Oliver, Italian champion of ’99, on the new Rossoneri striker, German like him: “He’s a classic striker, strong in the head and in the blocks. A leader. But don’t ask him to lead the counterattack…”
Oliver Bierhoff promotes the arrival of Niclas Füllkrug at Milan. The former German striker, who won the 1998-99 scudetto as a great protagonist with Milan, is convinced that his compatriot’s characteristics will be very useful to Allegri. There isn’t another Füllkrug in the Rossoneri squad and Bierhoff is sure that in the attacking phase he will give the team danger on high balls, “weight” and experience.
Bierhoff, what kind of player is Füllkrug?
“A classic first striker, an old-fashioned center forward who can be very useful in a game system that includes a central striker who acts as a point of reference.”
What are its best features?
“The skill on the banks and the presence in the penalty area. When he is attempted with crosses from the flanks, he takes a lot of headers because he has timing and knows how to anticipate the direct marker. Technically he is good and never gives up.”
Let’s get to the weak points.
“He is not fast and should not be asked to attack depth or lead the counterattack.”
What’s it like in the locker room?
“He’s not afraid to raise his voice when necessary. He’s someone with character and experience, someone who his teammates listen to. In short, a leader.”
Why did he establish himself late in his career?
“He played a lot in the German second division, he scored, but he had some injuries that held him back. It was always clear that he had potential, but he showed it late. It can happen: not all forwards explode at a young age and there are those who need more experience to mature.”
In 2017-18 he scored 14 goals in the Bundesliga with Hannover, but he gave his best in 2021-22 at Werder Bremen and then at Borussia Dortmund.
“These were his best seasons: he played consistently in his role, that of center forward, and scored several goals.”
If Allegri wanted a first striker capable of creating spaces, making his presence felt and seeing the goal, he found it
From November 2022 Füllkrug was also called up by Germany, but she was no longer the team manager of the German national team.
“True, but I know him because since 2015 I have supervised all the German national teams and he was one of the talents of our Under 21 team: he didn’t immediately have the career and path we expected, but he had the potential and in the end it came out.”
His numbers with Germany aren’t bad: 14 goals in 24 appearances.
“In the national team he scored continuously because Füllkrug was what that team needed, that is, a point of reference in the area, a first striker of weight who was found by his teammates, good at verticalizing or crossing.”
The same type of player who now serves Milan as an alternative in the 3-5-2 to the starting pair of Leao and Pulisic.
“If Allegri wanted a first striker capable of creating spaces, making his presence felt and seeing the goal, he found it.”
However, in the last year and a half at West Ham it hasn’t gone well. Why?
“He had a couple of injuries that didn’t allow him to find his best physical condition and adapt to a league other than the German one. His value, however, is not in question.”
Can Füllkrug give an important boost to Milan eager to return to the Champions League and perhaps win the second star’s scudetto?
“I hope so because I continue to support my former team: I remained attached to Milan and I follow what happens in Italy. Serie A is very balanced and this is positive because it must return to being the second most important championship in Europe after the Premier League.”
Compared to last year, when the Rossoneri finished eighth, the difference is making… Allegri on the bench?
“He is a highly experienced coach who knows how to put the team on the pitch well and who has won a lot. I expected him to shake things up and bring back the right mentality.”
Despite his forty years, Modric also made a nice contribution.
“Everyone knows his class. What is surprising is the contribution he is continuously making even when recovering the ball. Playing one game a week makes the difference.”
Next year, if he stays and Milan qualify for the Champions League, the Croatian will have to be dosed.
“I hope it happens. I don’t like seeing the Champions League without Milan. A club like this should always be a protagonist in Europe.”
