Nick Woltemade problem rages on at Juventus as Newcastle United watch on - this is all too familiar
Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade’s best position has been discussed by the Italian media.
A key question has been asked of Newcastle United forward Nick Woltemade as he struggles to make an impact during a loan spell with Juventus - and the discussion surrounding the club record signing will be all too familiar for Magpies supporters.
The Germany international joined the Magpies from Bundesliga club Stuttgart last season and scored a respectable 11 goals and provided six assists in 53 appearances in all competitions during his first year at St James Park. However, debate over where Woltemade’s best position within the United side increased as he struggled during the second half of the campaign.
Initially used in the lead role in attack following his arrival, Woltemade was then utilised as a number ten and dropped even deeper into midfield as Eddie Howe’s options in the middle of the pitch were hit by injuries. Woltemade’s confidence appeared to drain as the season wore on and question marks were placed over his long-term future at St James Park during the summer.
After staring the season with Newcastle, Woltemade joined Juventus on loan in the final days of the summer transfer window and he has scored two goals in his first seven appearances for the Serie A giants. However, former Juventus and Sampdoria midfielder Nicola Zanini has reignited the debate over where Woltemade is best suited and insisted the German forward is not ‘a pure striker’.
He told TuttoJuve: “It’s a question mark [over his best position] and I’m wondering that too. I saw the game and, at times, it seemed completely out of the game system. Then he got back into the game, but he’s a particular player, he’s not a pure striker, even if he has a physical structure that allows him to play that role.
“You have to understand well how it can be used. I agree with what you were saying before about the need to be ductile and change systems at certain points in the game. Woltemade is one of those players who can allow Juventus to do so, but he has yet to find his ideal place.”