'Now I'm at the top': Delighted Nick Woltemade's comments after sending Germany on their way to World Cup 2026
Yes, we're talking about Nick Woltemade again. The Newcastle United striker is about the only thing worth talking about right now, thanks to the international break, and it's all positive, so why not?
Newcastle's record signing has already won over the Toon Army thanks to his six goals already this season, and now, after a slow start to life as a full German international, four goals in his last three games have convinced everyone else, too.
Woltemade was thrust into the spotlight due to a few injuries to Germany's usual forwards, in particular Kai Havertz, but the 23-year-old, fresh from picking up the Golden Boot for Germany Under 21s in the summer at the European Championships, has stepped up to the plate brilliantly.
Considering hardly anybody had heard of Nick Woltemade before the start of last season, there aren't many football fans now who aren't aware of the giant German.
Nick Woltemade says it has been an emotional year
Speaking after Germany's 6-0 win over Slovakia last night (h/t The Mag), which assured Germany of their place in next year's World Cup, Woltemade spoke of his relief at getting the job done and his personal pride at being involved in Germany's World Cup campaign.
“That was a really strong team performance from start to finish, we didn’t let up for a second.
“We were creative, we were on the front foot, and I think it must’ve been a great game to watch.
“Personally, I’m just feeling relieved right now.
“I saw Josh [Kimmich] with the chance to cross, no one was marking me, the ball came in nicely and I was able to finish it off.
“It’s been an emotional year for me. It’s always an honour to play for Germany – I came through all the youth teams, and now I’m at the top, going to the World Cup.
“I think we showed the level of quality we have today – and it was great fun out there.”
Nick Woltemade seems confident he'll be heading to the USA next year
That sounds like Mr Woltemade is very confident he'll still be in and around the international set-up come next year's World Cup, even if all of Julian Nagelsmann's first-choice striking options are fit and available.
Indeed, it's probably fair to say that after the last few games, Woltemade may now be Nagelsmann's number one choice anyway.
We'd certainly take Woltemade over any other striker out there, except maybe Erling Haaland, but we don't count him because he's simply not human.
