Nick Woltemade looks on from the substitutes' bench
Nick Woltemade looks on from the substitutes' bench
Stu Forster/Getty Images
Italian journalist Matteo Dotto believes Newcastle United loanee Nick Woltemade is ‘nowhere near’ the standard of striker that Juventus’ history demands they have in their ranks.
The 24-year-old joined the Old Lady on loan during the summer window, after a frustrating spell at St James’ Park, hoping a change of scenery in Turin would help him rediscover his form.
However, his time in Italy has yet to offer much encouragement, with the striker struggling to make an impression.
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Woltemade has managed just 161 minutes across five appearances for the Bianconeri, with his only goal contribution coming from the penalty spot.
The German came off the bench on Sunday night against Cagliari, with Juventus trailing by a goal at the time.
The Serie A contest ended in a draw, with former Tottenham Hotspur star Randal Kolo Muani finding the equaliser for Luciano Spalletti’s side.
Reflecting on the match, Dotto noted that Woltemade’s introduction gave Juventus greater attacking edge, as they shifted to a 4-2-4 formation.
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However, given the strikers Juventus have had on their books in the past, he is hugely underwhelmed by Woltemade and Kolo Munai, who he feels are just not up to the standard required in Turin.
Dotto wrote on Sport Mediaset: “Then, when Woltemade came on after an hour, the team became more dangerous, playing in a sort of 4-2-4, with Alajbegovic and Zhegrova out wide – both of whom looked more inspired than Nico and Conceicao – and the two centre-forwards in the middle of the penalty area.
“And, let’s be clear, those two are nowhere near the standards of Juventus’ history.”
Juventus face Celta Vigo in the Europa League on Thursday night, but whether Woltemade can force his way into the starting lineup remains to be seen.
A journalist recently suggested Juventus turned to Woltemade out of desperation late in the transfer window as they looked to bring in another striker before the window closed.
There are already suggestions that the Old Lady could terminate the loan agreement and send Woltemade back to St James’ Park if his performances do not improve.
Whether that needs to agreement of Newcastle though is something which remains unclear.