QS: Exactly what Milan needed – how Füllkrug is already winning over Allegri and team-mates

It is still very early in his AC Milan adventure, but the signs are that Niclas Füllkrug can offer something unique in the squad.

As Quotidiano Sportivo recall, Füllkrug took to the field against Lecce loaded up with painkillers (as he did in Como last Thursday) to ease the discomfort following a broken toe, which would have suggested rest for anyone.

He played the final minutes of the match at San Siro, clearing his mind of the bad thoughts and anger that had built up since Friday after discovering the shock theft in the hotel suite where he’s temporarily staying.

In the end, against a resilience Lecce, he deserved credit for scoring the only goal in a must-win match. It was a headed goal that further explains why Milan needed a centre-forward like him and why the coach had been waiting for one since August.

Settling in well

It’s been, for better or worse, Füllkrug’s week. Thanks to the German’s header, the Rossoneri are still within striking distance and are keeping the Scudetto dream alive in the minds of the fans (and not only them).

The striker confirmed he possesses other qualities that Massimiliano Allegri’s team lacked, because his introduction against an opponent who conceded 50% of their goals in the final quarter of an hour brought physicality and a consistent presence in the penalty area, something that was missing.

“His arrival was devastating because of the enthusiasm he conveyed,” the coach reiterated a few days ago. In short, the former Dortmund man is an indispensable player already, a fighter ready to be in the right place at the right time.

He has settled in well in the dressing room, as evidenced by the social media comments of some teammates. Matteo Gabbia wrote ‘You’re great’, Rafa Leao added ‘Well done mate’, and Samuele Ricci simply called him ‘Top’. Not a bad start, therefore.