The Brazilian enforcer reminded Tottenham stars exactly where they were in the closing stages to finish off the visitors in the Carabao Cup
Sandro Tonali has made it clear that Nick Woltemade's contributions to the Newcastle United cause go way beyond scoring goals.
The German international headed home to seal the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park last night to book a Carabao Cup quarter-final date with Fulham. But Tonali, who put in a sparkling display to win man of the match against Spurs, feels that the £69m fee is already paying dividends in other ways apart from finding the back of the net.
Indeed, not only did Woltemade get back and help out defensively, he also chased down the Spurs rearguard and chased down everything to defend from the front in a way Alan Shearer would have been chuffed with.
After the game, Tonali said: "He is so big, it is a little bit easy for him to score with his head. But he is a very good player who ran the whole game.
"He played with us with the midfield and with the defenders. He is the first defender, and the first striker, and it is a pleasure to play with Nick. I am happy for him and happy for the team."
Joelinton's name cascaded from stands
Joelinton has never looked back from the moment that Eddie Howe used him as an emergency midfielder back in 2021 when Ciaran Clark was sent off against Norwich.
The tough-tackling No 7 was sent on for the final 19 minutes against Tottenham as Howe looked to shore the midfield up and see out the game. And just as Spurs dared to try to find a way back into the match, Joelinton steamed into a challenge on Mo Kudus before jumping back on his feet as the ex-Ajax man tried to get physical with him.
Xavi Simons then attempted to goad Joelinton, but he was pushed back into his place as support from Dan Burn and Malick Thiaw arrived as back up. Joelinton was booked for the challenge on Kudus with the Spurs man also cautioned.
As the situation settled down, Newcastle fans began chanting Joelinton's name as the enforcer helped take the sting out of the game at a crucial stage.
Joe Willock still has big part to play at Newcastle
Joe Willock looked like a man in need of some match practice as he felt his way through the early part of he match against Spurs. But he appeared to have found a second wind in the second half as he set up a goal for Nick Woltemade and almost netted himself.
After so many injury scares and setbacks, the ex-Arsenal midfielder just wants a run in the side to show his quality but it hasn't been easy for the former Gunners trainee. Reflecting on his performance last night, Howe, who has many midfield options, told Chronicle Live: "I'm really pleased for Joe.
"We all have very short memories in football. Everything happens so quickly, you forget sometimes how good players can be.
"Certainly not from our perspective. We know what a good player he is. When he's at his best. The biggest problem he's had really is his body in recent times, but today I thought he looked very, very good. He covered a lot of ground. He was excellent tactically.
"I played him in a slightly different way but he didn't let us down, he was very good.
"I'm delighted with the assist. He could have scored as well, but it's a good night and a reminder of how good he can be."
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