Tuesday Fulham Stuff (11/09/18)...

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Fulham season player ratings so far: Jean-Michael Seri and Aleksandar Mitrovic the standouts

We've reached the first international break, so we've had a look at how Slavisa Jokanovic's players have started the Premier League

Fulham have started to get to grips with top flight football once more since their promotion from the Championship - with the international break representing a chance for Slavisa Jokanovic to continue installing his tactics onto new players.

The head coach took those of his players not involved in international fixtures to Spain over the weekend to get some warm weather training into them - a mini pre-season after 12 new faces arrived in the summer meaning the Cottagers had to rebuild most of their team.

They beat ATK 1-0 in Mucia, with Andre Schurrle getting the only goal in a friendly match at the end of the training camp as Jokanovic looks for his players to start bedding into his style of play ahead of the next set of Premier League fixtures.

Despite having won just once so far, Fulham have looked good in parts and some players are impressing, with Aleksandar Mitrovic topping the scoring charts alongside Sadio Mane of Liverpool, while Jean-Michael Seri looks the perfect fit for the side after his summer arrival from Nice.

With the first international break almost over, we've taken a look at how the squad have started their seasons and rate their performances so far.

We'll start with the goalkeepers (which have been a huge talking point this season) and go from there.

Marcus Bettinelli - 6

Bettinelli has been at the centre of news stories coming out of Craven Cottage so far this season.

He was dropped at the start of the season after suffering injury in pre-season, was recalled as the number one after goalkeeping coach Jose Sambade Carreira left and has now been called up to the England squad.


(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)

He's looked decent in his two games so far - he didn't have much to do against Burnley but made a very good penalty save against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

The confidence of getting called up to the senior England squad can only increase the levels of his performances.

Fabri - 6

Fabri started the first two games of the season after his arrival from Besiktas, but has been dropped for Bettinelli after Carreira's depature.

His performances saw a few good signs, but also a few negatives, including his poor cross collecting and his mistake that led to Wilfried Zaha's goal in the 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace.

He improved in the Tottenham Hotspur game compared to that Palace game, but it wasn't enough to stop him losing his place to Bettinelli.


Fabri of Fulham in action (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Sergio Rico - 5

We've only seen the two-time Europa League winner in the Carabao Cup so far, keeping a clean sheet against Exeter City.

He looked decent - he was commanding of his box and looked comfortable with the ball at his feet, but he was rarely tested against the League Two side.

Denis Odoi - 6

He missed the first two games of the season through suspension, but Jokanovic recalled him immediately to the starting XI, slotting him at centre back - the position he played for the last part of last season.

Odoi did reasonably okay against Burnley and Brighton, but there are still question marks over whether he is a Premier League centre back, especially with Alfie Mawson and Calum Chambers in the squad, while Tim Ream will also be back in the squad soon having started with injury.


(Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Decent start to the season for Odoi.

Calum Chambers - 6

Again, it's been an okay start to live in west London for Chambers, although Jokanovic has chosen other defenders over the Arsenal loanee for the past two games.

There have been times when he's looked good on the ball and solid in defence - parts of the Palace game showed his Premier League experience, but he has yet to fulfil his full potential at Fulham.

Maxime Le Marchand - 7

I've been pleasantly surprised with the summer signing since his arrival with Seri from Nice.

It seemed as if he was part of the tag-on package for Seri, but he's really impressed me in the heart of defence and he must have done the same to Jokanovic, who has started him in every game, albeit flirting between left back and centre back.

After the Brighton game, I think his best position is in the heart of defence and that's where he'll be utilised more as the season progress.


(Image: Henry Browne/Getty Images)

Timothy Fosu-Mensah - 7

Another that has impressed since his loan signing from Manchester United.

He had a hard time in the defeat to Spurs, being forced to defend, but against Burnley his forays forward on the right caused problem after problem and he looks to be Jokanovic's right back going forward from here.

Cyrus Christie - 5

The Irishman started the opening game of the season, but he struggled to beat his first man with his crossing and wasn't the outlet on the right that Fulham needed.

He lost his position to Fosu-Mensah but did a good job of making a stake for that spot with his performance over Exeter in the League Cup, which was extremely positive.

