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Thursday Fulham Stuff (05/09/13)...

Started by WhiteJC, September 05, 2013, 07:02:23 AM

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WhiteJC

 
Analysis: Fulham's transfer activity

When Shahid Khan bought the club in July, Fulham looked set for busy and exciting transfer window. The Pakistani-born American billionaire arrived with promises of securing the club's Premier League future, and with the top flight clubs around Fulham also spending big, the fans were left certain that a rare summer spending spree would ensue.

Top of the fans' wishlist were a left back, a creative midfielder (to finally replace Mousa Dembélé, whose loss the fans still haven't come to terms with) and a poacher up front, one who would hang on the last man, leaving Dimitar Berbatov some more space in which to daydream about how good he is.

Darren Bent was that striker. With a proven scoring record in the division and 13 international caps to his name, Bent was the 20-goal-a-season man the majority of Fulham fans were delighted to see sign for them.

The fans' excitement did not last long, because what use is a striker when you can't get the ball to him?

The new arrivals in midfield were the unknown Derek Boateng from Ukrainian side Dnipro, the all-too-well-known Adel Taarabt from QPR and the former England captain Scott Parker.

Taarabt is a match-winner on his day, but his eye for a pass is not dissimilar to Cristiano Ronaldo's. The difference is that Ronaldo can get away with not passing the ball.

Parker is a fantastic addition to the squad, but is known more for knocking aside players half his size than for a neat through ball.

Boateng seems to be quite the character, but the less said the better when Steve Sidwell is keeping you out of the side.

The Cottagers have to play out at least the first half of this season without a recognised playmaker, their very own Steven Gerrard, if you will. After three Premier League games played, only two goals scored and not many more chances created, this could cost them.

Fulham currently have three left back options: John Arne Riise, who for all his experience, is about as quick as a snail in treacle, the completely inexperienced Matthew Briggs and the out-of-position Kieran Richardson.

It seems strange that the fans wanted to bring in a left back over a right back, considering Sascha Riether is the solitary out and out right back in the squad. Not one of these left backs, however, is of the same class as Riether, who joined permanently in the summer following a £1.3m deal from Cologne, and may well prove to be the signing of the window and a fan favourite at the Cottage.

Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham each have money to spend, and each end the transfer window short at the back. Defenders, seemingly, are hard to find these days, so Martin Jol's only deadline day signing may turn out to be a good one.

Elsad Zverotic, whose surname surely makes him the last Premier League footballer in alphabetical order, signed on a two-year deal from Swiss side BSC Young Boys.

Some English football fans may be ever so slightly familiar with Zverotic after he scored a memorable left-footed goal at Anfield, as the Young Boys took on Liverpool in the group stages of the Europa League.

At the very young (by Fulham's standards) age of 26 and 34 international caps for Montenegro to his name, Zverotic could feature regularly at Fulham. A right back by trade, he can cover an injury to Riether, but he can also play anywhere across the back line or as a defensive midfielder. I'm not sure he's the creative force Jol would have been looking for, but if Zverotic proves his worth, he could become Fulham's still much needed first choice left back.

Fulham's other notable signings include Holland international goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, a very suitable replacement for the Chelsea-bound Mark Schwarzer, and Fernando Amorebieta, the centre back perhaps best known for (unintentionally) kicking Lionel Messi in the face while playing for La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, who is currently out injured.

While the transfer window has not been a disaster for Martin Jol's side, the lack of that one creative midfielder could be the difference between a top half finish and a relegation scrap. In fact, Fulham lack a quality passer in the whole of their first choice front six; Jol must look to resolve this in January if he is the man to take Fulham forward.

Elsewhere, the first choice back five is solid, but will need time to gel.

In a normal year, Fulham fans would be startled with the signings of nine players. This season, after the arrival of such a wealthy new owner and as each of the clubs around them, bar Newcastle, has improved their squad dramatically, the fans are apparently unconvinced and a little let down.

After their performances in their first three matches, you can hardly blame them. With the window closed and the new arrivals beginning to settle in, the manager and the team have no more excuses. Something must now change on the pitch rather than off it, otherwise this could be a long and restless season for Fulham and their fans.



http://threeandin.com/analysis-fulhams-transfer-activity/?

WhiteJC

 
Where Is The Replacement For Mousa Dembele One Year Later For Fulham?

Fulham brought in several additions to the squad that should be a help this season. However, they still have not found that creative central midfielder that many fans feel they still need. Where is the replacement for Mousa Dembele one year later for Fulham?

Fulham opened the season last year playing Norwich at home and destroyed the visitors with a convincing 5-0 victory. We also might have seen the most dominating performance Fulham had played in awhile. At that point Fulham were really being built around the play of Mousa Dembele who dazzled all of us with his dribbling and passing ability.

