German media issue verdict on Newcastle star Nick Woltemade’s ‘tough’ performance

Add as preferred source on Google

Nick Woltemade has been criticised by the German media following his performance in the 4-0 win against Luxembourg on Friday.

The 23-year-old has been sensational for Newcastle United since arriving in a £65 million deal from VfB Stuttgart towards the end of the summer transfer window.

He has scored three goals in his last three outings across all competitions at St James’ Park and has immediately filled the void of Alexander Isak.

Woltemade scored the decisive goal to secure a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest heading into the international break and arrived at the German camp in incredible form.

However, the towering centre-forward has seemingly not been able to replicate his club performances for his country.

Nick Woltemade struggles to make an impact for Germany

Although Germany recorded a resounding win in the World Cup qualifier match, Woltemade struggled to make a recognisable impact despite his teammates’ dominant display.

Sport.de awarded the forward a low 4/5 match rating, writing: “He had a tough time as a centre forward against a deep block. He created a few half-chances, but always seemed unlucky in his actions. At times, he was even completely in the air. He at least managed to gain some success through his intensity in counter-pressing, but he’s still waiting for his first international goal.”

Another German media outlet, Spox, agreed with the rating: “Woltemade travelled to the national team on the back of a run of three goals in eight days at Newcastle, but was unlucky, managing only 14 touches. He scored early for the first time in a Germany jersey, but played the ball with his hand after Gnabry’s shot – a goal that appeared to be the first goal was rightly disallowed (4th minute).

“In the 32nd minute, Woltemade was well played through by Wirtz, but couldn’t control the ball in front of the keeper. After just over an hour, it was over.”

Julian Nagelsmann defended Wirtz after he, too, failed to produce anything of note, but the Liverpool talisman tried his utmost to give Woltemade the best opportunity to open his account for the senior side.

Ran gave Woltemade a slightly higher 3/5 match rating and recognised the positives in his display: “The striker is still waiting for his first goal for the senior national team. It didn’t work out against Luxembourg either, as the 1.98-meter-tall player was usually half a step too late. In the second half, however, he was significantly better integrated into the passing game until his substitution just over an hour into the game.”

The national media have slammed Woltemade for his past performances in a German shirt. Although this time the criticism was somewhat reserved, it is clear they expect more from the Newcastle man.

Harvey Elliott dubbed Woltemade “incredible” upon the conclusion of the Under-21 European Championships this summer. The Aston Villa loanee scored the opening goal in the final against Germany to help secure a 3-2 victory.

However, Woltemade claimed the Golden Boot during the tournament this summer, proving he has what it takes to be a success on the international stage.

How did Nick Woltemade fare against Luxembourg?

It was hardly a routine performance from the forward, but considering the level of opposition faced compared to the star-studded German side, the statistics are concerning.

Woltemade could barely get a touch of the ball, with only 14 touches recorded during his 61 minutes on the pitch.

If he is to continue leading the line for Germany, he must be more involved in the match and assert himself; Woltemade even lost 72% of his duels contested.

While Newcastle supporters are more concerned with how he performs in the Premier League than for his country, they will admittedly hope his display on Friday is merely a blip rather than a sign of things to come.