Joe Bryan - 6

After signing from Bristol City, Bryan has been on a steep learning curve, getting to grips with both Jokanovic's style of play and with the Premier League.


(Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

He's shown glimpses of promise down the left flank, but he needs time to understand how Fulham play and to develop a partnership with whoever plays in front of him.

Alfie Mawson - 7

Mawson is looking a shrewd bit of business by Fulham this summer.

He looks like he'll be able to provide a bit of steel to the side's defence and has impressed in both his games so far, against Exeter and Brighton.

He's a leader and vocal - something Fulham desperately need at the back and his presence there will help to sort out the defensive issues.


(Image: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire)

Ryan Sessegnon - 6

The 18-year-old is being used more sparingly by Jokanovic this season, with the jump from the Championship to the Premier League showing.

He's done reasonably well in the games he's played, but he's not yet hit the heights of last season as he finds himself coming up against top quality Premier League defenders.

However, it shouldn't be a concern whatsoever - at just 18 Sessegnon has time on his side and I'm sure we'll start to see better performances from him before long.


(Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Kevin McDonald - 7

I think his performances when he has played have shown how important he is to the side, although the signing of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa will mean his game time will be cut down.

His leadership in the games he's played have been vital and I think he's shown he can make the step up from the Championship to the Premier League.

Neeskens Kebano - 5

Just the one game so far for Kebano, who was unfortunately injured during the victory over Exeter.

He performed well in that game but has seen his game time seriously cut in the league campaign.

Stefan Johansen - 5

Another who has seen his game time fall massively since the start of the season, with the arrival of Seri meaning he has seen very little of the pitch.

He hasn't raised heads with his performances off the bench, although his performance against Exeter was good.

Tom Cairney - 7

Fulham's talisman has answered any questions people may have had over his ability to play in the top flight - he's made the step up effortlessly.


(Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

His performances may have had the shine taken off them somewhat by what Seri is achieving next to him in midfield, but Cairney is as important as ever for how Fulham play.

Injury against Burnley was unfortunate and came at a time when Cairney was starting to get better as his confidence in the top flight grew.

Jean-Michael Seri - 8

I've thoroughly enjoyed watching Seri so far this season in a Fulham shirt.

His reading of the game, ability on the ball and eye for a pass are all of the highest quality, and the fact that the Cottagers managed to sign him is somewhat of a coup.

He's been one of Fulham's brightest performers so far this season.


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Ibrahima Cisse - 5

One appearance for Cisse (his first since 2017 for the club) in the Carabao Cup win over Exeter.

The performance itself was average - he'll find it hard to get a place in this Fulham side.

Aleksandar Mitrovic - 8

There were question marks over whether Mitrovic could play in the top flight, but the summer signing is already well on his way to answering those.

Four goals in three games has seen him top the scoring charts alongside Mane, with Fulham's style of play suiting him perfectly.


(Image: Henry Browne/Getty Images)

He's been important to Jokanovic so far - not only up front but in defending set pieces too, which is something Fulham have struggled with in the past.

Alongside Seri, Mitrovic has been superb this far.

Andre Schurrle - 7

After the first game of the season against Palace, it looked like Borussia Dortmund were right to let the German leave on loan.

But since then, he's started to look like the man who won the World Cup with his country - running riot against Burnley whilst also netting against Brighton.


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images))

When playing with Luciano Vietto, the pair's ability to swap sides and be interchangeable have caused problems for his markers.

Luciano Vietto - 7

He's looked a tidy player in his early performances for Fulham and looks to be starting to get to grips with the Premier League.

He was particularly impressive against Burnley and his partnership with Schurrle caused so many problems.

I think once he becomes more used to the English game we'll see even more from him.


Luciano Vietto makes his debut against Crystal Palace (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Aboubakar Kamara - 6

He scored twice against Exeter in the cup and has done okay in the Premier League, but his performance at Spurs where he had to be defensive stands out.

I don't think Kamara has a defensive bone in his body and it'll be interesting to see how Jokanovic uses AK47 going forward from here.




https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/fulham-season-player-ratings-far-15131264

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How Marek Rodak has been one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship so far



Rotherham goalkeeper Marek Rodak has been the most worked goalkeeper in the Championship so far this season.

