Niclas Fullkrug concern emerges already at West Ham United after transfer
Micah Richards is worried about how Niclas Fullkrug will work with Julen Lopetegui’s wingers at West Ham this season.
The Hammers signed the 31-year-old from Borussia Dortmund on a £27million deal [BBC Sport], with the striker impressing in short cameos at Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
With Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen likely to keep their spots in the starting XI despite several new signings, Richards is concerned that Fullkrug might struggle to fit in.
Speaking via The Rest is Football podcast on Wednesday (21 August), Richards said: “The only thing, I think from a tactical point of view, is that Fullkrug is similar to Antonio, in that they’re both number nines who can hold up the ball and get on crosses.
“But when you’ve got someone like Kudus or Paqueta moving at pace, and someone up front who isn’t the quickest, I don’t know how that dynamic is going to work moving forward. It would work if the wingers would work it wide and cross the ball in.
“Kudus often plays on the right and cuts onto his left, though, and Paqueta takes more touches before putting the ball in. It’s just about getting that balance right.”
Niclas Fullkrug to prove doubters wrong at West Ham United
Fullkrug can offer something very different up front for the Hammers than what Antonio has been providing over the last few seasons.
While the Jamaican is the top Premier League goalscorer in the club’s history, his recent injury record, mixed with the lack of options from the bench, a new striker was desperately needed.
Arriving this summer, the 31-year-old notched 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga last season, boasting a similar record of 16 goals and five assists in the previous campaign.
The Hammers have been without an out-and-out striker for far too long, especially when Antonio was sidelined with a knee injury for 17 matches, and now Lopetegui has multiple options.
New strikers often have to prove themselves to the fans after moving to the Premier League, and that will be no different for Fullkrug once the season gets into full flow.
The surrounding wingers will be excited to have such a big presence in the penalty area, waiting to pounce at any opportunity.
In other West Ham news, the hierarchy at the London Stadium has been hailed for new transfer developments after recent criticism.
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