Newcastle United came up against Niclas Fullkrug during the Germany international’s spell at Borussia Dortmund last season and the striker has been asked about that experience after joining West Ham

Newcastle United’s defenders may have something to say after West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug set out to show the ‘difficult’ Premier League ‘who’s the boss’.

Fullkrug has completed a £27m move to the London Stadium, following a season at Borussia Dortmund, and the Germany international already has an idea of what to expect after coming up against the Magpies last season. In fact, Newcastle were the only English side Fullkrug faced during Borussia Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final.

Fullkrug started Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 win at St James’ Park in the group stages and scored the opener in the black and yellows’ 2-0 victory at the Westfalenstadion in the corresponding fixture a couple of weeks later. The 31-year-old has been asked about his experience of playing against Newcastle and how coming up against Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles whetted the appetite for what the veteran can expect in England.

“I like this playing style, to have a lot of duels, to show who’s the boss in these duels,” he told club media. “It will be difficult. There are a lot of physical, strong players. Everyone is there in the back.

“I’m looking forward to these duels. There are a lot of high quality players and I want to show that I can win the duels against them and help the team. I love to hold the ball, to fight for the ball and if we get pressed high, we need someone who can hold the ball.”

Fullkrug could yet come up against a new-look Newcastle backline by the time West Ham face the Magpies in November if Eddie Howe gets his way. Newcastle are currently in talks with Crystal Palace to sign Marc Guehi, who England team-mate Ivan Toney rates as one of his toughest opponents because ‘he’s so strong for a small guy’.

“Sometimes I just drift to the other side where the other centre-back is when he’s playing,” the Brentford star added.