news-engine

Matthias Jaissle fuels debate over Nick Woltemade's best position after Newcastle man's admission Woltemade could have a key role under Matthias Jaissle after a mixed first season on Tyneside Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle remained coy when quizzed over what he sees as Nick Woltemade's best position this season. Woltemade started the Magpies' 2-1 win over Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium in the No 10 role, a position he finished last season in with the Magpies, before being replaced in the 67th minute by Joe Willock. Jaissle set up his Newcastle team in a 4-2-3-1 formation in Spain, the same way he largely set up his side at Al-Ahli, with Woltemade playing in behind Will Osula up front. In truth, the German international didn't really affect the game in the way that he or his manager would have wanted to but it is where he feels his best position is, having previously been used as a centre-forward and a midfielder on Tyneside. Get Chronicle Premium now for just £1 HERE – exclusive news and features, our NUFC and Academy notebooks, plus an ad-lite experience But when asked whether that is where he sees the 24-year-old is best suited, Jaissle chose to keep his options open, fuelling further debate over how best to use the club's £69million record signing. "I think it could be one of the positions he shows his strength," Jaissle told Chronicle Live. "But there are also other positions, one more higher, where he can also shine. "It's something we need to see in the upcoming weeks. How also his team-mates are going to do, so nothing besides that." In a recent interview with Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller, Woltemade revealed he feels he plays his best football as a number 10 or in a front two. "Preferably in a two-striker system or behind the striker," Woltemade said in a video conversation with Muller. "It's better for me to play with a lot of freedom and when I have someone around me." The former Stuttgart and Werder Bremen star will hope for another opportunity to shine in the role on Wednesday when Newcastle make the journey north to face Everton at Edinburgh's Murrayfield Stadium. --- Here at ChronicleLive, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Newcastle United coverage and analysis. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest NUFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories. And, finally, if you would rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Everything is Black and White podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube. FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Newcastle United latest via the Chronicle’s dedicated Facebook page