Füllkrug defends age, dismisses Kane link at DFB press event
Niclas Füllkrug smiled as he fielded questions about his age and Harry Kane at a DFB press conference on Tuesday in Herzogenaurach. The 33‑year‑old Werder Bremen striker used the moment to address concerns surrounding his age and the evolving role of seasoned centre‑forwards. He recalled his childhood idol Miroslav Klose while stressing the value of experience in attacking positions.
Füllkrug’s recall to the Germany squad follows an impressive Bundesliga start in which he has already netted nine goals for Werder Bremen. His form earned a national team call‑up from head coach Jürgen Klopp. Klopp had previously voiced doubts about the striker’s long‑term prospects.
Recall and early season form
In October, Klopp remarked that at 33 Füllkrug could help Germany now but his suitability over the longer term was uncertain. The German coach has since walked back those remarks.
Germany’s all‑time leading scorer Miroslav Klose later defended Füllkrug. Speaking to RTL earlier this month, Klose said he played until 38 and won the World Cup at 36, proving strikers can stay productive into their thirties. Klose also praised Füllkrug’s goalscoring ability, presence on the pitch and willingness to lead by example.
Age debate and tactical role
When first asked about his age, Füllkrug replied: “My age is a fact.” He added that Klose’s comments were interesting, noting the former idol had competed at 36, 37 and 38 and lifted the World Cup at 36.
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Füllkrug said he took no offence at the Bundestrainer’s comment on his age. He explained the national coach has many tasks, including developing younger players, and he welcomes the emergence of many young strikers at club level.
The striker also spoke about his evolving club duties, highlighting his tendency to drop deeper into midfield to aid Werder Bremen’s build‑up play. He rejected suggestions that his recent performances Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane, whose deep‑lying creativity has become a hallmark. Füllkrug said his tactical responsibilities are dictated primarily by his teammates’ strengths and the specific demands of each opposition.
He told Florian Plettenberg that he has been playing his current style for several years, now more noticeable because his team allows him to make deep drops. Reflecting on his time at AC Milan, he noted that with Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić behind him the team did not need him in a No. 10 role. He compared that situation to his spell at Borussia Dortmund, where they entered most games as favourites and dominated possession.
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At Werder, he observed, the side are not favourites in most matches, making it essential for all players to assume responsibility across the pitch. Füllkrug believes he possesses the quality to operate in those wider areas and is pleased that this is being recognised. He added that strikers can contribute significantly beyond merely scoring goals.
When asked whether his late international breakthrough reflects a broader trend, he referenced Deniz Undav and Tim Kleindienst, who also earned Germany caps after extensive domestic experience. He argued that the technical and psychological demands of the centre‑forward role can reward accumulated experience. “Because so much about this position is mental,” he said, citing reaction speed, timing, experience and a feel for the game. He concluded that the longer a player racks up consistent minutes, the more they develop the necessary attributes.