Nick Woltemade scored his third goal for Juventus and provided an assist in a 2-2 Europa League draw with Rennes, earning praise from Italian media after being deployed in a new role.
The Germany international, Newcastle United's record signing, was used as a number 10 behind Kolo Muani and set up Zeki Celik within the first five minutes. He then converted a penalty in the 67th minute in front of a crowd of 41,554 at the Allianz Stadium.
Europa League form
The draw keeps Juventus in an automatic qualification position after three games. Woltemade is now joint top scorer in the Europa League this season with three goals.
After struggling to receive the ball from Anthony Gordon last season in the Champions League, most notably in the Qarabag match when Gordon scored four, Woltemade has been given more responsibility under Luciano Spalletti.
Mixed start in Serie A
Woltemade, who missed a big chance in the Serie A defeat to Lazio, said after the match: "We had to keep believing and fighting. We needed to turn the page after the Lazio game and find positive energy, especially tonight. We did everything we could to win, but it wasn't to be. Now we have to keep moving forward and working hard. We have quality players, and with this kind of energy, things will go well."
He was used in a front two in a 3-5-2 formation by Spalletti and had seven shots and four aerial wins. He could not score from open play, but it has been a mixed start for the loanee in Turin, struggling to make an impact in Serie A with limited game time.
Rave reviews
La Gazzetta dello Sport praised Woltemade, writing: "Woltemade didn't just score a penalty to make it 2-2 he also showed off all his qualities, demonstrating that he is completely at ease in the attacking midfield compared to when he is deployed as a centre forward. The through ball for Celik to put him through on goal was perfect, his lay-offs, defence of the ball (11 duels won out of 18, 4 of which were in the air), created chances (2) and solo attempts (6 shots): the former Newcastle player, in short, showed the best of his repertoire. He's a giant with good feet."
Woltemade also revealed he asked Muani to take the penalty, saying: "I asked him if I could take the penalty, and he said yes. We have the right energy and a lot of quality players."
He joined Juventus greats Darko Kovacevic (1999) and Roberto Baggio (1990) by scoring in his first three European matches for the club.
