We’re looking for a goal-scoring hero – the striker curse has been the one constant factor in the recent history of the club. With just one senior striker currently on the books, the man we are hoping to break the hoodoo is a certain giant German, Niclas Füllkrug.
The BFG’s Resurgence Under Potter
The BFG has been the media darling during all of the pre-season coverage with the former Dortmund man looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued opening season in Claret and Blue. With Michail Antonio currently trying to persuade Graham Potter to give him a new contract following his horror car crash last winter and Danny Ings now departed, Fullkrug will be given plenty of chances during pre-season to impress Potter. Noises coming out of the club suggest that the Hammers gaffer is liking what he is seeing so far from the German. An honest, no-nonsense character, Fullkrug looks like the quintessential cult-hero. The West Ham faithful have had something of a marmite like relationship with the 32-year-old. With fans often pining for future talent over experience, the German needed to hit the ground running, but due to fitness issues, which he openly acknowledged, Fullkrug struggled with the pace of the Premier League initially.
The Injury Setback and Promising Return
Following the departure of Julen Lopetegui, Potter’s first look at the BFG came at Villa Park in the FA Cup. As first impressions go, it was nearly perfect as he linked up perfectly with Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville and Lucas Paqueta. Just as it looked like we were onto a winner, on a cold January night, disaster struck as both Fullkrug and Summerville felt a pop in their hamstring and were forced to miss a large chunk of the season through injury. Our number 11 fought his way back to fitness thanks to some Dubai sunshine and the help of a vigorous fitness plan set by the physio team. Fullkrug returned to the fold towards the end of the season and contributed promisingly in the Potter system. Whilst he wasn’t rewarded with many goals with just one during the Potter era in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, his link-up play, and hard-working nature have often earned him praise from the management team.
Fitter, Leaner, and More Vocal
However, you feel as though the tide may be turning for the BFG, he has returned to camp in excellent condition losing 5kg in the off-season. He is looking more mobile, fitter and certainly one of the more vocal and positive members of the camp. Perhaps because he was surrounded by the German countryside he adores so much. I have really enjoyed his knowledgeable interviews during the off-season. He speaks with intelligence and self-awareness, not just when it comes to his own game, but the club as a whole. He acknowledged the difficulties the team endured last season with a lot of new arrivals, two managers with contrasting styles. As fans watching on, it felt at times the squad lacked an identity, so it is refreshing to hear a player speak on that with such honesty. The feel around the camp is much better and whilst there is still work to do in the transfer window, you feel the German international will play a huge role this season if the club are to succeed.
International Pedigree and Tactical Fit
It is hardly surprising to see Fullkrug speak in such a refreshing manner, our number 11 has always had to deal with adversity. A late bloomer in footballing terms, he had to wait until he was in his late twenties before receiving his first German call-up, becoming the oldest outfield player in 20-years in the process. He has since scored 14-goals in 24 appearances for his nation. You can question many things about him, but you cannot doubt that he has an international pedigree. One thing that will play into his favour is the fact that historically Potter has often preferred to play with experienced forwards. Glen Murray enjoyed playing under Potter as did Danny Welbeck, the former Brighton and Chelsea coach enjoys playing with a big target forward who can link in players out wide, which could prove perfect for Jarrod Bowen as the season goes on. Interestingly, the former Werder Bremen man name-checked Malick Diouf in a recent interview citing the Senegalese full-back’s crossing ability as something that excites him. That will be something to keep an eye on as the season goes on as when Fullkrug attacks a ball with his head, good things happen.
Leadership and Final Verdict
A final point that is worth noting is the lack of characters left at the club following the departures of Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings, Vlad Coufal and Lukas Fabianski. Fullkrug’s experience and leadership qualities are likely to prove valuable to Potter and his staff. He may just need to work on his delivery a little following his X-rated interview after the Southampton game, a moment that ironically really won over the West Ham faithful. I, for one, am all in on Fullkrug and hope he proves the doubters wrong, besides, anyone is better than “magic man” Callum Wilson.
Be the first to comment