Niclas Fullkrug stuns vs Bournemouth after ‘hell of a time’ at West Ham – ‘Wow’
Niclas Füllkrug came off the bench to score a his first at the London Stadium and help West Ham to a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth, with the striker’s goal leaving Kris Boyd wowed.
The German international’s rhythm in East London has been plagued by injuries since his arrival at West Ham last summer, in a deal worth approximately £27.5million from Borussia Dortmund [Sky Sports].
As a result, Füllkrug has managed just 413 minutes across his 10 Premier League appearances, and struggled to create the impact many believed he would being a proven goalscorer during his time in Germany.
However, the return of the 32-year-old provided a much needed boost against Wolves last time out despite the result, with Füllkrug now looking to find consistent game time between now and the end of the season.
Füllkrug draws West Ham level against Bournemouth
He helped turn the game back towards the Hammers against the Cherries just minutes after coming on, providing exactly the sort of aerial impact he was signed for originally to power one past Kepa Arrizabalaga just past the hour and cancel out Evanilson’s opener.
It appeared his effect had sparked a comeback victory when Jarrod Bowen quickly put Graham Potter’s men ahead, but Evanlison netted a second late on to share the points.
Speaking live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (5 April), Boyd said: “What a header this is. It’s a great corner kick from [James] Ward-Prowse. Füllkrug has just come on the pitch. He’s made made three substitutions, Graham Potter…
“He just goes and attacks it, wow what a powerful header that is. Gives Kepa absolutely no chance.”
Boyd went onto explain how West Ham had “nothing to hit up front” before the German’s arrival, and this sort of goal was “100%” what he was bought to provide.
Boyd then added: “Take nothing away from Füllkrug, he’s had one hell of a time with injuries and stuff like that, but what a header that is.”
| Füllkrug stats for West Ham 24/25 |
| Games – 12 |
| Goals – 3 |
| Assists – 1 |
Füllkrug to provide West Ham with more goals if he can stay fit
Football Insider verdict
The forward’s header during West Ham’s draw against Bournemouth showed the qualities that Füllkrug can bring to Potter’s system when fit.
He provides another dimension to the Hammers’ attack acting as the focal point to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into the game, while also having an eye for goal.
Füllkrug also allows captain Bowen to play in his more natural position, which is something Potter has been unable to do in the absence of both recognised strikers and January signing Evan Ferguson yet to settle at the club.
The aim for Potter now is to build on the momentum and confidence Füllkrug would have gained from getting his name on the scoresheet.
West Ham sit 15 points above the drop with only eight games remaining, so barring any late collapse, they will be safe from relegation.
This will hopefully see Potter be brave in his team selection going forward and experiment with the attacking talent he has at his disposal.