Niclas Fullkrug is missing puzzle piece at West Ham United after early trouble
Niclas Fullkrug will prove his doubters wrong at West Ham United after an injury-ravaged start to his time in England.
The German international was signed over the summer and was expected to provide a dangerous attacking outlet, but was snubbed for Michail Antonio by Julen Lopetegui and then suffered a nasty Achilles issue which has since kept him out of action.
There have also been worries in the past few days about a calf problem, which needs further assessment ahead of a decision on surgery which would prolong his absence from the squad.
But his time on the sidelines will motivate him, having thrived in the recent years of his career as a late bloomer, and will consequently be equipped to maintain the mindset that it is never too late to prove his worth.
According to SportBILD [11 October], the Hammers are looking to slowly reintegrate Fullkrug after this international break.
West Ham United to reap rewards of faith in Niclas Fullkrug
West Ham signed Fullkrug with a long-term vision in mind. He may be 31, but compared to other strikers in Lopetegui’s arsenal, he is a younger option.
Antonio ran the show against Ipswich and rubber-stamped himself further minutes, but the regularity of these performance levels will continue to diminish with both he and Danny Ings, 32, likely to leave for free next summer.
There is little depth beyond the trio as central strikers – Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth was linked in the summer and these reports have resurfaced [Sunday Mirror, 13 October], but Atletico are unlikely to entertain talks anytime soon having only signed the Norwegian from Villarreal in the last window.
Fullkrug’s goalscoring record when fit speaks for itself. A goal in every two Bundesliga games for Werder Bremen first earned him his recognition for Germany, bagging 14 in 22 full caps for his nation. Another 12 in 29 league matches for a club with the magnitude of Borussia Dortmund further glitters his CV.
The rough diamond emits the aura of a throwback striker who could really wreak havoc in the Premier League. The Hammers must offer him the patience to be repaid through goals, assists and link-up play alongside an impressive array of creative talent already at their disposal.
In other West Ham news, the Greek media have reacted to Konstantinos Mavropanos’ performance v the Republic of Ireland.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.