German striker Nick Woltemade is experiencing a bruising reality check. Just a year ago, the 24-year-old was on top of the world after a sensational €75 million move to Premier League side Newcastle United and a breakout run with the German national team.
Now, his career has hit a significant roadblock. Despite a fresh start and a loan move to Serie A giants Juventus, Woltemade has spent most of 2026 out of form. His recent performances during the international break have only intensified the spotlight on his struggles.
The Klopp Gamble That Failed to Pay Off
Germany's new head coach, Jürgen Klopp, threw Woltemade a lifeline by naming him to his latest squad. It was a clear vote of confidence, especially since the forward has barely made an impact during his loan spell at Juventus.
However, Woltemade failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Whether starting against Serbia (a 2-0 win) or coming off the bench against Greece (a 0-0 draw), he looked isolated and out of rhythm. To fans and pundits alike, the striker played like an outsider who has yet to find his footing in Klopp’s system.
Mario Basler's Brutal Verdict
The disappointing performances have drawn sharp criticism back home. Former German international and Euro 1996 winner Mario Basler did not hold back on his podcast, Basler ballert. Basler made it clear that he would drop the Juventus loanee for the upcoming international fixtures in November.
"In his current state, Woltemade is simply not an option for the national team," Basler stated bluntly.
Instead of persisting with the struggling 24-year-old, Basler urged Klopp to look elsewhere. He pointed to Frankfurt’s in-form forward Jonathan Burkardt as a logical replacement to lead the line, provided he remains injury-free. Basler also voiced support for Stuttgart's Deniz Undav, noting his sharp instincts inside the penalty box.
What This Means for Germany's Attack
Woltemade’s dramatic dip in form highlights a much larger issue for Germany. The country has struggled to produce elite, reliable center-forwards in recent years. As Basler noted, Germany is facing a genuine "offensive problem" that requires urgent tactical solutions ahead of future tournaments.
For Woltemade, the road back to the top starts in Turin. If he cannot rediscover his goal-scoring touch at Juventus soon, his dream of leading Germany's frontline under Jürgen Klopp could quickly slip away.
