Nick Woltemade was one of the protagonists of Juventus' victory in Vigo, in the transfer against Celta, in the second leg of the Europa League league stage. The German giant scored the temporary equalizer for the Bianconeri, before Kolo Muani scored the winning goal in extra time, keeping the team of technician Spalletti with full points. After the match, in the Sky studio, the 24-year-old from Bremen was not treated in the most favorable way by those present, as if he were not a footballer who continues to be part of the German national team and who a year ago cost Newcastle 80 million euros, before the English club gave him on a paid loan to Juventus last summer.
The discussion started with Paolo Condò, who made a comparison: "It still remains a bit of a mystery what kind of player he is. So... not with the same quality, of course, but as a type of player he reminds me of Zirkzee."
Capello and Marocchi describe him as a clumsy pillar
Fabio Capello reacted immediately: "He has less technique... I see him as a player who can play in that position as a striker, but he needs someone to move and play around him. Because he is able to keep the ball... Pass him? Acceptable, but he doesn't convince me much in this aspect. However, he knows how to move on the pitch and keep the ball. So he is already a reference point. What I didn't understand tonight is that they didn't give him any crosses, even though they have such a tall player... The ball doesn't necessarily have to hit him with his head, it can also come towards his body, if he crosses it. In fact, he tends to pass the ball backwards, he is a pivot".
Giancarlo Marocchi is not a big fan of Nick Woltemade
However, the harshest comments about Woltemaden were made by Giancarlo Marocchi: "So, yes, we have to give up... I agree with the coach, technically at the moment we are at low levels. But, if he becomes useful for the team, then you give in and activate him". In other words, Nick could win a place in the lineup due to the lack of alternatives...
Woltemade hopes for turnaround: "My best match with Juve"
A little later, the German striker himself was interviewed by Sky. They did not relay the “compliments” they had just given him, but only the suggestion that Capello had given to coach Spalletti before the match, to activate him from the first minute along with Kolo Muani. “Yes, but I am not a coach. I trust my coach and I think that any decision he makes will be the right one”, Woltemade replied diplomatically. “I think Kolo is a good player, I am a good player and I believe that we can do well together, but also separately. The decision is up to him, but I think that if we continue to score goals, this can only help us for the better”.
Regarding his performance, the former Werder Bremen and Stuttgart player expressed satisfaction: "I think I played my best game with Juventus. I did some good things, although it is clear that I can improve. I am happy with the goal. Goals always give you confidence, and that is the most important thing for a striker. Of course I want to continue working hard and improving. Goals always help". The next step for Nick is to score in the championship, where he has yet to find the net. He has played only 78 minutes in four appearances and will try to change the opinion of his critics, who do not consider him a player worthy of Juventus.
