Borussia Dortmund pinning hopes on Germany’s answer to Jamie Vardy and Peter Crouch

Niclas Fullkrug was playing in Germany’s second tier just two years ago but is now set to feature in the Champions League final for Borussia Dortmund

Niclas Fullkrug is the unlikely Champions League striker who has been the subject of a national debate.

Fullkrug, 31, was playing in Germany’s second tier just two years ago and is regarded as an unfashionable journeyman nicknamed “lucke” (German for gap) because of his missing front teeth.

Borussia Dortmund striker Fullkrug was the oldest player to be called up by Germany in 20 years when he got the nod ahead of the last World Cup and is in their squad for the Euros. Fullkrug caused much debate and discussion in the German media but he is regarded now with affection and respect because he has worked his way up – and never given up.

There is even a touch of Jamie Vardy about him and fans like a boy next door story of the unlikely hero. It is a far cry from their glory days but Fullkrug has a touch of Peter Crouch about him because, just like the former England striker, the Dortmund forward has a prolific scoring record for his country.

Not easy on the eye, but Fullkrug has 11 goals in 15 caps and scored for Dortmund in their semi final home leg win over Paris Saint Germain . It was a brilliant goal, too. He brought down a long ball with his right foot, before hammering home with his left.

He is strong, raw and determined. Dortmund is his sixth club and only cost them £12m last summer when he joined from Werder Bremen. If anyone epitomises the Dortmund spirit then it is Fullkrug because he is the underdog, the surprise package and yet he continually defies the odds.

It is the year of the unexpected. Real Madrid boast a similar story up front in former Stoke City striker Joselu. He is 34, on loan from Espanyol and was the last gasp two-goal hero of their semi final win over Bayern Munich.

Joselu also got a late call-up for his country but has now scored five goals in ten caps for Spain. It is the year of the underdog and they better make the most of it with Kylian Mbappe set to join Real Madrid this summer when he will become the big dog.