Luciano Spalletti has welcomed Nick Woltemade to Juventus by comparing the striker to a Friesian horse he owns, before providing an unusually affectionate assessment of the similarities.
Woltemade joined Juventus on loan from Newcastle United on deadline day and has already impressed his new manager with his height, technical ability and personality.
Asked what type of horse the two-metre striker most resembled, Spalletti selected one with which he possesses considerable personal experience.
“I have a Friesian horse, he seems very similar to me,” Spalletti told Tuttosport.
“He is statuesque, he inspires a bit of fear from a physical point of view and then he is very sweet and lets himself be stroked and ridden.”
The final part appeared to refer primarily to the horse, although the structure of the comparison ensured Woltemade remained involved throughout.
Spalletti continued by explaining that the German had quickly formed positive relationships with his teammates, could protect the ball physically and had been smiling constantly since arriving in Turin.
The description was intended as genuine praise. Spalletti believes Woltemade possesses a rare combination of size and technique, allowing Juventus to play into his feet or use him as a more direct target.
He also identified areas requiring improvement, arguing that heading and finishing are skills the 24-year-old must learn thoroughly if he is to become a reliable goalscorer in Serie A.
It was a conventional assessment of a new centre-forward surrounded by considerably less conventional equestrian material.
Managers frequently compare powerful strikers to machines, battering rams or legendary forwards from the club’s past. Spalletti instead assessed Woltemade against an animal he personally feeds, strokes and occasionally rides.
The comparison nevertheless provided Juventus supporters with a detailed picture of their new signing. Woltemade is tall, physically intimidating, technically gifted, friendly and apparently capable of reminding his manager of home.
Most managers compare a new forward with another footballer.
Spalletti selected the largest and most affectionate member of his household.
