by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Several factors have propelled Nick Woltemade into the spotlight with the German national team as the 2014 FIFA World Cup champion chases a place at the 2026 tournament.
Not only have his recent three goals attracted attention, but the 23-year-old has also become an inspiring figure for a side under pressure thanks to his laid-back outlook.
The Newcastle striker is the "Easy-One" in the German jersey, easing tensions ahead of Monday's World Cup qualification decider against Slovakia in Leipzig, with both teams on 12 points.
"In sports, there is always something at stake - points or qualifications. Competition is everywhere. What counts is determination and that you cross the line, no matter how," he said in recent interviews, while German media spoke of a team trapped in uncertainty despite a 2-0 victory over underdog Luxembourg.
The striker's progress with the Magpies provides a motivational boost after a hectic transfer summer and, as the forward called it, a crazy year that took him from Stuttgart's bench to the Premier League teams.
"The entire package inherited potential for tensions as I came on the last possible day. Then the money issue, the vast expectations. After all, Newcastle's top striker, Alexander Isak, had left," the German said.
He admitted to feeling "things fit, not only on the pitch, but on the human level" right away.
The German said two months in the Premier League have sparked unexpected progress, with him working in extra training sessions to catch up on "the more physical game" and his box performance.
"Several more pairs of eyes were on me, and I could hardly escape the excitement around me. In the end, I was happy about the smooth start and the trust Newcastle placed in me," the 2025 German Cup winner said.
Benefiting from his start in the UK, Woltemade's energy is welcome at a time when national coach Julian Nagelsmann is missing key players such as Arsenal's Kai Havertz and other traditional spearheads.
"He is much asked for," the German coach said, noting not only sporting reasons but also so-called soft factors.
Woltemade, meanwhile, is responding to the coach's demand for efficiency, while Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck and Bayern's Joshua Kimmich are doubtful for the Slovakia match due to injuries.
While Nagelsmann remains optimistic about Schlotterbeck, Kimmich's foot injury is raising concerns.
Pondering his lineup, the German coach emphasized Woltemade's determination.
He called his goals "essential," but added, "I much more cherish his fighting spirit. He deserves special praise for being one of our hardest-working players, always present in the game."
Woltemade takes the praise in his stride. "I don't feel pressure, but trust my efforts and skills. I stopped reading many media headlines. I guess that is one of the factors helping most." ■
