Newcastle's rivalry with Liverpool takes new twist as Nick Woltemade admits Reds have 'one of the best players I've ever played with'

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.

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).

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.

Woltemade told the Premier League podcast 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."

Liverpool have already visited St James’ Park this season, claiming a dramatic 3-2 victory courtesy of teenage wonderkid Rio Ngumoha. A return date at Anfield is due to take place towards the end of January 2026.