Malick Thiaw and Nick Woltemade endure contrasting Sunday night for Germany
Malick Thiaw has made it two starts and two clean sheets for Germany over the last four days, enjoying another impressive night in the UEFA Nations League under new head coach Jurgen Klopp.
It was a contrasting evening for the Newcastle United contingent, though, with Thiaw continuing to strengthen his international credentials while Nick Woltemade was left frustrated once again.
Thiaw takes his chance
The 25-year-old centre-back made his first start under Klopp in Thursday night’s 2-0 win over Serbia at the Allianz Arena, and was trusted to start again away to Greece on Sunday.
Thiaw played the full 90 minutes in both games, helping Germany keep back-to-back clean sheets, and came away as one of the standout performers in Thessaloniki last night.
German reporter Michel Christopher was also impressed, posting on X during the game: “Malick Thiaw is also really performing well in the duel in Greece, playing calmly. He has won four of his five duels, his build-up play has quality. Has developed wonderfully in the past years.”
The former AC Milan defender looks to have taken his opportunity with both hands and, he'll be hoping to start their next two Nations League games against the Netherlands and Serbia next month.
Another frustrating night for Big Nick
It was another frustrating evening for Nick Woltemade, who was dropped to the bench by Klopp after starting in the win over Serbia.
Big Nick was introduced for the final 27 minutes in Greece, but couldn’t make the desired impact as Germany were held to a goalless draw.
The Juventus man missed two big chances in Thursday’s 2-0 victory, including a glaring opportunity from close range, and his displays at club level have also come under scrutiny from the Italian media and pundits.
Questions have been raised about whether Woltemade is the answer for Juventus following last month's loan move, and whether he is suited to playing as a number nine.
A frustrating international break for the big man, while Thiaw can return to Tyneside with his stock arguably higher than when he left.
