In-form striker Niclas Fuellkrug’s Borussia Dortmund host his former aspect Werder Bremen on Friday, persevering with the ahead’s gorgeous late-career flourish. Enjoying second division soccer simply over a yr in the past, Fuellkrug helped Bremen to promotion earlier than successful a primary Germany cap on the age of 29, foreshadowing a transfer to Sign Iduna Park earlier than the switch window closed in August. Fuellkrug will go well with up for Dortmund simply 48 hours after the membership chartered a personal jet to deliver the striker, together with midfielder Julian Brandt and defenders Mats Hummels and Niklas Suele again from Germany’s US tour.
The reported 100,000 euro ($106,000) value for the flight will probably be value it if Dortmund, who at present sit fourth, choose up three factors and go prime of the desk — for one evening at the very least.
With Sebastien Haller struggling for type as he continues his comeback from testicular most cancers and Youssoufa Moukoko dominated out of Friday’s match with damage, the 30-year-old has change into an indispensible a part of Dortmund’s entrance line.
Fuellkrug has adjusted nicely to the brilliant lights in Dortmund and has scored in every of his previous 4 video games for membership and nation.
“Niclas has slot in very nicely,” Dortmund coach Edin Terzic mentioned on Thursday. “You possibly can see what a optimistic particular person he’s.”
“He has helped us rather a lot together with his high quality and his exercise.”
Fuellkrug made his senior debut for Bremen’s second workforce on the age of 18 earlier than shifting to the primary workforce. The ahead then bounced round German soccer for the most effective a part of a decade, earlier than returning to Bremen in 2019, with persistent knee accidents stopping Fuellkrug from reaching his potential.
The striker shared the Bundesliga prime scorer trophy final season and has had a profitable worldwide profession, with 9 objectives in 11 matches for Germany.
Regardless of Fuellkrug’s hasty exit, there isn’t a dangerous blood between the 2, with Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann admitting the striker’s sale helped steadiness the books and keep away from an fairness injection for the cash-strapped membership.
“The financial necessity was too nice,” Baumann instructed Sky Sports activities in September.
Bremen coach Ole Werner mentioned on Wednesday he was wanting ahead to “an absolute spotlight of a recreation” — and to seeing his former striker.
“For me, it would not matter in my day by day work to see him on the opposite aspect.”
Trying ahead to the conflict after his switch in September, Fuellkrug mentioned ”