Hoeneß prepared to turn to in-form Woltemade against Bochum: “Super exciting!”

Speaking at his pre-match presser, VfB Stuttgart trainer Sebastian Hoeneß dropped strong hints that he may be preparing to give Nick Woltemade an audition in this weekend’s fixture against Bochum. 

As VfB Stuttgart enter this weekend’s Bundesliga fixture carrying a long list of injuries, trainer Sebastian Hoeneß may be preparing to lend Germany U21 international Nick Woltemade his first start of the season. In addition to a long list of players unavailable in attack, Hoeneß may be without midfield talisman Angelo Stiller. In a not unprecedented move, winger Enzo Millot might have to be moved back to pair with Enzo Millot at six.

All of this presumably opens up the door for 22-year-old Nick Woltemade. The German youth international has not yet started in the league since joining Stuttgart from Bremen this past offseason. Woltemade has scored in both of his starts in Germany’s domestic cup and also netted his first VfB league goal off the bench in the last Bundesliga round before the international break.

Woltemade returns from his tour of international duty with the German U21s in excellent form, having registered an assist in both a 3-0 win over Denmark and a 2-2 draw with France. Hoeneß and his staff – as evidenced by Woltemade’s omission from the Champions’ League squad – have had their issues with the youngster’s ability on the ball. Speaking at his pre-match presser, the VfB trainer seemed to suggest that would be set aside. 

“We’ve been working with him and he’s been open [to coaching],” Hoeneß said, “He’s fantastic at scoring goals. His stature and footballing abilities are why we wanted him. He’s a super exciting player. I hope he comes into the next match with confidence.”