Niclas Füllkrug returns to Borussia Dortmund for the first time as an opponent when Werder Bremen visit on Friday. The 33-year-old striker has revitalised Werder's attack with four goals in his first five competitive games since coming back and is the team's top scorer this season with three goals, as the club sits eighth with seven points.

"I don't have it clearly in front of my eyes yet, but of course I'm looking forward to it," Füllkrug said about the Friday evening clash at Signal Iduna Park. "It hadn't even occurred to me that I haven't played in Dortmund again until now." The forward spent the 2023/24 season at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 15 goals in 43 appearances, before spells at West Ham United and AC Milan. His return to Werder in the summer marks a return to familiar surroundings, having previously played for the club from 2019 to 2023.

Coach Daniel Thioune praised the veteran's impact on the squad. "His mentality to drive the lads on and smash the ball in is mega," said Thioune. He is convinced Füllkrug helps the team, and that impact brings everyone joy. Füllkrug himself stresses he tries to exceed expectations and is paid in emotions and passion, not only currency. "I am a player who always gives his all and puts everything in. That is my drive," the striker added.

Statistical Backbone

His numbers underline his importance: Füllkrug wins 68 percent of his offensive aerial duels, ranking him second among the league's strikers. Also, 92 percent of his lay-offs find a teammate. As a wall player, he creates space for creative forces even without touching the ball. This tactical variability is valuable for Bremen in high-pressure situations. His physical presence and game intelligence provide the team with a stable passing option, especially in difficult away matches.

The task on Friday remains sizeable. Werder travel as underdogs to the league leaders, whom they trail by five points. Daniel Thioune's team looks back on a mixed run of form reading LWDWL, most recently a 7-0 cup defeat at Twente. Thioune demanded a reaction after that loss and sees Füllkrug as a key player for the necessary stability. The full overview of results so far and the upcoming fixtures are available online. For Füllkrug, Bremen means a return to familiar surroundings and renewed strength, reflected in the solid season-start of two wins, one draw and one loss. He writes the next chapter of his intense journey now in Dortmund, where he hopes to continue his scoring form against his former club.

This story first appeared at sportschau.de