Niclas Füllkrug says it is a “dream” to join a squad with as much attacking quality as West Ham has. Tellingly, the affable German was keen to point out that the players at Julen Lopetegui’s disposal are capable of achieving far more than last season’s ninth-place finish in the Premier League… and he’s right!
The former Dortmund striker clearly referenced last season’s finish, but there is no doubt that he is eager to get started.
In an in-house interview, Füllkrug spoke enthusiastically about his new teammates returning from training in the U.S. and about forming partnerships on the pitch. West Ham has clearly signed a motivated and hungry player who feels that his career only started to take off about four years ago.
The striker is excited to play for the Hammers’ new Spanish coach, with whom he has already spoken about his footballing philosophy and Füllkrug’s role within it.
“Lopetegui was important for me; his play style is important for me, and I need this to bring my best performance on the pitch. He knows that and will try to give me this.
“We have so much quality in this team, and when you see the players in the starting XI, they are of such great quality. If we work hard, be brave, and be patient, then we will have a very, very nice season and can surprise some other teams.”
That interview was really impressive. He came across extremely well, grounded, motivated and humble. Seems to have a great attitude, remembers his roots and is enthusiastic about wearing our shirt.
I like him a lot and I really hope he goes on to be a huge success for us.
He seems to be very passionate about the game and although he is a late bloomer, he has been an important player both for his previous club and for his country. That said, he offers something different in terms of attacking style and hopefully it all clicks. He already has high regard for his teammates and that is a good start.