The Slovakian, on a season-long loan from Fulham, has made 24 saves, more than any other stopper in the opening six games of the division.

He is one ahead of Sheffield Wednesday's Cameron Dawson and two in front of Hull keeper David Marshall.

Rodak has saved 68 per cent of the shots on target, conceding 11 times, and is one of six goalkeepers to have kept two clean sheets.

He is facing on average 14.8 shots a game, with only Bolton (16.3) and West Brom (15.2) allowing the opposition to take aim more often.

Rodak's average rating, always a good judging tool, is 6.90. These ratings are formed by Opta using a "comprehensive statistical algorithm using over 200 raw statistics". We'll leave the maths to them, but it's out of 10.

Only Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Leeds), Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough) and Joe Lumley (QPR) are rating higher.



http://itsmillerstime.co.uk/how-marek-rodak-has-been-one-of-the-best-goalkeepers-in-the-championship-so-far/

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International Round-Up

Last Thursday saw Ryan Sessegnon play the full 90 of England Under-21s' goalless draw with the Netherlands at Carrow Road.

The youngster began in a left wing-back role before moving further forward in the second half, and twice went close to breaking the deadlock; a drilled shot from distance was turned over in the first half, before he rifled off target from Ben Chilwell's centre after the restart.

The point keeps England five points clear at the top of Group 4 in European Championship qualifying, ahead of Tuesday's trip to Latvia.

Stefan Johansen had mixed fortunes as Norway's UEFA Nations League campaign commenced with a 2-0 win over Cyprus and 1-0 defeat by Bulgaria.

The Norway captain hit a fine brace in their opener – a sweetly struck free-kick and a cool finish at the end of a neat team move – but he was unable to prevent them from slipping to a loss three days later in Sofia.

Cyrus Christie was deployed on the right wing as the Republic of Ireland fell to a 4-1 loss to Wales in their first Nations League fixture.

Tom Lawrence, Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsay and Connor Roberts were all on target for Ryan Giggs' team in his first competitive game in charge, with Shaun Williams grabbing a consolation.

Ireland conclude their international period with a meeting with Poland in Wroclaw on Tuesday.

Aleksandar Mitrović played the entirety of Serbia's 1-0 Nations League win over Lithuania on Friday.

A Dusan Tadic penalty was the difference, and the winger could even afford to miss a second spot-kick late on. Serbia are back on home soil against Romania in Belgrade on Monday night.

Kevin McDonald played the first 53 minutes of Scotland's 4-0 defeat by Belgium in Glasgow.

Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Michy Batshuayi (2) did the damage in the friendly, and McDonald and co will be hoping for better fortune in Monday's Nations League fixture against Albania.

Marcus Bettinelli – in the England squad for the first time – was an unused substitute in the controversial 2-1 loss to Spain at Wembley.

Gareth Southgate's charges now entertain Switzerland at Leicester City's King Power Stadium on Tuesday.

In qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa's Cameroon drew 1-1 in Comoros, Jean Michaël Seri helped Ivory Coast overcome Rwanda 2-1, while Ibrahima Cisse and Guinea defeated the Central African Republic 1-0.

Luca Ashby-Hammond was part of the England Under-18 squad that lifted the Limoges Tournament trophy.

The Young Lions won all three matches against the Netherlands, Russia and host nation France to top the group and claim the cup.

Elsewhere, Steven Sessegnon helped England Under-19s to a 4-1 victory over the Dutch, Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson's Iceland Under-21s beat Estonia 5-2, and Terry Ablade featured in each of Finland Under-19s' friendly meetings with Greece; a 1-0 win and 0-0 draw.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2018/september/10/international-round-up

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Defensive concerns shackles a flourishing attack: What we've learnt from Fulham's season so far

The first four games of Fulham's Premier League campaign has thrown up a number of talking points, including their strength in attack

Fulham have used the international break to take it back to basics, undergoing a mini pre-season training camp in Murcia, Spain ahead of their next set of fixtures.

So far, it's one win, two losses and a draw for Slavisa Jokanovic's side in the Premier League, with the side surrendering a two-goal lead at the AMEX in their last game before the international break.

