Woltemade departs and starts the U-21 European Championship project

Nagelsmann praises his debutant
During his first taster session with the senior national team, Nick Woltemade was immediately included in the starting eleven, but his stay has now ended prematurely. The Stuttgart striker will leave early following the 2-1 defeat to Portugal and join the U21 national team.
Debut and departure: Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade. IMAGO/Eibner
Even before this summer's tournament, it was clear that the 23-year-old VfB Stuttgart's newly promoted player would compete in both the Final Four and the U21 European Championship in Slovakia (June 11-28). Following the semifinal exit in Munich, national coach Julian Nagelsmann announced on Wednesday evening shortly before midnight: "Nick will now go directly to the U21s. This was already discussed with Antonio di Salvo in case we don't reach the final."
"Nick will play more international matches"Woltemade's first stint with the senior national team thus ended in defeat, and prematurely – but still not disappointing from a personal perspective. "For his first game," the national coach attests, "he did a decent job. That was absolutely fine." It could have even been more than "fine." After 19 minutes, he had a great chance to take the lead after a pass from Aleksandar Pavlovic, but was denied by Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Woltemade didn't quite manage to score in the remainder of the game until his substitution, but he consistently held his own in direct duels – thus confirming the impression he had already made on and off the pitch during his first few days of training in Herzogenaurach. "Nick isn't particularly shy, but he has a healthy sense of humility," said Nagelsmann. "He's a good guy who makes a good impression, is very comfortable in the team, and also trains well."
Nagelsmann decided from the comfort of the Allianz Arena that his early departure would be followed by further call-ups and opportunities for his team. "Nick has now logged his first 60 minutes, will now play in the U21 European Championship, and will certainly make more senior international appearances."
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