Niclas Füllkrug is 33 and he made that point himself at the DFB camp in Herzogenaurach. Speaking to SPORT1, the Germany striker said he does not miss any training session, feels fit and believes age is helping rather than hurting him.
"The medical department takes extremely good care of me. I do not miss any training session, I am always there, I am fit and I can march. I do not feel like I am 33," Füllkrug said. That fitness has been part of a strong spell for Werder Bremen, where he has 12 goals in 11 appearances across the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal this season.
Fitness and experience
The veteran angle is central to his case. Füllkrug said, in translated comments to SPORT1, "You become more experienced and know how to assess things better." He also described the Werder Bremen as his football home, saying, "This is my football home. You sleep best in your own bed. I simply feel good."
That comfort has come with output. Nine of his 12 goals have arrived in the Bundesliga, and he has added three in the DFB Pokal. He has also put 14 goals across 24 international matches for Germany, a reminder that he has already done the job for his country before.
Germany selection picture
Füllkrug did not talk like someone expecting a guaranteed recall. He said the striker pool is large and welcomed the competition, adding: "In the striker position there are some players who stand out at their clubs. The selection is large. I find that positive."
That is where his current form becomes important. The 12 goals in 11 appearances give him a proper case to stay in the conversation, and the fact that he has not missed training sessions only strengthens it. Germany have competition for places, not a shortage of names, and Füllkrug is making the argument that his body and his numbers are both in order.
The test now is whether that spell at Werder Bremen keeps going when the national team picture is decided again.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