The season so far has been a mix of trying to fight for much-needed points, whilst also blooding new talent into the side after Fulham signed 12 new faces over the summer - including a completely new back four.

Jokanovic will hope the trip to Spain will have given the players that remained during the international break that bit of extra time they've needed to bed into the side and learn how he wants them to play.

We've taken a look at a few things we've learnt from the start of Fulham's Premier League campaign.

Defensive concerns are the main issue

Fulham's start to the season has been plagued by defensive concerns and frailties.

Jokanovic has yet to settle on what his best back five is and that has shown in the first four games - there have been mistakes and miscommunications that have cost the side points.

It's nothing new.


(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

The side have traditionally struggled in defence, although last season's success in the Championship represented a far stronger defensive unit than we've seen in the past, but it's attack where the side flourish.

You can get away with that in the second tier, but Fulham have been made to suffer for it in their return to the top flight, with mistakes costing goals against Crystal Palace, Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion - all games (except Burnley) which the side will feel they could've taken all three points from.

With a completely new back four, there was always going to be mistakes as the new-look defensive unit got to know one another and how they play, but heading into this next month those mistakes have to become far less in frequency.

The Premier League is unforgiving, and the sooner Fulham limit those mistakes the better.

Fulham look good going forward

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Fulham have looked frightening going forward at times this season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic has proved those who doubted his ability to play and score goals in the Premier League wrong - he's leading not just the Cottagers' scoring charts, but the Premier League's too.

He's been the focal point of a Fulham attack that has, at times, looked the real deal.


(Image: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

Andre Schurrle has grown into his role in this side, while Luciano Vietto looks to be a solid signing, and the pair together have caused havoc at times with their interchangeable play on the flanks.

They've had the sixth most shots in the Premier League so far this season with 67 and have scored the eighth most goals with seven.

It's an extremely positive point of the first four games of the season, and if they can sort out the frailties in the defensive areas, it's something that will hold the Cottagers in good steed for their ambitions this season.


(Image: Henry Browne/Getty Images)

Who will be Fulham's number one?

So technically this isn't something that 'we've learnt' so far this season, but it does in turn mean we've learnt that Jokanovic isn't sure on who will be the number one for Fulham this season.

Fabri started the first two games, Marcus Bettinelli the last two, while Sergio Rico started the Carabao Cup game and is waiting in the wings.

Bettinelli has since been called up to the England senior squad, but questions certainly remain over who will be the number one this season.


(Image: John Walton/PA Wire)

There were questions marks over Fabri, but Rico is a two-time Europa League winner with Sevilla and it's hard to imagine him not getting some game time once he gets to grips with the English language.

Having three goalkeepers is a strange way to go about things, especially loaning one of them in on deadline day, and this is a question that will have to be answered once Jokanovic settles on a back four.

The impact of Jean-Michael Seri

While Mitrovic has impacted Fulham and the Premier League, it's the man from the Ivory Coast that has taken the Premier League by storm and shown just why he nearly signed for Barcelona.

He has been phenomenal in the centre of midfield alongside Tom Cairney, with every attribute of the highest quality.


Jean Michael Seri celebrates his wonder goal against Burnley (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)

His eye for a pass, his touch and his reading of the game is stunning and he could well be the signing of the season if he carries on this early form.

Many fans will say that Mousa Dembele was the best player they've seen in the white of Fulham, but Seri may well take that title off him in the eyes of the majority.

Fulham are good enough to stay up

If we add in all this together, what I've seen at the very least, is that Fulham are good enough to stay in the Premier League this season.

Before the season started there was a lot of excitement and hype over the signings that the club had made, with some even targeting European football.


(Image: Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

But the aim has always been survival, and that won't change as the season continues - it's an old cliche, but 40 points is the target, and Jokanovic's side are good enough to get that and more.

With the firepower Fulham have, Seri in midfield and a defence that will grow stronger each week, survival is definitely on the cards for the club to build on next season.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/defensive-concerns-shackles-flourishing-attack-15131844

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Dempsey, Van der Sar & Saha - The best 25-man Fulham squad from the past 20 years

football.london Fulham reporter Ryan O'Donovan runs through his 25-man squad of the past 20 years

Fulham's last 20 years have seen them play Premier League football, with the club gaining promotion in both 2001 and 2018 to England's top flight.

