Shearer amazed by MOTD footage of one West Ham star v Bournemouth – ‘Perfection’
West Ham battled to a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth, but there was a huge positive to take from the game.
Graham Potter’s side are now winless in their last four games, and facing an out-of-form Bournemouth provided them with the opportunity to end their streak.
However, they were pegged back by a brace from Bournemouth striker Evanilson, and West Ham had to settle for a point at home.
Goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen had otherwise given the Hammers the lead, and the first goal was particularly impressive.
Niclas Fullkrug goal v Bournemouth praised by Alan Shearer
Fullkrug has hardly featured since joining from Borussia Dortmund last summer, but the striker was able to feature off the bench again after a long-term injury.
The 32-year-old’s impact was magnificent, as he powered in a header to make it 1-1, and former England striker Alan Shearer has lauded his goal.
“He made the difference. When they brought him on in the 54th minute, within seven minutes he showed everything what he’s about,” he stated on Match of the Day.
| Stat | Niclas Fullkrug |
| Appearances | 13 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 1 |
“You have to get balls into the box, and that’s exactly what happened from the corner. It’s a wonderful header. He times the jump to perfection, the direction and the power he gets behind it.”
Shearer also praised Fullkrug’s all-round play, and his link-up play with Bowen.
“West Ham were a better team with him because they looked a little bit light up top in that first half, particularly with Bowen up there, but I think there’s a good understanding between those two, playing into each other,” he added.
“One was going long, one was going short, and he certainly posed a different threat to what they had in that first half.”
Niclas Fullkrug becomes West Ham super sub
Fullkrug built a strong reputation with the German national team at Euro 2024 as he came off the bench to score on several occasions. Kai Havertz was selected ahead of him, but Fullkrug’s impact in front of goal was better even as a substitute.
While he continues to build up his fitness, he can now play a similar role for West Ham. He offered a different profile to Bowen and Mohamed Kudus upfront, as a target man, and he gives Potter’s side a focal point and aerial threat.
Fullkrug’s ability in the air makes him a threat from set-pieces, and he can prove to be a very useful substitute in the coming weeks, giving West Ham an out-ball against tired legs.