West Ham United find themselves with a pleasant problem for once as the new Premier League season looms: a wealth of attacking options and competition for starting XI places. The arrival of German international Niclas Fullkrug from Borussia Dortmund has added a potent goal threat to the Hammers’ forward line, forcing a re-evaluation of the role of club stalwart Michail Antonio.
Fullkrug, known for his clinical finishing and intelligent movement, offers a different profile to the physicality and work rate of Antonio. The German’s ability to find space in the box and convert chances makes him a natural goalscorer, a quality West Ham have often sought in recent seasons.
However, Antonio’s contribution to the team extends beyond goals. His aerial prowess, hold-up play, and tireless pressing have been invaluable to the Hammers. His ability to disrupt opposition defenses and bring others into play is a facet of the game that Fullkrug may not replicate.
Manager Lopetegui faces a difficult decision. While Fullkrug’s goal-scoring record suggests he could be the focal point of the attack, Antonio’s experience and versatility make him a valuable asset. The possibility of deploying both players in certain formations cannot be ruled out.
Perhaps for the opening game of the season, there is a plausible case for why Fullkrug should be used as a substitute and to be slowly integrated into the side?
when lopetegui was sacked in the past it was down to one aspect of the performance
finishing
dominating possession and shots but not being able to convert chances, his strikers will get injured or their form would drop off a cliff, then there were the unreliable options who were inefficient up front turning wins into draws or worse
this is why fullkrug was such a critical target despite the price/age, also why duran was wanted and precisely the reason el-nesyri was never even considered
if ings can rediscover his finishing there may be a role for him, antonio will never be reliable in front of goal but what he does do is create space and opportunities for kudus/bowen
but fullkrug is definitely the golden boy up front this season, villa might be too early for him but he will prove critical this season
Ings has only ever been a good striker in one season for Southampton.Apart from that a below average PL stiker. He w eas unlucky at Liverpool and Burnley with injuries. Doesn’t add anything to the team. Get rid and keep Antonio,easy.
I’d love to see Fulkrug and Antonio start upfront together, reckon that could be lethal, hard to get them both in the ta though with bowen, kudus, summerville and paqueta, I’d love a 4-2-2-2 with paqeta and alvarez/Rodriguez cm, bowen and kudus/summerville on the wings an fulkrug and antonio up top
In the team*
How many goals were there in Fullkrug, Bowen, Kudus and Summerville last season ? It has to be in the seventies surely…