In that spell, the Cottagers were a near-enough constant fixture in the Premier League calender, even gracing Europe with a run to the Europa League final in 2010 before losing 2-1 in the final to Atletico Madrid.
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There have been a number of players that have come to Craven Cottage and become legends, with the likes of Clint Dempsey, Edwin van der Sar and Louis Saha just a few players that forged their name in the white of Fulham.

Despite reporting on the fortunes of the club, I don't support Fulham, so when I was asked by my superiors to compile a best 25-man squad I didn't know where to start.

I'm still quite young too, when the club were first promoted I was only around seven years old, so picking a best ever 25 is near on impossible for me.

Instead, I've picked the last 20 years as a base and gone for the players that stood out for me as a kid, right up until now, that played for Fulham.

No doubt you'll disagree, so once you're done reading this I want to know your best 25-man Fulham squad from your years of supporting the club - you can send them to me in the comments section or on Twitter.

So without further ado, here goes nothing.

Goalkeepers


(Image: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Edwin van der Sar

For me, one of the best goalkeepers not just to grace Fulham, but world football.

Signing him from Juventus was a coup for the club and he went on to become one of the best keepers on the world stage, making 154 appearances for the club before moving on.

Naturally gifted - this was probably the easiest choice in the entire 25!

Mark Schwarzer

Again, another easy choice.


Mark Schwarzer and Brede Hangeland during their time at Fulham (Image: HOWARD WALKER/AFP/Getty Images)

He helped the side get to that Europa League final, which is no mean feat, and made over 200 appearances for the club during his five years at Craven Cottage.

With van der Sar and Schwarzer, Fulham have been blessed with some serious quality between the sticks.

Defenders

Steve Finnan

As an Irishman, Finnan was always going to get a place in my 25-man squad.

He's one of the players I remember most growing up, playing at right back for Fulham and the Republic of Ireland.


(Image: Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Finnan wasn't flash - he was consistent and a no-thrills type of player that you knew exactly what you'd get from in every game.

It's no surprise he went on to lift the Champions League trophy with Liverpool.

Aaron Hughes

He was a solid part of the side that reached the Europa League final and had a strong partnership with Brede Hangeland at the back for Fulham.

Hughes spent a successful six and a half years at Craven Cottage before heading to QPR on a free transfer in 2014, and is still playing for Hearts.

Brede Hangeland

Yep, Hangeland certainly gets a place in my 25 and his inclusion needs little explaining really.

Strong, reliable and a brilliant defender - his signing is arguably one of the best the club have ever made.


Brede Hangeland of Fulham in 2013 (Image: Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

Rufus Brevett

217 appearance for Brevett between 1998 and 2003 and ever reliable in the left back role for the club.

He was present in the press box for the play-off victory over Aston Villa and you could tell what the club still means to him.

Paul Konchesky

The left back thrived under the stewardship of Roy Hodgson at Fulham and was monumental in the Europa League run, with his move to Liverpool showing just how good he was during his time in west London.

Despite that not quite working out for him, his time at the Cottage was probably the best of his career.

Tim Ream

The American was phenomenal in Fulham's promotion to the Premier League last season, and his improvement under Slavisa Jokanovic merits a place in my 25.

He has come on leaps and bounds and was brilliant last season, showing his determined personality and unwillingness to give up.


(Image: Nigel French/PA Wire)

Chris Baird

Bairdinho gets a place in my squad, once again a member of that Europa League side that will go down in history at Fulham.

He spent six pretty successful years at the club (and another loan spell later in his career) and is still remembered fondly by fans.

Mortiz Volz

A cult figure at Fulham - how could I have a 25 without Volz in it?

He spent five years at the Cottage and his performances on the pitch and work off it with the community, and will always be remembered for scoring the 15,000th Premier League goal.

Add in that it was against Chelsea and it makes the milestone even better.

Midfielders


Dembele during his time at Fulham

Mousa Dembele

Arguably one of the best ever players to pull on a Fulham shirt, his ability in midfield has seen him go on to grace some of the biggest stages in world football.

Absolutely brilliant in the middle of the park, Dembele should easily commandeer a place in any 25 man squad.

