A BBC Sport pundit has taken aim at Newcastle United star Nick Woltemade after watching him play for Germany against Northern Ireland on Sunday night.
Woltemade recorded an assist for Germany against Northern Ireland as they ran out 3-1 winners in Cologne.
Still, that result in isolation is unlikely to change the mood around the German camp too much.
Indeed, they have struggled in recent years and do not inspire much confidence heading into next summer’s World Cup, if they even get there.
Newcastle star Woltemade started up front for his country in both games over the international break.
It seems unfair to be too critical of him given he’s had just four caps. He’s still learning on the elite stage, having played only 70 Bundesliga games prior to his big move to the Premier League.
However, BBC Sport pundit and former Northern Irish international John O’Neill was particularly scathing.
Nick Woltemade runs with the ball during Germany's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland.
Photo by INA FASSBENDER/AFP via Getty Images
Nick Woltemade’s performance for Germany labelled “awful”
Even after Woltemade’s assist, O’Neill wasn’t impressed.
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He told BBC Radio Ulster at 20:14 BST on 7/09/2025: “I don’t rate Woltemade at all, he has been awful so far.”
That feels very harsh indeed. The German national team have struggled for years and are now relying on a player with only four caps to suddenly lead the line and transform their fortunes.
Excitement builds for Nick Woltemade’s Newcastle United debut
Woltemade is in line to make his debut for Newcastle against Wolves on Saturday.
While fellow new arrival Yoane Wissa is expected to start for Newcastle against Wolves, it will be fascinating to see how Woltemade develops.
Expecting too much too soon from him feels very unwise. Eddie Howe is excited to work with Woltemade but, as with Alexander Isak back in 2022, he should be afforded time to get up to speed.
Judging him off his international performances in a team who have struggled to restore former glories for years now does not seem like the right decision.