Niclas Füllkrug’s arrival at West Ham presents both an exciting opportunity and a tactical challenge for manager Julen Lopetegui. The German striker’s proven goal-scoring ability is undoubtedly a welcome addition to the squad, but his integration into the team’s playing style will be crucial to his success.
The potential for a classic number nine role, reliant on crosses and set-pieces, aligns with West Ham’s traditional style of play. However, Lopetegui’s recent emphasis on possession-based football raises questions about how Füllkrug will fit into this evolving system. It would appear the wide-men will be more inverted than traditional wingers and therefore, the supply line for The big German will have to come from fullbacks.
This makes the signing of a new right back critical because it would appear that dear old Vladimir Coufal will struggle within the new system. So it has become crucial that West Ham can resolve the stalemate with Manchester United over the transfer of Aaron Wan-Bissaka if Fullkrug is to operate at his full potential.
The manager’s tactical flexibility will be key to maximising Füllkrug’s impact. Employing inverted wingers or playing a more direct style could accommodate the striker’s strengths. Ultimately, the success of this partnership will depend on how well Füllkrug adapts to the Premier League and how Lopetegui evolves his tactics to accommodate the German forward.
I suspect West Ham fans will take well to Füllkrug and he could become something of a cult hero like some of the club’s iconic strikers of the past.
But Wan-Bissaka is brilliant defensively but not great going forward? Coufal is a far better attcking full back
Came here to say the same!
I think this article is nonsense. But more importantly I don’t know what Coufal has done to deserve the abuse you are giving him.
Cougal is a and still is a great player imo …works hard every game..loves tye club ..so I agree what’s he done wrong…home a bisakka as rb in the squad is perfect
Coufal …him, I meant, obviously
The majority of articles on this website are nonsense… articles made out of nothing, lenghty articles all around 1 small quote taken out of context etc. All just clickbait so they can get advertising rev.
Bingo
Yep agreed, he’s not known for his crossing ability.
But then we have Jarrod Bowen on the right flank going forward, which is his preferred position!
WHAT??!!!!!!!
Behave CB, that would mean a little time spent researching.
172 appearances for United, 302 crosses, with a cross accuracy of 19%.
Well documented that AWB is one of the best around defensively but enjoys crosses about as much as Dracula.
Wan Bissaker might be better defensively against top six teams or more attacking teams. Not sure he fits lopetegui system. I think we’re in for him because of his agent will Salthouse. I think Coufal can play a more attacking wing back game.
I think awb is the most important signing if we can get him….personally I would just pay the extra within reason obviously, before someone else does ..he will make a big difference..sp they need to just get it done imo…..I know its only a year left but it’s a steal at that price ..IMO
I would buy wan bissaka and Walker-peters as walker-peters can also play left back !
You haven’t got a clue, Simon, and very dismissive and condescending when it comes to Coufal.
You add nothing of worth so why bother?
This is a much stronger squad than before. Expect a lot of rotation across midfield and up front.
Unfortunately Coufal has been made to look poor because there was no help from poor centre backs just like Thilo Kehrer was when he played full back (although why he wasn’t played as as a defensive midfielder I could never understand) I think if we drop Alvarez or Rodrigues to centre back that would help Vlad to get forwar
Coufal is a great crosser of the ball! Not sure Wan Bissaka has ever been that!
Not saying one is better than the other but suggesting Coufal is not going to provide us a benefit going forward or in the team at all is crazy. The guy looks like he would die for the shirt and has rarely put a foot wrong, love the guy!
Up the Irons and up the Coufal!
Disagree, I like coufal for his effort and commitment, but he is prone to being beaten for pace and him and soucek are both terrible at playing out from the back, he’s crossing has got better, but I feel he has been targeted by prem teams because of previously mentioned problems..
Need 2 r/bks to cover injury/suspension, keep Coufal (not likely to sign 2 new r/bks).
Arnau Martinez (suggested on other site), 21, has good references, plays r/bk and c/bk.
Who says he doesn’t have ability to get forward?
Need to refrain from signing any more aged 30+ players as this contradicts new policy.
Experienced players needed, yes, but within reason.