Tom Cairney

Cairney was Fulham's talisman for the past two seasons and played a massive role in gaining promotion back to the Premier League.


(Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)

His ability on the ball and his passing range has seen this current crop of players gravitate round him and look to him to make something special happen when times get tough.

And having been the main man during my time covering the club, he has to go in.

Luis Boa Morte

A popular figure during his time at the Cottage - his 54 goals for Fulham in 250 outings guarantees him a spot in my 23-man squad.

Danny Murphy

The captain that oversaw the Great Escape and the Europa League run, Murphy was a fighter in the middle of the park for Fulham after he signed from Tottenham Hotspur.


Fulham's Danny Murphy celebrates after scoring his goal against Burnley during a Premier League match (Image: IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)

He spent five successful years at the club and would be my captain pick for this 25 man squad too.

Damien Duff

Probably one of my favourite players of all time.

When I was in school I used to pretend I was the wing wizard in the playground - there's no way he doesn't get into my 25 man squad.

Clint Dempsey

Dempsey recently announced his retirement from football, but he's given Fulham fans some memories over the year, including *that* chip against Juventus.

I've included him in my midfielders so there's more space in the forward line for other players - but wherever he featured for the club, he will always be remembered as a legend.


Doubling up: Clint Dempsey

Sean Davis

I've included Davis for the fact that he's the only man to have represented the club in all four divisions of English football.

That's not something you get often in modern day football, and as what I would describe as a club legend, has to go into my squad.

Steed Malbranque

He played for Fulham for five seasons and is still the second highest goal scorer for the club in the Premier League with 32 goals, behind Dempsey's 50.

Was a brilliant footballer on his day and gets a deserved spot in my 25-man squad.

Jean-Michael Seri

A bit of a curve ball seeing as he's only played four games for Fulham, but he might be one of the best players I've ever seen at Craven Cottage.

He has all the right attributes to play for a top, top club and it's a joy to watch him at Craven Cottage at the moment.

Bryan Ruiz

Four years at Fulham and another player who will be remembered by fans of the club.

He's still playing now and even featured for Costa Rica at the World Cup in the summer.


Scott Parker congratulates Bryan Ruiz on his goal against Reading in January 2015 (Image: Ker Robertson/Getty Images)

Simon Davies

A favourite for his work ethic and ability from crosses, Davies almost become an immortal at the club when he opened the scoring in the Europa League final.

It was unfortunate how his career faded towards the end at the club, but just for those early moments he gets a place in the squad.

Forwards

Brian McBride

One of the most dedicated players to ever play for Fulham, and he has a bar named after him at the Cottage.

Need I say anymore?!


Back in the game: Brian McBride celebrates against Everton (Image: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/Getty Images)

Louis Saha

One of the most potent and lethal strikers to have ever played at Fulham, scoring 64 goals in 144 appearances during his time in west London.

Bobby Zamora

Played a huge role in getting Fulham to the Europa League final, making his sub-£5million move from West Ham an absolute bargain.


(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Dimitar Berbatov

Despite only spending two years at the club, the ability of Berbatov means he has to take a place in my 25 man squad.

Despite his laid back attitude, he knew where the net was and that's exactly what you want from your strikers.



https://www.football.london/fulham-fc/dempsey-van-der-sar--15133496

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Transfer Battle: Aleksandar Mitrovic vs Danny Ings

After disappointing results on the Premier League's opening weekend, both Fulham and Southampton have since managed to claim four points with the latter picking up their first win of the season at the start of this month against Crystal Palace.

And much credit has to go to summer signings Aleksandar Mitrovic and Danny Ings, who have both started the new campaign in fine form for their respective clubs.

Mitrovic has already netted four goals for Fulham, including a brace against Burnley in his side's 4-2 win, while Ings scored the opener for Southampton as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 at Selhurst Park.

Undoubtedly, the pair have big roles to play at Fulham and Southampton this season, but which club ended up with the better striker?

Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mitrovic enters this campaign with a point to prove having not always enjoyed the best of times in his previous stints in the Premier League at Newcastle under Steve McClaren and Rafael Benitez.

