German media unimpressed with 4/10 Nick Woltemade as Newcastle United new signing due on Tyneside
German media provide their verdict on Nick Woltemade’s performance against Northern Ireland.
Newcastle United new signing Nick Woltemade played an hour for Germany in a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland on Sunday night.
Woltemade retained his place up top after Thursday’s surprise defeat in Slovakia and just seven minutes in set up Serge Gnabry’s opener.
But Woltemade and his teammates struggled to build on their positive start, with the visitors levelling in the 34th minute through Isaac Price.
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann decided to make changes on the hour mark and Woltemade made way for Borussia Dortmund striker Max Beier.
And the fresh energy helped the hosts surge to victory with substitute Nadiem Amiri making it 2-1 before Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz added a third with a free-kick.
German media rate Nick Woltemade’s performance against Northern Ireland
Assessing Woltemade’s display after the game, the German media were largely in agreement that he started well but faded.
Bild wrote: “At the beginning there was the Woltemessi moment! Strong, as he switched quickly before early 1-0 and played on Gnabry into the depth.
“But not much came after that, acted too complicated in the penalty area. Due to the lack of cold-snot in the shooting, still far from a 90-million performance. Grade 5.”
Frankfurter Rundschau wrote: “Had more eye-catching moments in the first 15 minutes than in the entire 90 minutes against Slovakia. He acted quickly before the opening goal.
“He struggled to sort out his legs after a quarter of an hour and missed the chance to make it 2-0. But he faded considerably after that. Grade 4.”
Meanwhile, Bullinews gave Woltemade a 4/10 and said: “Did not work in this match, could barely hold onto any ball or get in dangerous positions. However, he provided a nice assist for Gnabry. Only got 16 touches in the 60 minutes he played.”
Nick Woltemade en route to Tyneside
Woltemade is now en route to Tyneside and will train with his new teammates for the first time ahead of making his debut in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolves at St James’ Park.
While Woltemade’s two games for Germany didn’t go to plan, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is relishing working with the 6ft 6in.
Speaking about Woltemade after the Leeds draw, Howe said: Yeah, it was absolutely massive for us to sign a striker. I thought we had to. But I'm really pleased to get one with the quality that he possesses.
“I think he's not just a big presence, and he will be that in the box for us, but he's got unbelievable technical ability. He's got creativity as well. Everything that we were probably lacking today, I think he can bring.
“There will be a period where he has to adapt to the Premier League. It's always very difficult for anyone to come straight into the league. So, I've got really high hopes for him.
“Obviously, I don't want to add to the pressure that he's going to be under, but I think he can be a difference-maker.
“I think there will be a period of adjustment, so I think we all have to be very understanding of that. It's very difficult for players to come in, I say mid-season, the season's just started, but he hasn't had a pre-season with us.
“I'd love every player to experience that, because I think your learning and your experience in the Premier League is just a lot quicker. But I think he's got qualities that translate across anyway.
“He's very good technically, as I said, he's very good around the box. He scores goals. So, I think that will translate to the leagues.”