Dortmund hopes resting on Fullkrug's shoulders

Release time：2024-05-21 11:56:56 Source：Stellar Standpoint news portal

Niclas Fullkrug might feel stuck in a performance low after eight games without scoring.

The Borussia Dortmund striker might not be overwhelmingly happy to note his coach's announcement that the eight-time Bundesliga champions are eying new arrivals this summer.

Niclas Fuellkrug (bottom) of Borussia Dortmund vies with Ivan Ordets of VfL Bochum during the first division of Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and VfL Bochum in Dortmund, Germany, Jan. 28, 2024. (Photo by Joachim Bywaletz/Xinhua)

As a fact, the Germany international seems to be Dortmund's only hope of surviving their quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, as well as forming a key part of the club's efforts to qualify for next season's competition.

Despite his recent low, Fullkrug has contributed 11 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga, and has one goal and two assists in the Champions League.

Without the 31-year-old, Dortmund seem to be short on in-form strikers. Sebastien Haller hasn't again reached his peak after returning from testicular cancer, while 19-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko is struggling to get playing time.

It doesn't seem a surprise that sporting director Sebastian Kehl is investigating international markets for a reliable scorer, most likely one to support Fullkrug.

Generally, the attacker has met expectations since arriving as an emergency solution to fill the gap behind the sidelined Haller last summer. In the following months, Fullkrug developed into a regular force in the club's squad and the Germany national team.

In Madrid, Dortmund's hopes will rest on the striker's shoulders, while Jadon Sancho and Karim Adeyemi are expected to cover the flanks after Donyell Malen, who had posted 13 goals and five assists in 33 competitive games this season, is set to miss the game with a virus.

Optimism is growing as Fullkrug seems fully integrated into Dortmund's game and perfectly works as a link to the midfield and the flanks.

But more efficiency will be needed to survive the delicate first leg against Atletico. "It's sometimes hard to take when it's so close to score. The entire team and I need to gain efficiency as Atletico is a tough task," he said.

Fullkrug seems aware that it is mostly down to him to create a successful path for his side. "We are excited to face one of Europe's leading teams," he said before taking off for the Spanish capital.

Fullkrug also praised his side's mental power and mentioned the so-far successful run in the Champions League. "We have done it before, we gave proof of our quality," he said.

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