Kembali
Newcastle United‘s Nick Woltemade has been on something of a rollercoaster at Juventus.
So far in his spell, the German is yet to score a single Serie A goal. He has found the net three times in as many Europa League games, which has helped his case. This made sure that he started for the club against Napoli at the weekend but he couldn’t take the chance.
Sport Witness have tracked the negative perceptions around the striker. There have been suggestions Juve could already look at a replacement in January, as they seek a different profile.
Concerns continue to grow, amidst belief the Newcastle United man’s profile doesn’t suit Juve.
Fabrizio Ravanelli spoke to TuttoSport after Juve’s win over Napoli at the weekend. He gave his views about several players in the Bianconeri side and was clear about his thoughts on Woltemade.
When asked about the Newcastle United loanee, the Italian explains he doesn’t fit.
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Ravanelli said: “He’s not a player suited to Juve’s style of football; he’s not a centre forward who attacks the goal. When Juve go deep, the attackers almost never fill the penalty area, making it difficult to score.”
Ravanelli also noted that Woltemade isn’t a goalscorer and doesn’t have the instincts for that.
“You need someone who attacks the near post, someone who’s good with his head. Woltemade protects the ball and distributes it, but then he doesn’t even have the strength to finish.”
“He can help, but certainly not for Juve’s future.”
Since the German joined, Juve have been expecting him to be a proper number nine. They have hoped he brings more out of Randal Kolo Muani, who is also not a classic number nine either.
This shows that they mis-profiled the Newcastle United man, who is always better when dropping deeper.
The fact that he was signed on deadline day also shows that Juve didn’t know what they were getting from the player.