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Merry Christmas from the Green-Whites
Not many people get called up to play for their country, never mind at the age of 29. “I have to admit that, for a long time, I didn’t think it was going to happen,” confessed Ducksch. “But I think that I’ve put a lot of effort in over the past few years, especially here at Werder. I’ve worked on myself a lot and I’ve really taken note of areas where I can improve.”
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann used SVW’s talisman in the friendly matches against Turkey and Austria. Even though Ducksch didn’t manage to bag himself a goal, his celebration was still on show after Kai Havertz used it after making it 1-0 against Turkey. “We were sitting next to each other on the bus and he promised that he’d do my celebration if he scored. He kept his word and he even used it when he bagged in the next couple of games. It made me really happy!”
The 29-year-old has been Werder’s key man up front this season, with seven goals and six assists so far in 2023/24. He’s done all that without his strike partner from last year, too, as Niclas Füllkrug departed Bremen for Dortmund in the summer. “It’s strange when you’ve played alongside someone for two years and then he’s suddenly not there anymore.” It’s clear from his numbers this campaign, however, that Ducksch can play with anyone. “Obviously, the boys have to adapt to my style of play a bit, but they’ve done well no matter who’s been up front and they’ve really got to grips with how we play.”
Never give up
It’s not all been plain sailing for Ducksch. Just under a year ago, questions were being asked about whether our number 7 was good enough to play in the Bundesliga. The man from Dortmund made his thoughts on the criticism clear. “I never feel or make myself feel that I have to prove myself to someone. I know what I’m capable of.” Ducksch proved exactly what he can do in the match against FC Augsburg. SVW scored from a corner for the first time in 2023/24, and it was all thanks to Ducksch’s delivery. “Every week, I hear that I shouldn’t take set pieces. I was even happier with the cross because of that,” smiled the striker. “There are always things that other people don’t think much of, but if you keep at it, your efforts will pay off.”
It doesn’t take much for Ducksch to have a perfect game. “I always put my right shoe on first, but I still have that mentality from when I was a kid. That’s why I’m just happy every time I get to be on the pitch.”
The action is over for at least a week, as he plans to enjoy being with his family over the Christmas break. “I think everyone likes to switch off for a bit and focus on other things.” Spending time with his son is the most important thing for Ducksch. “I’ll finally be able to be with him without feeling stressed. It’ll give me a real boost of energy.” SVW’s striker is going to need all the energy he can get in the new year. Ducksch always sets his sights high and his motto is “If you aim high, the little things take care of themselves, even when things are going well.”
Not many people get called up to play for their country, never mind at the age of 29. “I have to admit that, for a long time, I didn’t think it was going to happen,” confessed Ducksch. “But I think that I’ve put a lot of effort in over the past few years, especially here at Werder. I’ve worked on myself a lot and I’ve really taken note of areas where I can improve.”
