Newcastle United‘s Nick Woltemade hasn’t exactly had a great start to life in Juventus but things could now be getting back on track.
Sport Witness have covered how there has been a largely negative stance about the striker in recent weeks. He is yet to have started in the Serie A and has had to only come off the bench.
There had been a growing belief that he could even be sent back to Newcastle United in January. The Bianconeri are already looking at other striker options, which suggests things aren’t going right.
But the player could now be turning a corner.
Woltemade confident in manager
The German started for Juve against Celta Vigo in the Europa League on Thursday. He found a crucial goal in the second half, helping the side pick up a 2-1 win. It was his second goal of the campaign, with his first coming from the spot against NEC Nijmegen.
After the game, the Newcastle United loanee spoke to Sky about his time in Turin so far.
He revealed that he has now played his best game for the Bianconeri.
He said – via TuttoSport: “I think I played my best game for Juve tonight. I did some good things, I can do better, but I’m happy with the goal, which always gives confidence. I want to keep pushing.”
Woltemade also revealed being quite happy with Luciano Spalletti and is very confident in his selections.
“I have faith in my coach, I think every choice he makes will be the right one. Both Kolo [Muani] and I are good players, we can do well both together and alone. The decision is up to the coach, continuing to score can only help us.”
The Germany international also insisted that he is happy playing alongside Randal Kolo Muani.
“After Cagliari, Kolo Muani said that it’s better for him to play with me, is it the same for me? Yes, I like playing with Kolo – an excellent player and striker, in general with two strikers the defense can only focus on one.”
“So when we are together in the penalty area it is more difficult for the opponents to defend. I think we did well, Kolo scored his second consecutive goal, I’m happy.”
Positive signs for Woltemade
Juve would’ve ideally wanted to play in the Champions League but the Europa League allows underperforming players to find form. Woltemade will benefit from that, especially as Kolo Muani has been the preferred starter in the Serie A.
The 24-year-old isn’t exactly being played to his strengths but he needs goals. It would help him with confidence and it would also come in handy for Newcastle United.
They could get back a player who can turn things around in England and return to being a star for them. If not that, they could then sell him on for a significant fee and the Juve spell will help them retain his value.
