Nick Woltemade Remains with Senior Team After Debut, Skips U21s for Third-Place Match
Nagelsmann abandons initial strategy involving Sturmer and Woltemade
In the aftermath of Germany's 1:2 loss to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, the spotlight shone on Stuttgart's striker, Nick Woltemade. Despite the initial plan to send him to the U21s following the Nations League, a change of plans was in order.
Post-match discussions within the DFB resulted in the decision for Woltemade to stick around with the senior team. Initially, it was announced that "we will probably send him to the U21s"[1], but the young gun will now stay with the senior team until they face Spain or France in the third-place match in Stuttgart on Sunday. By remaining, Woltemade will have the opportunity to contribute to a positive season finale.
The U21 squad, which is preparing for their EM tournament from June 11-28 in Slovakia, could benefit from Woltemade’s performance-driven leadership[2]. The senior team's third-place match offers a home advantage for the talented striker.
Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, had to contend with the absences of key offensive players like Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, and Tim Kleindienst during the UEFA Nations League finals[2]. Meanwhile, the U21 team returns from a secret final EM test match against Finland on June 10, providing two free days before departing for Slovakia[2]. During this hiatus, Woltemade can continue to hone his skills with the senior team.
During his debut with the A-team against Portugal, Woltemade encountered challenges as a central striker, but he hardly disappointed. In the 19th minute, he had a golden opportunity, lining up for the 1:0. Portugal's keeper, Diogo Costa, saved his shot[1]. Nagelsmann acknowledged that, "His first game was okay," and expressed understanding of the expectations for a young player making his A-team debut[1]. Woltemade handled the first 60 minutes with aplomb, serving as a valuable addition to the senior team.
Sources:1. ntv.de, tno/dpa2. EUFA.com
- DFB
- Football National Team
- Julian Nagelsmann
- UEFA Nations League
- UM21 Euro
The DFB has updated their employment policy, choosing to keep Nick Woltemade with the Football National Team for the third-place match instead of sending him to the U21s. Meanwhile, the U21 squad, preparing for the UM21 Euro, could potentially benefit from Woltemade's leadership, demonstrated during sports events such as football, including his recent debut in the UEFA Nations League.
