West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has explained why the club chose to sign Niclas Fullkrug after contrasting links to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran.
West Ham United have officially announced the signing of German striker Niclas Fullkrug.
When news emerged that West Ham were switching their attentions from Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, some fans were disappointed.
The contrasting profiles of Aston Villa’s 20-year-old Colombian and 31-year-old Fullkrug has not been lost on many West Ham supporters.
Duran being a young, somewhat raw, forward who is relatively unproven at the top level but could potentially be West Ham’s main striker for years to come.
And Fullkrug, 11 years his senior with a vast wealth of experience at the top level having been a late bloomer but with the clock ticking down on his career in the coming seasons.
Steidten explains why West Ham chose Fullkrug over Villa star
West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten knows Fullkrug well from their time together at Werder Bremen.
Some supporters who were excited at the prospect of signing Duran from Aston Villa have been critical of of the move for Fullkrug.
Many observers feel there are better long-term replacements out there for West Ham’s ageing Michail Antonio.
There has been claims West Ham could yet sign both Fullkrug and the young Villa forward.
A mixture of youth and experience for the short, medium and long-term.
But West Ham’s signing of Fullkrug spells the end of their interest in Duran.
And now Steidten has explained why West Ham chose Fullkrug after links to the young Aston Villa star.
‘Hammers needed striker for the here and now’ says Steidten
Steidten says the answer is quite simple. West Ham needed a specific type of striker who is ready to hit the ground running.
The technical director says Fullkrug is ready to go and is very much a striker for the here and now.
He suggests Fullkrug’s style of play is also ideally suited to what West Ham need as they searched for someone to lead an attacking line full of diminutive, skilful, pacy talent.
Crucially too, Steidten highlighted Fullkrug’s character and mentality as key.
Which may well be a nod to the rather questionable character and mentality of Aston Villa’s impatient and seemingly immature Duran.
“I have worked with him previously and I know what he will bring to us in terms of his physical and finishing qualities, as well as his character and mentality…” Steidten told the club’s website.
“He joins us with a clear desire to build upon that progress and prove himself in the Premier League.
“Niclas has great experience and is at the stage of his career where we feel he can really give us his best years. He is someone who we have watched very closely, and who we believe will be an excellent fit for the team and for the club. We look forward to seeing the qualities he will bring.”
It is a case of what might have been for West Ham, Duran and Aston Villa.
Now Hammers fans will no doubt keep an eye on what happens with Duran and how he fares in the coming seasons.
Perhaps one day the Colombian might be the man to replace Fullkrug at the London Stadium?
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