Nick Woltemade was used in a deeper role behind Kolo Muani in a 3-5-2 system after coming off the bench against AC Milan - here's who he fared
Nick Woltemade celebrates with Federico Gatti after the Juventus defender scored a late equaliser against AC MIlan
Nick Woltemade was handed his Juventus debut on Sunday night just days after being told he could leave Newcastle United.
The Germany international, loaned out last week, was watched by Newcastle scouts who had to wait until the final 15 minutes for him to appear off the bench but he helped stage a comeback after Juve trailed 1-0 to AC Milan with the game ending all square. During his 15 minute cameo, Woltemade had just nine touches and managed one shot on goal with an effort sailing over the top.
But he made a nuisance of himself in the box and drew a couple of fouls as Milan tried to shackle him late on. And his presence was there for all to see in the box as a ball that was arguably floated in for Woltemade eventually dropped to Federico Gattie who powered home a header to steal a point in the 93rd minute.
Veteran coach Luciano Spalletti has vowed to play to Woltemade's strengths and a series of balls into the box were certainly aimed for the 6ft 6in striker. However, as Newcastle's backroom team found out last season Woltemade prefers the ball to his feet.
In famous Italian sports paper La Gazzetta dello Sport, they opted to reserve judgement on Woltemade, well at least until autumn!
Their report read: "Woltemade, at least, was dangerous in 14 minutes plus injury time with a left-footed shot worthy of a No 9. Maybe it's a sign, maybe not: the fall will tell."
In Tutto Sport, Woltemade earned a six in the player ratings which seemed about fair for any UK viewers watching on TNT Sport. A passage in the Turin-based daily read: "A decent 15 minutes, spent mostly jostling to create space for his team-mates."
Juve sit seventh in Serie A and face Sassulo away in their next fixture with manager Spaletti saying after the game: "In these kinds of matches, you can’t ask for permission. You don’t wait to be invited - you have to go there and take what you deserve. That’s what we need to do if we want to keep raising our level."
Woltemade's body language was telling after contributing to his team fighting back from Alphadjo Cisse's opener. He joined in the wlld celebrations with Juve fans as he screamed into the Turin air at the end of the game.
That release looked very much like a release of frustration given up until only last weekend, Woltemade thought he was going to be part of Matthias Jaissle's plans at Newcastle.
And as Milan players grappled on the final whistle after a few scuffles broke out Woltemade did not need to be urged on to join in. Spaletti said on Woltemade: "We think Woltemade can give us something: he's physical, technical, we've only just met him this week, but he can give us a hand."
Seeing Woltemade paired with a striker was rare at Newcastle and in the second half of last season he was used as a deep lying player under Eddie Howe.
There was a suggestion last night that Woltemade could be used in a front two with 6ft 2in Frenchman Kolo Muani. Spaletti said: "Can they play together? Yes, he needs to get fit, but Kolo Muani will still play in the next match."
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