Nick Woltemade to Lead Germany’s Attack Against Luxembourg

WOLFSBURG, Germany — Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann has identified major offensive issues in the DFB-Elf ahead of their critical World Cup qualifying match against Luxembourg scheduled for Friday at 8:45 p.m. local time. He aims to solve these challenges with the help of Nick Woltemade, formerly of VfB Stuttgart.

Woltemade has experienced a whirlwind year, featuring in the U21 European Championship final, making his senior debut for the national team, attempting a transfer to Bayern Munich, and ultimately signing with Newcastle United. As the DFB team prepares for its final qualifying matches against Luxembourg and Slovakia, Woltemade’s trajectory is set to take another significant turn.

Nagelsmann stated, “We need to become more dangerous!” He emphasized the urgency for improvement in the attacking play, particularly addressing Woltemade, who has quickly become the top striker in the squad. “He is very much in demand with us,” Nagelsmann added, noting Woltemade’s rapid rise from the U21 team to becoming a key player.

Woltemade’s ascendance has been partly attributed to injuries plaguing players like Kai Havertz, Tim Kleindienst, and Niclas Füllkrug. Unlike many, Woltemade has adapted quickly to the challenges of playing in the Premier League, scoring six goals in 14 matches for Newcastle, in contrast to Florian Wirtz, who is still seeking his first Premier League goal.

Woltemade pointed out that comparing himself to Wirtz is unfair, praising the former Bayer Leverkusen player’s contributions while highlighting his own scoring opportunities. “I probably find myself in the right position three or four times, receive the ball, and score. He, on the other hand, is very active in the game with many touches and good actions,” Woltemade explained.

Nagelsmann also acknowledged a lack of traditional wingers in the squad. He expressed concerns about the absence of players who thrive on the flanks and can effectively cut inside. “We don’t have many classic wingers who feel comfortable with the ball at their feet,” he noted.

To address the offensive shortfall, Nagelsmann has granted a last chance to Leroy Sané and nominated teenagers Said El Mala and Assan Ouédraogo for the squad with an eye on the World Cup. Furthermore, Nagelsmann has his eyes on talent like Lennart Karl and Nicolò Tresoldi.

Woltemade’s pivotal role was evident when he scored his first national team goal against Northern Ireland in October, using an unorthodox shoulder shot. Following a victory in the DFB Pokal final in May 2025, he displayed sportsmanship by congratulating the losing team on their strong season.

With the DFB team still seeking qualification for the World Cup, two wins against Luxembourg and Slovakia would secure a top position in Group A and an automatic ticket to the tournament in 2026 hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.