The very next week, Fulham lost 3-2 at Old Trafford, and even though Fulham lost, much of the talk centered around the play of Dembele, and how dominant he was in this match. The very next week he was sold to Spurs and Fulham have not been the same since.

It is not easy to replace a player that has the ability of Dembele, but we are one year removed from his time at Fulham, and it is obvious to many fans that the club still needs a creative central midfielder who can get the ball up front to create scoring opportunities. Who are Fulham built around now?

This takes us to the end of the Transfer Window now, and while Fulham have brought in some nice additions, I still don't see that player to take over that role that Dembele did so well. Scott Parker is going to be an asset for Fulham in central midfield as a defensive midfielder, but he is not the player to create scoring chances that I think Fulham need to partner with him.

Now, Dembele came to Fulham as a striker, but was converted to a central midfielder by Fulham manager Martin Jol, and it obviously worked well. Could there be a player on the current roster that could make that same transition?

Bryan Ruiz I thought last season could be that player to fulfill that role, but Jol has used him mostly as the #10 and out on the wing. Pajtim Kasami is another player that I thought could be a candidate to fulfill that role, but he has played similar roles like Ruiz this season.

Could there be a player in the Academy that they are grooming to play the role in the future? Now, this is possible but again I don't see an Academy player helping with this hole right now.

The last game for Fulham showed some of the issues that Fulham are having without Dembele . The players seem to be playing as individuals rather than as a unit. There has not been that one player really influencing the others, and helping to create scoring opportunities.

Now, to be fair over time I think the roles of the players will be more defined, and we will see more fluid play, but it just seems there is a player missing to really make everything run correctly. A team can be like an engine, and if there is a part not functioning correctly, it can really affect the performance of the car. I think we are seeing that with Fulham with this hole in central midfield.

Fulham can still have a successful season, but I am just curious why a year later there is not that player to replace Dembele?


http://www.cottagersconfidential.com/2013/9/4/4689654/where-is-the-replacement-for-mousa-dembele-one-year-later-for-fulham?

WhiteJC

 
Discussion of Dimitar Berbatov's recent performances for Fulham

Dimitar Berbatov is one of my favourite Premier League players from the past decade, but I'm going to throw him under the bus here.

Below are a couple of graphics from his recent performances:



That's his heat-map from the Newcastle game, and although Fulham were away from home and Darren Bent had been brought into the side as the more advanced forward, that is far too deep for someone of Berbatov's abilities to be playing – he's of very limited use to his side in those kind of positions. Maybe you can blame the player for that, or maybe Martin Jol – one way or another, though, somebody needs to fix it.

...and that wasn't just a one-off, either, because the graphic from his 90 minutes against Arsenal is pretty similar, even if he was involved slightly more:



That's a problem, but far more concerning is the passing-chart below, again taken from St James' Park on Saturday.



To boil this down to its lowest common denominator, that just isn't good enough. I must have seen Berbatov play dozens and dozens of games, and never has he been that sloppy with the ball in the final-third (the red arrows represent failed passes). Yes, there's an issue at Fulham with the players surrounding him, and obviously the passing options that are available, but that doesn't excuse such a callous disregard for the importance of possession. The Bulgarian is an incredibly intelligent player, and one of the best in the division at holding the ball-up and bringing his teammates into the game, so hence to see him being so wasteful and playing so many low-percentage balls in that area of the pitch is incredibly disappointing.

If he's going to play like that, then the positions he gets into are a secondary concern.

The players ability allows us all to excuse the flippancy with which he plays the game, but there's a point at which his attitude has to be called into question. I'm sorry to have to say it, but he's playing very obviously within himself – and, beyond the issues with creativity and the tactics at Fulham, that's a problem for him personally to address.



http://thepremierleagueowl.com/discussion-of-dimitar-berbatovs-recent-performances-for-fulham/


WhiteJC

 
Barry Hayles column: Parker and Bent will be top performers

BOTH Scott Parker and Darren Bent will be top players for Fulham football club. They have been two of the most consistent performers in the Premier League over the past four or five years.

With the World Cup set to take place next year in Brazil. Scott and Darren can achieve their England ambitions at Fulham. Craven Cottage is the place for them to do that.

I understand why Scott wanted to continue playing in the top flight and not drop down a division to move to Queens Park Rangers.

Tottenham have made a mistake in letting him go. I didn't think they'd allow him to leave. But they've spent real money this summer in strengthening their squad.

Spurs have Santos. He's a top player, who is similar to Scott in sitting in front of the back four. Santos is ahead of Scott in selection and that is why Spurs let him go.

