Nick Woltemade, currently on loan at Juventus from Newcastle United, is facing significant criticism from the Italian press following his first two substitute appearances for the Turin club.
Leading Italian sports newspapers, including Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport, have published harsh assessments of the 24-year-old forward, highlighting his apparent struggles to integrate and make an impact on the pitch.
Early Criticism for Juventus Forward
The Gazzetta dello Sport, in its analysis after Juventus’s 3-2 defeat to Sassuolo, stated that Woltemade “has obvious big problems integrating into the team dynamic.” The newspaper acknowledged his efforts but noted that “in the decisive moments, he lacks clarity in his actions, which is particularly noticeable in these games where every action can be decisive.”
Woltemade had played 16 minutes in his first appearance against AC Milan, a match that ended 1-1, and 30 minutes against Sassuolo. In both instances, he reportedly missed “big chances” to score. The Gazzetta’s conclusion was blunt: “Woltemade misses: The German lacks precision, and he makes everything wrong,” as reported by Sport Bild.
Alongside French teammate Randal Kolo Muani, Woltemade is cited by the Gazzetta as not yet having managed to “make a difference,” with the offensive department causing concern among fans. The newspaper observed “four games and not a single goal, plus various scenes that quickly circulated as mocking social media clips among rival fans. Awkward ball control, failed backheels that landed with the opponent, and – what is particularly serious – hardly dangerous goal chances.”
The Corriere dello Sport echoed a similar sentiment, expressing annoyance when new signings, “for whom one chased for months (and for whom one paid far too much), prove to be the biggest disappointments of the squad.” Woltemade was mentioned in this context alongside Kolo Muani, Alajbegovic, and Lucumi, though the newspaper did acknowledge he had only played a few minutes and time was needed.
Context and Expectations
The severity of the criticism appears particularly sharp given Woltemade’s recent arrival. His loan move from Newcastle United to Serie A was only finalised on the final day of the transfer window, meaning he has been with the Juventus squad for just two weeks. Despite this, Italian press outlets have shown little patience.
Juventus currently sits eighth in the league table with seven points after four matchdays. While Gazzetta dello Sport highlighted his struggles, another Italian sports paper, Tuttosport, offered a slightly more forgiving view, noting that Woltemade “at least briefly confused the opposing defence” after his first substitution, but still bemoaned missed opportunities, according to GQ Germany.
Retro Style and “Two-Metre Messi” Moniker
Off the pitch, Woltemade’s initial appearance for Juventus garnered attention for his distinctive style. When he arrived at the Allianz Stadium, his look, featuring a dark root with grown-out bleached tips and a prominent moustache, was reminiscent of 1990s football fashion, drawing comparisons to David Beckham’s style from that era.
He was also seen wearing an Adidas EQT collection tracksuit that sported Juventus’s historical oval-shaped crest, used from 1990 to 2004, a direct homage to the club’s 1996 Champions League victory. Despite his “Two-Metre Messi” nickname and noticeable retro aesthetic, the Italian press is clear that on-field performance must now match the off-field style.
