German media were full of reaction after Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade produced another outstanding performance for his country, scoring twice in Germany’s crucial win over Luxembourg.
His brace helped Germany take a major step toward qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, and it continued an impressive run that has seen him score ten goals across club and international football this season.
He opened the scoring on Friday night and then added a second after the break, giving Germany enough control to secure the result they needed. Combined with Northern Ireland’s defeat to Slovakia, Germany are now guaranteed at least a play-off place.
For a player who was competing in Germany’s third tier not long ago, Woltemade’s rise has been remarkable. His form has made him one of the standout stories in German football, and many are now expecting him to lead the line for his country at the World Cup.
His progress shows no sign of slowing, and his latest display prompted strong reactions from the German press.
Most outlets focused on how crucial he was to the result. Several went as far as saying he practically rescued Germany on a night when the overall team performance was far from inspiring. Sky Sports Germany summed it up simply by writing that “Woltemade saves Germany.”
Sport used almost the exact same words, while NTV praised him as the match-winner again and questioned the contributions of the rest of the team. It was clear that while the result was not celebrated for its quality, Woltemade’s influence was undeniable.
Germany now head into a decisive match against Slovakia on Monday. A win will seal their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while Slovakia themselves could win Group A if they pull off an upset.
Woltemade has already scored key goals in this campaign, including a match-winner earlier in the season against Northern Ireland, and another positive performance could complete Germany’s journey to the tournament.
Although he has struggled at times recently for Newcastle, this international break may be exactly what he needs to return to the club with fresh confidence.
Away from the international spotlight, Newcastle United fans have been reacting to transfer rumours linking the club with AZ Alkmaar’s young midfielder Kees Smit.
The teenager is considered one of the brightest Dutch talents, and sources close to the club say Newcastle have genuine interest in signing him.
But supporters on social media are doubtful the club will actually get the deal done, especially with giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich also watching him closely.
This scepticism comes after a summer window in which Newcastle missed out on several major targets, leaving supporters frustrated. When Sky Sports revealed that AZ would be willing to sell Smit for around £22 million their record fee some fans felt the club might look elsewhere, possibly choosing a Premier League-proven player for a much higher price instead of taking a calculated risk on a rising star.
Others pointed out concerns about Newcastle’s track record with young signings, noting that too many have been loaned to clubs that did little for their development.
Still, Smit is an exciting prospect. He can play across midfield and on either wing, and he already has two goals and four assists in 19 games this season. He also played a major role in the Netherlands’ victory at the U19 European Championship, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
UEFA’s Technical Observer Group praised his dribbling, creativity and intelligence, comparing him to a young Kevin De Bruyne. They described him as a consistent force in midfield and highlighted his four goals during the run to the final, a remarkable output for such a young player.
Whether Newcastle will make a serious attempt to sign him remains to be seen, but there is no doubt he is one of the most promising talents available.
For now, the focus remains on Woltemade’s incredible progress on the international stage and the confidence he will hopefully bring back to St James’ Park as the season continues.
