Niclas Füllkrug is back in the Germany national team picture, and Jürgen Klopp has made it clear that the striker’s recent performances have made the decision an easy one.
The Werder Bremen forward has been in excellent form, finding different ways to score while also making a significant contribution to his team’s overall play. For Klopp, however, it is about more than simply putting the ball in the back of the net. Füllkrug brings experience, leadership, and a presence that can help bring the entire
group together.
Klopp explained why he decided to bring the veteran striker back into the fold.
“Fülle has performed very well during this period, scoring all kinds of goals – almost all of them spectacular, but in very different ways. He has had an incredible influence on Werder Bremen’s play, not just through his goals, but also through the way he conducts himself on the pitch. Of course, the experience he brings with him is a huge help in that regard. When you feel comfortable, when you feel at home, you can see what happens. He has that feeling of belonging that we generally want to give our players, even when we don’t have them together very often,” Klopp said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).
There is plenty to like about this explanation. Füllkrug offers Germany something different up front: a physical presence, excellent finishing ability, and the experience to handle difficult situations.
With Germany needing results in its upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Serbia and the Netherlands, having a striker in this kind of form could prove extremely valuable.
Klopp is clearly rewarding performance rather than reputation, and Füllkrug has given him plenty of reasons to make the call. Now, it is time to see whether he can translate his club form into international success.
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