Fullkrug makes it clear it clear to Julen Lopetegui on what he’s role in the team will be in the next Match
It wasn’t just West Ham fans who felt let down by Julen Lopetegui’s team selection for the season opener against Aston Villa—there was widespread disappointment.
With eight new signings in the bag and the long-awaited replacement of Gianluca Scamacca with a proven striker, there was a sense of anticipation among West Ham supporters as they awaited the announcement of the lineup for the first match of the new Premier League season.
However, when the team news was revealed, it felt like a case of déjà vu for the Hammers. Despite the new manager and fresh faces, Lopetegui opted for the same familiar lineup.
Fans were left both disappointed and puzzled when Lopetegui chose to start only two of the new signings in the XI against Villa. Notably, the £23.5 million signing from Germany, Niclas Füllkrug, was left on the bench.
It has been apparent for a while now that West Ham needs to refresh the aging Michail Antonio. The club has certainly made attempts to address this issue, with the signings of Sebastien Haller, Gianluca Scamacca, and Danny Ings—a combined investment of £95 million—but none have successfully displaced Antonio.
Lopetegui, however, chose to begin the season relying on the old guard.
Antonio has been a stalwart for West Ham, but as he approaches his 35th birthday, his days as a Premier League starter are numbered. Yet, Antonio has made it clear that he’s not ready to step aside. He recently voiced his dissatisfaction with the idea of being a backup striker at West Ham.
When the Hammers secured the experienced goalscorer Niclas Füllkrug, it seemed inevitable that Antonio’s role would change. However, rumors before the Villa match suggested Lopetegui might start Antonio, as he is reportedly a big admirer of the forward.
Antonio did indeed start the match but delivered a lackluster performance as West Ham succumbed to a 2-1 defeat. Füllkrug, meanwhile, had to settle for a substitute appearance, entering a chaotic game that had already become frenzied—hardly the ideal circumstances for his Premier League debut.
Known for his no-nonsense approach both on and off the field, Füllkrug has already begun to assert his presence at the club. After his brief debut, the German striker made it clear that he did not come to West Ham to play second fiddle to Antonio.
Reflecting on his 17-minute debut, Füllkrug said he understood why he didn’t start, given that he’s only been training for a week and a half after the Euros, a break, and his transfer saga involving Borussia Dortmund. However, he left no room for ambiguity regarding his intentions. Füllkrug firmly stated that his ambition is to be the starting striker, which is why he set his sights on the Premier League.
For Lopetegui, the decision moving forward should be straightforward. Antonio’s performance did little to justify his place in the starting lineup. His touch, hold-up play, and decision-making were far below par, in stark contrast to Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán, who came on as a substitute and made a significant impact by scoring the winner. Durán, who has been linked with West Ham, troubled the Hammers’ defense far more than Ollie Watkins.
Whether or not Füllkrug becomes West Ham’s first-choice striker, the club must seriously consider signing a young, pacey forward like Durán before the transfer window closes. An upgrade on Antonio is essential if West Ham is to mount a serious challenge this season.
