Kai Havertz has scored and assisted in 211 minutes at Euro 2024, while Niclas Füllkrug has scored two goals in 73 minutes, leading the age-old debate of who should start for Germany.
Both players have been in excellent form domestically. Havertz had 20 goal contributions (13 goals and seven assists) in 37 Premier League games for Arsenal last season, including one in the Champions League, while Füllkrug scored 12 and created eight in 31 Bundesliga games, and scored three in the Champions League, helping his Borussia Dortmund side all the way to the final where they lost out to Real Madrid.
Speaking at Wednesday’s press conference, Rudi Völler had his take on the situation.
“It’s relatively simple,” started Völler. “Füllkrug’s scoring rate is exceptional. It’s incredible how he scored in the amount of playing time he gets. Nevertheless, Kai is a player I brought to Leverkusen when he was young, and he’s hugely important for the team.
“How he demands the ball, holds it, is always available to pass to, and wins headers. You also need a centre forward who can play, even if it’s not the classic type for that position. In his own way, he does it exceptionally well.”
With a Round of 16 game against Denmark on Saturday night, it’s unlikely that Julian Nagelsmann will deviate from his preferred XI meaning that Havertz will start as the No. 9 again, but Füllkrug remains an excellent option.