Since his last spell in English football's top flight, Mitrovic has spent a season out on loan with Fulham in the Championship where he helped the west London side to win promotion back to the Premier League and did enough to convince the club that it would be worth spending £22m (via BBC Sport) in the summer to bring him to Craven Cottage permanently.

And the 23-year-old, thus far, is repaying the faith shown in him by Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic and owner Shahid Khan.

It is not just the goals that he has brought to west London, though, that has made Fulham's decision to fork out on him a good one.

Mitrovic's overall centre-forward play has been extremely efficient, while his dominance in aerial duels will make him a handful for Premier League defenders up and down the country.

If Mitrovic can continue playing at this level — or close to it — Fulham will not have to worry about relegation.

TT Grade: B+

Danny Ings

For Ings, it has never been a question of ability, but rather if he could stay fit. In his debut Premier League campaign back in the 2014/15 season, the 26-year-old scored 11 goals in 35 appearances for a very conservative Burnley side, void of much creativity.

Ings' impressive displays that term caught the attention of Mauricio Pochettino and Tottenham (via Sky Sports) before a move to Liverpool eventually materialised for the striker.

However, his dream move to Anfield did not pan out the way he would have liked after picking up two serious knee injuries.

Ings now finds himself at Southampton — the club he supported as a boy — and has probably been the team's best player so far.

The England international has looked dangerous in and around the box and is already starting to strike up a partnership up front with Charlie Austin.

Last season, the Saints had a lot of troubles in front of goal. But, if Ings can stay injury free, then it could be problem solved in that department.

TT Grade: B

TT Verdict:

It is still early days, but Fulham and Southampton have looked to acquire two very good strikers that have improved their teams drastically.

Southampton, in particular, were in desperate need of a new centre-forward given the difficulties the likes of Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long had when it came to scoring goals, while Austin endured his own sorts of problems with injuries.

Therefore, Saints boss Mark Hughes has done well to bring Ings in on loan with the view to a permanent with the former Burnley man already starting to deliver the goods.

That being said, Mitrovic's start to this new campaign has been brilliant and, given Ings' recent record with injuries, the Serbia international looks to be the more reliable No.9 between the two.



https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/features/transfer-battles/transfer-battle-aleksandar-mitrovic-vs-danny-ings/

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Serbia 2-2 Romania

Mitrovic has scored four times for Fulham this season

Aleksandar Mitrovic scored twice as Serbia were held at home by Romania in League C of the Nations League.

Mitrovic has been in fine goalscoring form for Fulham this season, netting four times in the Premier League, and he scrambled in Serbia's opener.

His second was sensational, flicking the ball up inside the box and volleying home.

Romania equalised twice through Nicolae Stanciu's penalty and George Tucudean's neat finish from a corner.

Serbia are second in the group after their opening victory over Lithuania, who suffered their second successive defeat against Montenegro.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45479470

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3 Things Fulham Must Do Away To Manchester City This Weekend

This weekend, Fulham, quite possibly, face their stiffest test of the season so far.

After four games in the Premier League, games which have produced 1 win, 1 draw and 2 defeats, the Cottagers make the trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on the reigning Premier League title holders, Manchester City.

It is a game that the pundits will expect Manchester City to win as they seek to win back-to-back titles.

Here at Vital Fulham, we're under no illusions as to the difficulty of the fixture, in fact, if we were, to be honest, we'd be delighted to come away with a draw.

But, as we contemplate a trip to the north-west, we've come up with three things it is essential we adhere to.

1 – Fulham must not be over-awed by the prospect of the challenge. Recently, Wolverhampton Wanderers, a side that also made the huge step from the Championship to the Premier League, back in May, showed that City are fallible earning a 1-1 draw in a game where they had City on the back-foot for large periods.

2 – If Manchester City get an early goal, Fulham mustn't panic, they'll need to carry on with their normal game, they showed against Tottenham Hotspur, another big-name side with Premier League title aspirations, they can go toe-to-toe with the best.

3 – Fulham might get very few chances in this game, it is essential that if a chance falls our way we are clinical. Already we've learned that chances, unlike in the Championship, are at a premium, we may only get one or two chances all game, but when they come our way we must put them away.

COYW's



https://fulham.vitalfootball.co.uk/3-things-fulham-must-do-away-to-manchester-city-this-weekend/