
| Stat | Woltemade | Isak |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 5 | 4 |
| Goals | 4 | 0 |
| Shots | 8 | 6 |
| Shot Accuracy | 50% | 16.67% |
| Conversion Rate | 50% | 0% |
| Take-on Success | 40% | 0% |
| Duels Won per 90 | 4.8 | 2.2 |
Woltemade’s numbers speak for themselves. His composure in front of goal and physical dominance have redefined Newcastle’s attacking identity.
The fear that followed Isak’s departure to Liverpool now feels like a distant memory. Howe has found a new focal point one that fits his system perfectly.
But to take Woltemade’s game to an even higher level, Eddie Howe might need to look at his wide options. The attack has lacked fluidity at times, particularly when Anthony Elanga starts.
Since joining from Nottingham Forest for £55 million, Elanga has struggled to find his spark, failing to record a single goal or assist. Against Brighton, his ineffective display led to a halftime substitution after completing zero successful dribbles from just 20 touches.
In contrast, Jacob Murphy could be the missing piece in helping Woltemade flourish. Murphy has long been admired for his link-up play, particularly with Alexander Isak in past seasons.
Eleven of Isak’s 62 goals for Newcastle came from Murphy assists proof of their chemistry. Journalist Lee Ryder even called their partnership “incredible,” praising Murphy’s precise deliveries and selfless movement.
Jacob Murphy’s UCL Contributions
| Stat | Murphy |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 4 |
| Minutes Played | 114 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
Murphy may not have the flashiness or raw pace of Elanga, but his understanding of movement and timing is exceptional. He reads the game well, keeps his composure, and consistently provides service from wide areas attributes that perfectly complement Woltemade’s intelligent positioning.
This season alone, Murphy has already registered two assists in the Champions League, including a neat combination with Anthony Gordon against Barcelona.
He might not always make headlines, but as journalist Scott Wilson once said, he remains an “unsung hero” in this Newcastle squad a player who quietly delivers when it matters most.
For Howe, trusting Murphy could be the key to maximizing Woltemade’s potential. The pair’s styles complement each other: Murphy’s reliable delivery meets Woltemade’s lethal finishing.
Together, they could become Newcastle’s most effective attacking duo since Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin’s early partnership.
With Benfica up next, the stage is set. The German striker will once again lead the line, eager to continue his impressive scoring run, and if Murphy starts on the wing, Newcastle fans might just witness the beginning of another powerful connection in black and white.
Woltemade’s rise has been rapid and deserved. But like every great striker, the right support can turn him from prolific to unstoppable and Jacob Murphy could be the man to make that happen.
