Grateful DFB Returning Pitcher Expresses Sincere Thanks to Nagelsmann
Germany Calls Up Niclas Füllkrug for Nations League Finals
Herzogenaurach - Striker Niclas Füllkrug expressed his gratitude to national team coach Julian Nagelsmann for nominating him for the Nations League finals, despite a challenging debut season marred by injuries in England. The West Ham United forward, who turns 33 next month, however, is not taking a starting spot in the semi-final against Portugal for granted.
"You have to look at the situation realistically," Füllkrug said in a press conference four days before the match in Munich. "The coach didn't invite me because I had the best season of my career. Rather, it's because I've always performed well here."
Füllkrug, who has scored 14 goals in 22 international games, last played and scored for the national team in the 5:0 win against Hungary in September 2021. After a prolonged Achilles tendon inflammation and a subsequent thigh injury, he managed to regain a certain level of fitness in the Premier League's final weeks, enabling him to play full 90-minute games.
"And I have some qualities that benefit any team," he said, citing his versatility as a key asset.
The recall of Füllkrug is also due to the offensive absences of Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, and particularly Gladbach's Tim Kleindienst, who shares similar strengths with Füllkrug. Despite their friendship, Füllkrug and newcomer Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart are now competitors for the central striker position.
As the German team is well-stocked with offensive players, diverse qualities are required. "And my qualities will certainly be needed at some point," Füllkrug added. Füllkrug's experience could give him an edge in the competition for the central striker position, given the absence of key players.
With several key players out due to injuries, Füllkrug's international experience could be a valuable asset for the German squad. Other potential competitors for the central striker position include returning figures like Serge Gnabry, although he is primarily a winger. Additionally, young players like Nick Woltemade might also be in the mix. The competition for the central striker role is likely to be fierce, but Füllkrug's international experience and performance could position him as a strong contender for the starting lineup.
"Füllkrug, despite his challenging debut season in England, believes his performance in European leagues justifies his recall for the nation's team, given the current injuries and absences in the German squad. He stated, 'I have some qualities that benefit any team,' implying his versatility could be a crucial factor."
"With the tournament approaching, Füllkrug, a regular goalscorer for the national team, sees this adversity as an opportunity to showcase his skills in sports like football, specifically the Nations League finals against Portugal, where he can compete against potential rivals like Serge Gnabry and young talents such as Nick Woltemade for the central striker position."
