Senior Pro Already Leading By Example

One of the advantages of recruiting senior pro’s to the West Ham United squad is that we now have several ‘leaders’ on the pitch: A quality seemingly lacking last year during several well-documented cave-ins when we shipped four or more goals.

Leading by example is just as important to the whole squad, the youngsters sat on the bench and even to the supporters, who will buy-in to the team’s development and be more tolerant of ‘bumps’ along the way if they sense that players are putting their heart and soul into training and playing for West Ham.

Assisting newly appointed club  captain Jarrod Bowen will be a whole tranche of experienced players, who will be required to stand up and show the way when times get tough this new season, especially in the early stages when players and Head Coach alike will be ‘feeling their way’ into games.

None exemplifies this attitude better than Niclas Fullkrug who joined this window from Bundesliga side Borossia Dortmund. As a seasoned professional who has played in several tiers of the Bundesliga as well as in Internationals, Fullkrug can count Vice-Chair Karren Brady amongst his many admirers. Writing in The Sun, Brady commented:

I was really impressed with Niclas Fullkrug — our new striker signed from Borussia Dortmund.

As soon as he stepped off the plane from Germany he asked: “Where can I train? Because I don’t like to miss a single day.” 

A brilliant attitude to start a Hammers’ career, and a role model for the many youngsters in, and around the Irons’ first team. His diligent attitude to training should hopefully see him remain fit for the whole campaign ( and the four years of his contract).

Fullkrug will be used today, of that we are sure: It really depends how Lopetegui decides to combine him and Antonio as to whether he is an impact sub or a starter. Either way, he’s already winning over many admirers before he has even kicked a ball competitively.