Germany has been looking for the next Klose or Gomez

For decades, Germany has been looking for the next Klose or Gomez. This country, which is known for cultivating young geniuses, has always been unable to find a stable center.

Beyond the "Fantastic Four" of Phil Kruger, Onduff, Kleindinster and Burkat, a new star has risen. He may end this long search and put on the national team's No. 9 jersey. He is Nick Waltermad.

From being disliked to being "very fragrant", fans called him "Walter Messi"

When the 22-year-old striker joined Stuttgart from Bremen (only three goals in 50 games), fans opposed the signing. After all, there are already shining names such as Ondav, Dmirovic and Gilasi in the team. After Bremen's bleak 2023/24 season (1 goal in 30 games), his potential still seems to have not been fully realized.

But don't forget that when he was loaned to the third-level team Elversburg in the 2022/23 season, his performance of 17 goals and 12 assists attracted the attention of the Bundesliga. With the contract with Bremen expired in the summer of 2024, Waltermad, trapped in an unstable situation, rejected Hertha Berlin and chose Stuttgart, who is about to compete in the Champions League.

At first he could only play as a substitute, and only played 61 minutes in the first 10 league games, five of which were left alone on the bench. However, when Ondav and Gilasi were injured one after another, coach Sebastian Heness gave him a chance.

Subsidiary Stranger turned into a thigh and made a stunning splash. Waltermad entered the starting lineup in one fell swoop, scoring consecutive goals in the German Cup against low-level teams and key Bundesliga matches. In the end, the league handed over a report card with 12 goals and 2 assists. In the German Cup, he set a unique record: he must score goals (5 goals and 1 assist).

His goal against Bielefeld in the final helped Stuttgart win his first championship trophy since 1997. However, due to tactical considerations, he unfortunately lost to Stuttgart's Champions League registration list. After the end of the season, national team coach Nagelsmann recruited him into the adult national team to participate in the UEFA Nations League final. Nowadays, giants such as Arsenal, Chelsea, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Roma have all shown interest in him.

Stuttgart fans' original doubts have long disappeared, replaced by the viral nickname "Walter Messi". This not only reflects the skillful and clumsy dribbles under his 198cm tall body, but also expresses the fans' love.

Youth European Cup is the king, and you won 8 goals in three games!

Since he defeated Estonia 10-1 for the German youth team in September 2024, he has contributed goals or assists every game. In this U21 European Cup, he was even more unstoppable:

opener against Slovenia, and he scored a hat trick!

vs. Czech Republic, 1 goal and 2 assists!

quarterfinals against Italy, 1 goal and 1 assist!

Currently, he ranks first in the scorer list of this event (5 goals) and first in the assist list (3 times).

In 16 youth national team appearances, he has contributed 12 goals and 10 assists. At 3 a.m. on June 26 (21 a.m. on June 25, Central European Time), he will strive to continue this hot state in the semi-final match against France!