Niclas Fullkrug came to West Ham United int he summer to challenge Michail Antonio for his place.
It hasn’t quite worked out that way though, for either Niclas Fullkrug or Michail Antonio.
The German’s debut campaign with West Ham has been a real struggle to say the least, due to two separate serious injuries.
However, Niclas Fullkrug returned to action for West Ham against Wolves on Tuesday night, and he was our best player.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
The final six or seven weeks of the season will be crucial for Fullkrug.
With Antonio still out injured and Evan Ferguson failing to fire, the centre-forward position is the German’s to nail down now.
Incredible thing Niclas Fullkrug did after Michail Antonio’s accident
Back in December, Antonio was involved in a horrific road traffic accident.
The news stunned and saddened not only those involved with West Ham, but the entire footballing community.
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And it seems like Fullkrug in particular was really affected by Antonio’s car crash.
According to the Athletic, the former Borussia Dortmund man has formed a really close bond with the Jamaica international:
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
“Fullkrug was inconsolable when he found out the Jamaica international was involved in a serious accident. He had only known the forward for a short amount of time but deeply cared about his well-being. It is the side of Fullkrug that has made him a popular figure at Rush Green.“
That is absolute class from the big German.
Now West Ham have an easy Niclas Fullkrug decision to make
It could be argued that the 32-year-old would have been a huge hit with the Hammers this season, had he not suffered the injuries that have kept him out of action for around five months in total.
He certainly has the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League.
What I love most about Niclas Fullkrug is that he is a leader and he possesses real character – something that we’re bereft of at West Ham right now.
The Hammers need to keep the Germany international at the London Stadium beyond the end of the summer transfer window.
His reaction to Antonio’s injury proves just how much he cares, and we need people like that at the club.