The Newcastle United striker is determined to prove critics wrong and insisted that tall strikers can fit into counter-attacking systems
Nick Woltemade of Juventus during a training session at JTC
Nick Woltemade trains with Juventus
Nick Woltemade has used Juventus legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the perfect example of a tall forward who can excel in a disciplined team.
Ibrahimovic succeeded under Fabio Capello at Juventus and went from a flashy forward to a disciplined striker, and Woltemade will hope that Luciano Spalletti can do something similar with him in Turin.
The 6ft 6in German international has left Newcastle on loan to join Juventus on the back of claims he won't fit into Newcastle's system this season. Matthias Jaissle is expected to play a counter-pressing formation that will include explosive breaks, but Woltemade's exit was sanctioned on deadline day.
But Woltemade, who used 6ft 5in Zlatan as an example of a success story for tall strikers at Juve, said to reporters in Italy: "It's difficult because I'm very tall and not many footballers are as tall as me, but I think I've taken something from everyone, for example, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"I've always enjoyed watching him because he's also very tall and has good technique. I also like Kai Havertz, who's a friend of mine. I always try to take something from everyone, to take each of these characteristics from everyone and then try to make them my own.
"But it's never been easy to have a role model because I don't think there are many footballers like me, due to my height and the way I play."
Woltemade has now come to terms with the idea of leaving Newcastle after just one year and will make his Juve debut on Sunday night against AC Milan. The ex-Stuttgart said: "I'm so happy to be here, and I honestly can't wait to get started, to see you, and to wear this jersey with its beautiful colours - gold, white, and black. I'm so happy.
"I'll be so happy to see you all on Sunday, when I hope we'll get our third win of the season. I'm so happy."
Speaking about what he will bring to Juve, Woltemade said: "I think you can expect a very physical style of play from me, but I think my best and most important qualities are my technique and my understanding of the game.
"I think I'm an intelligent footballer. I can score goals, I can provide assists, I can dictate the final pass for my teammates. I think I'm good at finding the right position on the pitch, and I think, overall, as you'll see, this is my way of playing. I don't think you often see a tall guy who plays like me."
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