Juventus' centre-forward options have been addressed by Luca Toni and Germany coach Jürgen Klopp in comments about Nick Woltemade. The remarks cover Woltemade's European and Serie A output, his Germany omission and Gianluca Scamacca as an alternative.
Toni's assessment of Woltemade
When asked whether the Germany international had convinced him, Luca Toni, the Italian striking legend, replied: “Not really”.
Speaking again about Woltemade, Toni said: “He doesn't excite me because he doesn't seem particularly clinical in front of goal, and that should really be a centre-forward's most important quality”
Juventus' forward choice
In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Toni said: “At Juve, they should either sign a top goalscorer or put their faith in an Italian.”
He added: “I would always go with Scamacca. Looking at the results, I don't think Scamacca would do any worse than Woltemade.”
Woltemade's club figures
Newcastle United loaned 24-year-old Woltemade to Juventus for a fee of €3.6 million during the summer.
Woltemade has scored three times in four Europa League appearances and provided two assists. He has yet to register a goal or assist after eight Serie A matches.
Klopp explains Germany decision
Germany coach Jürgen Klopp left Woltemade out of the squad for Nations League matches in Serbia and against the Netherlands. Explaining his current decision to leave out the 14-cap international, he said: “Nick is actually going through a good spell at Juve right now, to be honest. A lot is coming back. He hasn't had an easy time since the move. And things aren't going smoothly at Juve either, fundamentally a very smart move, a different league, better weather”
Klopp also said: “Woltemade is on the right track. He's lacking a little in outright goal threat. His ability to develop and continue play is there. So, of course, the door isn't closed. It was a difficult decision for us, but sometimes form outweighs everything else”
