Jürgen Klopp has called up 33-year-old Niclas Füllkrug for Germany’s upcoming Nations League matches, ending an absence from the national team that stretched nearly 18 months. The Werder Bremen striker will travel to Belgrade for the Nov. 13 match against Serbia and then to Berlin for the Nov. 16 fixture against the Netherlands, welt.de reported.
The decision puts Germany’s leading Bundesliga scorer back in the squad at a moment when goals are scarce and the stakes are immediate. No striker scored in Klopp’s first four matches in charge, and the team needs wins in both upcoming fixtures to avoid relegation from the Nations League’s top division.
Füllkrug Leads Bundesliga Scoring With Nine Goals in Eight Games
Füllkrug’s form this season has been difficult to ignore. After eight matchdays, he tops the Bundesliga scoring chart with nine goals and added two more in the DFB-Pokal against Borussia Dortmund, a match in which he scored the stoppage-time equalizer in a 2-2 draw, isidaily.com reported. He has not missed a game to injury this season.
His recent run also matched a club-era benchmark: he scored in seven consecutive Werder Bremen matches, equaling the record Rudi Völler set in the 1982-83 Bundesliga season. Across his international career, Füllkrug has 14 goals in 24 appearances.
🚨🇩🇪 Klopp names Germany squad — Mohya in, Füllkrug returns! 🌟 Jürgen Klopp has selected his squad for November’s Nations League games, handing 17-year-old Wael Mohya his FIRST senior call-up! 🔙 Niclas Füllkrug returns, while Jonathan Burkardt misses out and Paris Brunner… pic.twitter.com/F3ygv5NF2v
Record international Lothar Matthäus, writing in his Sky column, described a Füllkrug call-up as nearly unavoidable, welt.de reported.
What Klopp’s Decision Signals to the Squad
The nomination sends three messages, according to welt.de. First, merit outweighs age: Klopp is rewarding current form rather than planning only for the future. Second, the present matters more than Euro 2028 in the United Kingdom; short-term results take priority. Third, Klopp’s system can accommodate different profiles, even a striker who is not the fastest in the squad.
That flexibility matters for a Germany side still rebuilding after its World Cup exit under predecessor Julian Nagelsmann. While Klopp continues to favor younger players in the long-term rebuild, experience and reliability can still help now. The choice is not between prospects and Füllkrug; it is both, welt.de reported.
A Return After Nearly a Year and a Half Out
Füllkrug last appeared for Germany roughly 18 months ago. His return follows a Euro 2024 tournament in which he showed he fits the national team’s character, leading by example and identifying strongly with the shirt. He remains popular with teammates and fans alike, and his presence could add variety to Germany’s attack. His heading ability and instinct in the penalty area make him useful against deep-lying opponents, whether starting or coming off the bench.
At Euro 2028, Füllkrug would be 35. But age is not the deciding factor now: the best German players in current form should be playing, welt.de reported.
Belgrade and Berlin: Avoiding Relegation
Germany’s first task is Serbia in Belgrade on Nov. 13, followed by the Netherlands in Berlin on Nov. 16. With no striker having scored in Klopp’s opening four internationals, and only Kai Havertz of Arsenal appearing secure in the attack, the call-up addresses the most pressing need in the squad. Wins in both matches are required to keep Germany in the Nations League’s top tier.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the Nov. 13 match in Belgrade.
Questions Readers Are Asking
Does this change Germany’s plans for Euro 2028? welt.de reports that Klopp’s decision signals the present counts more than long-term planning, but he is still expected to continue rebuilding with younger players after the World Cup failure.
How does Füllkrug fit into Klopp’s system despite not being a perfect stylistic match at first glance? Though not the fastest striker, his goals, assists, experience and commitment are compatible with any system, and his physical presence adds a different option against defensive teams.
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