Newcastle United‘s Nick Woltemade sealed a late move to Juventus and he has been backed to kickstart his career.
Sport Witness covered how the Bianconeri made quick progress to sign the player in the last two days of the transfer window. The German arrives on a dry loan, as Jonathan David’s move to Atletico Madrid allowed Juve to sign another attacker.
Luciano Spalletti had been looking for a player of Woltemade’s profile. He preferred him to Joshua Zirkzee, as Woltemade’s physical attributes add more of a threat inside the box.
Now, hope is growing in Turin that the move will go well for him.
Compatriot predicts the season
Former Germany striker Karl-Heinz Riedle, who also played at Lazio, spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport about Juve’s move for Woltemade.
He described the new Bianconeri incoming as someone who is not a traditional centre-forward.
Riedle said: “He’s more of a nine and a half than a traditional centre-forward . He’s very tall, it’s true, but he has delicate feet: rest assured, he knows where the goal is. He has quite unique characteristics.”
The ex-forward also compared Woltemade to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“It’s hard to compare him to a German number nine. Rather, with the right proportions, in certain movements, he resembles the young Ibrahimovic. Ibra, however, is Ibra.”
Beyond that, Riedle also backed Woltemade to make a mark and potentially score 15 goals in the ongoing campaign.
“Woltemade is a mobile and versatile striker, he can also start as a second striker and play alongside Kolo Muani in a sort of 4-4-2.”
“If he feels Spalletti’s trust, he’ll reach double figures: maybe fifteen.”
Shot at redemption
Woltemade’s versatility is exactly what will come in very handy for Juventus.
During their win over Parma at the weekend, Jonathan David played as a number ten behind Randal Kolo Muani. That role didn’t suit the Canadian but it will suit Woltemade much more.
The 24-year-old has played that part at Newcastle United, with Eddie Howe often using him deeper.
Spalletti is very versatile with shapes and can even use Woltemade upfront when needed. Juve appear to have a plan for the loan signing and Newcastle United would hope he has a redemption season in Turin.
Sportwitness
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