The Magpies twice came from behind to level the game at St James’ Park, before Thierno Barry’s late winner ultimately handed the points to the travelling Toffees.

Eddie Howe’s side are now down in 12th, having lost four of their last five Premier League games, and their domestic campaign is in serious danger of fading away as the end of the season approaches.

Newcastle have had plenty of issues to contend with in recent weeks, but one of their main concerns has been the stuttering form of big-money signing Woltemade.

Alan Shearer tears into Nick Woltemade on MOTD

Woltemade now has just one goal in all competitions since the turn of the year, and he has regularly found it difficult to have a telling impact for his team of late.

Howe has experimented with playing the German in a slightly withdrawn attacking midfield role, and instead using Anthony Gordon to provide legs at the top of the pitch, and he set his team up like that from the off on Saturday.

However, even that failed to get Woltemade more involved in the play for Newcastle, as he enjoyed just 14 touches during his 56 minutes in the action, with none of them coming inside the Everton box.

Shearer was left frustrated by the attackers’ display, and he wasted no time in calling out the 24-year-old for his performance during his analysis on Match of the Day.

“When you look at the stats here from Woltemade, it’s nowhere near good enough,” the former striker said.

“I know part of that has been in midfield, but part of that was also up front today. No goals, no assists, no shots, no touches in the opposition box.

“It’s not all his fault beacuse others have to improve and have to step up. But there’s no doubt that it’s a conundrum for Howe as to where and how he gets the best out of him. There is a player in there, but he’s a player who is really, really struggling.”

Eddie Howe has clear stance on Newcastle selling Woltemade

Football Insider recently revealed that Howe doesn’t want Newcastle to sanction a sale of Woltemade any time soon, despite his struggles on the pitch of late.

The boss is keen to press on and try and find a solution to get more out of the former Stuttgart man, rather than accept defeat and give his support to a potential sale.

Recent reports have suggested that the Geordies are looking to offload their star at the end of the season after the difficulties that he has endured, but Howe is clear that he doesn’t want to see that happen.

However, with speculation surrounding his own future continuing to swirl after a poor run of results domestically, it could be a decision that is ultimately taken out of his hands.

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