Germany legend Lothar Matthäus has publicly urged national team coach Jürgen Klopp to select Werder Bremen striker Niclas Füllkrug for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. Matthäus’s call comes as Klopp prepares to announce his squad on Thursday, with Füllkrug currently in spectacular form in the Bundesliga.
Füllkrug has been a standout performer since his return to Germany on loan from West Ham United in the summer. The forward currently leads the Bundesliga scoring charts with an impressive nine goals, making a strong case for national team recognition.
Matthäus’s Argument for Experience
In his argument for Füllkrug’s inclusion, Matthäus emphasised the importance of selecting players based on current performance rather than solely focusing on youth. "I don’t believe that we should now rely exclusively on young players. We should select players who earn their place through strong performances on the pitch, regardless of their age," Matthäus stated in a column for Sky Germany.
The former Germany international highlighted Füllkrug’s goal-scoring prowess, adding, "We can’t overlook someone like Niclas Füllkrug, who leads the Bundesliga scoring charts with nine goals. Other countries also have players who, at the age of 33, are still representing their national teams and featuring in World Cups and European Championships.”
Upcoming International Fixtures
Jürgen Klopp’s Germany squad will face Serbia and the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League. The announcement of the squad on Thursday will reveal whether Füllkrug’s exceptional club form and Matthäus’s advocacy have convinced the national team coach to include the 33-year-old striker.