Newcastle United star Nick Woltemade recorded an assist as Germany beat Northern Ireland in a World Cup qualifier.
One of the traditional powerhouses of international football, Germany have struggled in recent years.
Indeed, Woltemade was criticised after Germany lost to Slovakia earlier this week, although the Newcastle United star was far from alone in his struggles.
The 23-year-old, however, teed up Serge Gnabry for Germany’s first goal against Northern Ireland in what proved to be a 3-1 victory in Cologne.
Here’s how some of the German media reacted.
Nick Woltemade celebrates with Serge Gnabry after Germany score against Northern Ireland.
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
The forward’s assist had one particular German outlet suggesting he channelled his inner Lionel Messi for the assist, as he pounced on a loose ball.
BILD said of the striker: “At the beginning, there was that Woltemessi moment! It was impressive how quickly he reacted before the early 1-0 and played the ball deep to Gnabry. After that, though, there wasn’t much else, and he was too complicated in the penalty area. The lack of coolness in his finishing was far from a 90-million-euro performance. Grade 5.”
Newcastle’s club record signing will soon return to Tyneside and will likely make his debut for Eddie Howe’s side when they host Wolves on Saturday.
How did Nick Woltemade play for Germany against Northern Ireland?
Woltemade lasted just over an hour as Germany returned to winning ways.
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As per FotMob data, he created one chance, though didn’t have any shots.
He struggled against the Northern Irish defenders, too. The Toon striker won only one of his five ground duels, along with just one in the air out of three attempts.
Woltemade lost the ball three times and mustered only 16 touches.
Germany vs Northern Ireland statistics Nick Woltemade
Minutes played 61
Touches 16
Chances created 1
Assits 1
Shots 0
Ground duels won 1/5
Aerial duels won 1/3
Nick Woltemade stats for Germany vs Northern Ireland, data via FotMob
It obviously wasn’t a vintage night for him but this isn’t a vintage Germany team. He played a key role in the opening goal, which should give him at least some confidence before heading back to Newcastle.
The striker clearly isn’t the finished product but neither was Alexander Isak before he arrived at St James’ Park and started working under Howe.
The Newcastle United manager boasts a fine track record in improving players and there’s little reason he cannot do the same with Woltemade.
With Yoane Wissa also through the door, the striker has time to develop on Tyneside.