Spalletti Hails Juventus Newcomer Woltemade but Demands More Goals

Luciano Spalletti has welcomed Nick Woltemade as a significant late addition to Juventus, praising the forward’s size, technique and manner around the squad while making clear that he must become more decisive in the penalty area.

The Juventus coach likened the 2m striker to a Friesian horse: imposing in appearance, but gentle in character. Spalletti said Woltemade had been smiling since arriving and had quickly shown an ability to connect with his new team-mates.

Quick facts

• Nick Woltemade joined Juventus on loan late in the transfer window.
• Spalletti believes the former Newcastle player brings Premier League physicality and intensity.
• Juventus also added Pape Sarr during the final days of the window.
• Randal Kolo Muani has appeared to be Spalletti’s preferred centre-forward early in the season.
• Juventus had monitored Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee before moving for Woltemade.

Spalletti sees unusual qualities in Woltemade’s profile. He said the forward can receive possession with his back to goal, combine across the pitch and offer a direct outlet because of his physical frame and height.

That blend is not common among very tall attackers, Spalletti said. In his view, many players of that stature are primarily box finishers and less involved in combinations, whereas Woltemade can contribute in both areas.

Yet the coach wants the German to adapt those strengths to Juventus’s needs. Woltemade has often come towards the ball during his time in Germany and the Premier League, but Spalletti wants him to turn more of that involvement into threat near goal rather than operating chiefly as a roaming creator.

Competition for the central role will be strong. Kolo Muani has been favoured as the main No. 9 in the early part of the campaign, while Jonathan David was used as an attacking midfielder against Parma before leaving the club.

Woltemade’s comfort in possession could still give him a route into that deeper attacking space, although Spalletti’s comments point to a preference for developing him into a more specialised presence in the area.

Spalletti said he could help the new signing handle the pressure attached to playing for Juventus. He added that Woltemade’s recent Newcastle background offered a useful starting point, given the shared black-and-white colours, and said the club had been waiting for a player with his level and attributes.

The coach also believes the striker’s Premier League experience can raise Juventus’s standards. He highlighted the greater physical demands, speed and intensity of match situations in England, saying that importing some of those qualities would benefit the Italian side.

Juventus explored other attacking options before completing the move. Zirkzee was closely considered, but concerns grew over whether the Manchester United forward’s habit of dropping away from the front line suited Spalletti’s wish for a more orthodox focal point.

Spalletti said the club had to work within financial limits rather than meet every asking price. He described the late-window additions of Woltemade and Pape Sarr as evidence that Juventus had completed and adjusted the squad effectively.