Newcastle: Eddie Howe says side missing ‘X-factor’

“In an ideal world, you have a full six-week pre-season, you iron out any issues you have and you’re forming your partnerships and team relationships. Then, as you start the season, they’re formed.

“We’re in that position now where we are going to have to do that as we play. I’ve got no issue doing that. I’ve done it before.”

Wissa suffered a knee injury on international duty with the DR Congo days after finalising a £55m switch from Brentford, and looks set to be out until after the international break next month.

Woltemade has hit the ground running, having never played outside his native Germany before.

The £69m signing scored on his debut against Wolves but will need time to adjust to the physicality of the top flight.

Howe said he “didn’t think any comparison to Alex is favourable to any player”.

“I’m excited by the team we can be,” he said. “We have certainly got things to learn about each other and formulas to try and generate that we know will work.

“The biggest thing is the foundation is solid. The team’s playing at strength, but we’re just missing that X-factor that I think will come.

“With the players that we have, some are guaranteed goals and have done that historically.”