How does Woltemade's Newcastle record compare to Isak's after first six games?

Fast start 

Only six games into his career, Nick Woltemade is already becoming a fan favourite with Newcastle United fans, and perhaps the German is well on his way to helping them erase any sour taste left by Alexander Isak's departure. The €75million signing got on the scoresheet again in their emphatic 4-0 victory over Union Saint Gilloise, as the Mapgies got their first points on the board in the Champions League league phase.

It was Woltemade's intelligent flick that diverted Sandro Tonali's speculative effort past the goalkeeper, proving to his doubters that he doesn't just score with his head after glancing from crosses with both of his previous goals for Newcastle. Of course, he had some help in guiding Newcastle to victory in Belgium. Anthony Gordon's double from the penalty spot - one either side of half time - put daylight between the two sides as Newcastle recorded their biggest win of the season so far. Then Harvey Barnes tucked away from close range to make it four late on, meaning Woltemade and other key players could get a well-deserved rest ahead of their clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The towering striker notched his third goal in six appearances for the Toon, and given their similar age, profile and transfer fee, it would be fair to compare his early returns with Isak's. Following his move from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, Isak also grabbed three goals in his first six games, although Newcastle fans had to wait some time before the Swede truly got going due to a serious injury that kept him out for several months. Woltemade, on the other hand, has been thrown straight in at the deep end at St James' Park. But the 23-year-old appears to be relishing the task at hand to spearhead the frontline for Eddie Howe's side. Replacing Isak after his €125million switch to Liverpool is no easy feat, but Woltemade has slotted in seamlessly since his big-money move from Stuttgart. It should also be pointed out that Isak is yet to open his account in the Premier League for his new club, although he did find the net for the Reds against Southampton in the EFL Cup.

His Champions League campaign got off to a rocky start after a quiet cameo in the 2-1 defeat by Barcelona, but Woltemade has now bagged three goals in his last four games - all of them to open the scoring - proving just how vital he can be for the team this season. The challenge that lies ahead for him is whether he can replicate Isak's goalscoring form that earned him a place in Tyneside folklore across the entire season, but there is no question he has made an impressive start to his career as the club's record signing. With more goalscoring displays like this, it won't be long until the silhouette of Isak fades into the distance.