Nick Woltemade has delivered a new twist in Newcastle's rivalry with Liverpool, as the German striker considers a player at Anfield to be "one of the best" that he has "ever played with". The star in question is Florian Wirtz, who now lines up on Merseyside alongside Alexander Isak – who caused quite a stir when leaving St James' Park in the summer of 2025.

Isak transfer saga caused tension

An epic transfer saga saw Isak push for the exits on Tyneside. The Swedish frontman went on strike at one stage, choosing to stay away from training as he sought to secure a dream move to Liverpool. Said deal was eventually completed on deadline day.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRecord fee for Isak & huge deal for Woltemade

Newcastle did receive a record-shattering £125 million ($169m) fee for Isak, but the manner in which he went about securing said move left a sour taste for many in the North East. Their mood was improved somewhat when Woltemade was acquired for £65m ($88m).

Immediate impact: Woltemade up and running

He made an immediate impact for the Magpies, netting a winning goal on debut against Wolves, but has ignored the brewing resentment between Newcastle and Liverpool supporters when picking out the finest talent that he has ever worked with.

Getty/GOALBest played with? Woltemade picks countryman

Woltemade told the when answering that question: "I think Florian Wirtz yeah. For me, he’s such an amazing player.

"Right now, I don’t know, maybe they put a camera on him against Osnabruck or someone, but you can see how he’s always aware of everything on the pitch. His style is so smooth, and he’s really creative. For me, at the national team level, he’s one of the best players I’ve ever played with."

Woltemade delivered another nod towards Newcastle’s domestic rivals at Anfield when asked to name the toughest opponent that he expects to face in the English top-flight. The towering 23-year-old said: "[Virgil] van Dijk. I think, yeah."