Niclas Füllkrug congratulates Kai Havertz on reaching new German Premier League milestone

Niclas Füllkrug congratulates Kai Havertz on reaching new German Premier League milestone Newly recalled Germany international Niclas Füllkrug has praised his national team colleague Kai Havertz following the Arsenal forward’s recent Premier League record. Havertz has now scored 46 Premier League goals across his spells with Chelsea and Arsenal, surpassing every other German player to have featured in England’s top flight. The 27-year-old surpassed former Germany national team captain Ilkay Gündogan’s previous record of 45 goals on November 1. Speaking at a Tuesday DFB press conference in Herzogenaurach, Füllkrug praised Havertz’s consistency and ability to thrive in one of Europe’s most physically demanding competitions. “That’s a fantastic record,” Füllkrug said. “He’s been performing there for years, and he continues to establish himself. Every year, he’s faced with strong competition, and yet he manages to perform at a certain level and 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,” Füllkrug continued. “The league and its intensity are challenging. It’s a completely different style of football played over there.” Niclas Füllkrug discusses differences in the Premier League Füllkrug knows firsthand just how demanding the Premier League can be. The 33-year-old endured a difficult spell at West Ham United following his departure from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2024, struggling with injuries and failing to establish himself. The striker has since returned to the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, where his recent performances have helped him regain a place in the German national team . “It’s very intense, very physical, and I can only confirm that,” Füllkrug explained. “You’re playing against bruisers, against very, very physically strong players. And Kai usually plays as the number nine, causing problems for defenders there year after year. I think he does that really well.” 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, Havertz continues to occupy an important role in Arsenal’s attacking system. For Füllkrug, the German international’s consistency and ability to succeed in such a demanding environment are achievements that deserve recognition beyond his latest statistical milestone. GGFN  |  Peter Weis