Füllkrug lauds Havertz’s German Premier League breakthrough

In the bright DFB press room in Herzogenaurach on Tuesday, Germany striker Niclas Füllkrug congratulated teammate Kai Havertz after the Arsenal forward clinched a new German Premier League milestone. The 33‑year‑old praised the 27‑year‑old’s consistency in England’s physically demanding competition.

Havertz has now scored 46 Premier League goals across his spells with Chelsea and Arsenal, overtaking every other German to have featured in England’s top flight. The tally puts him ahead of all his compatriots in the league’s history.

The 27‑year‑old eclipsed former Germany captain Ilkay Gündogan’s previous record of 45 goals on 1 November. That night marked the moment the German benchmark was broken.

Füllkrug’s praise for the record

“That’s a fantastic record,” Füllkrug said, adding that Havertz has been performing there for years and continues to establish himself. He noted that the player faces strong competition each season yet manages to make a positive impression year after year.

“I think we should appreciate that more in Germany and give him greater recognition in the media as well,” he continued. Füllkrug stressed that the league’s intensity and its completely different style of football make the achievement all the more impressive.

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Füllkrug’s own Premier League ordeal

The 33‑year‑old endured a difficult spell at West Ham United after leaving Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024, struggling with injuries and failing to establish himself. He has since returned to the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, where recent performances helped him regain a place in the German national team.

“It’s very intense, very physical, and I can only confirm that,” Füllkrug explained, describing the bruising nature of English defenders. He added that Kai usually plays as the number nine, causing problems for defenders year after year, and does that really well.

Havertz’s current Arsenal form

Havertz has scored three goals across the first ten Premier League matchdays this season, having started nine matches for an Arsenal side that currently sits five points clear at the top of the table. Although his goalscoring statistics do not always reflect his wider contributions, he continues to occupy an important role in Arsenal’s attacking system.

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For Füllkrug, Havertz’s consistency and ability to succeed in such a demanding environment deserve recognition beyond the latest statistical milestone. The German forward’s record underscores the growing impact of German talent in England’s premier competition.