However, Tottenham's loss is Fulham's gain. There is no doubt Scott will be a top performer for the club. Last year Fulham had plenty of creative players, but no one who could win the ball. He will win tackles and push them higher up the pitch, which will lead to more chances being created.

Darren is a prolific Premier League goal scorer with something to prove after a difficult spell at Aston Villa. Fulham lacked goals last year. Darren once he has match sharpness will score goals.

Martin Jol was a major factor in Darren signing for the club. The boss won't change his style and he will play to Darren's strengths, which are scoring goals and being on the shoulder of the last man. That is why managers sign former players because Martin knows what Darren can do on the pitch.

Fulham are through to the next round of the League Cup after a nerve wracking 5-4 victory on penalties against Burton Albion.

Penalty shoot outs are tense for everyone who is involved. The old saying is pick your spot and don't change your mind. But it's still daunting. I remember playing in one for Fulham. We only just won it 5-4!

Barry Hayles was talking to Lewis Deakin



Read more: Fulham Chronicle http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-fc/2013/09/04/82029-33808497/?#ixzz2dznZvy3a

WhiteJC

 
Fulham yet to be convinced that Mahamadou Diarra is ready for new deal

Mahamadou Diarra has stepped up his recovery from a knee injury, but is yet to convince Fulham that he deserves a new deal.

The Cottagers allowed the midfielder's contract to run down in 2012/13, with a lengthy spell on the sidelines keeping him out of their plans.

Diarra has not featured since December, with a knee complaint forcing him under the knife.

It has been a long road back for the former Real Madrid man, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

The 32-year-old has been training with Fulham throughout the summer and the Premier League outfit are prepared to offer him fresh terms if he can prove his fitness.

Asked to offer an update on that process, Cottagers boss Martin Jol said in the Chronicle: "Diarra is coming back, he's probably at 50 per cent.

"He's not really fit but if there's no contact, like in possession games, then he can join us in training.

"He's not quite there where we want him to be yet."



http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/8905947/?

WhiteJC

 
Mourinho makes move to Chelsea's bitter London rivals Fulham... the Special One's 14-year-old son, that is!

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho's son has signed for Premier League rivals Fulham.

The 14-year-old goalkeeper has joined the youth set up at Craven Cottage after a successful month long trial at the club.

Jose Mario previously played in Spain for Real Madrid's Canillas team while his dad was manager at the Bernabeu.


Going to Fulham: Jose Mourinho and his family have decided not to pick Chelsea for their son Jose Mario

But Spanish newspaper Marca claim Mourinho Jnr has opted not to follow his father to Chelsea and instead play for Fulham at Under 14 level.

The contract is for one season because that is the longest a player of his age is allowed to sign when playing abroad.

The young Mourinho will hope to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Jose Manuel Mourinho Felix who also played as a keeper and won one cap for Portugal in the 1970s.


Rivalry: Will Mourinho senior be watching from the sideline when he son plays against Chelsea?


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2411372/Jose-Mourinhos-son-signs-Fulham.html#ixzz2dzo7WjLy
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook


WhiteJC

 
Besiktas president confirms talks with Fulham over Kerim Frei

Beşiktaş president Fikret Orman confirmed that talks with Fulham over Kerim Frei are ongoing in an interview with Lig Tv.

"We are in the process of trying to sign Kerim Frei, we have been in contact with him for a long time," Orman said.

"I approached Kerim following the Champions League final and we have been in talks since.

"If our terms are met we want to sign Kerim."

Frei has fallen down the pecking order at Fulham and has been told he is free to leave this season to continue his development.

Fulham manager Martin Jol said: "Kerim is part of our future but he is still developing.

"I want him to play games and continue to progress."

The Turkish international winger spent much of the 2012-13 season out with injury however, Frei represented Turkey in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013.

Frei made four appearances for Turkey in the U20 World Cup, the Turkish side were knocked out in the Round of 16 against France.


http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=5133

WhiteJC

 
Squad Announcement




The Fulham FC 25 man squad for the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season has been submitted to the league.

All clubs in the Premier League had until today to submit a squad containing no more than 17 players who do not fulfil the "Home Grown Player" (HGP) criteria.

The remaining members, up to a total of 25, must be Home Grown. This means "a player who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21)."

An Under-21 player is defined as being born on or after January 1, 1992. Clubs can use an unlimited number of U21 players in addition to their 25-man squad.

Clubs with fewer than 25 players in their squad are still permitted to sign free agents.

The Fulham squad:
Maarten Stekelenburg
David Stockdale (H)
Neil Etheridge (H)
Sascha Riether
Elsad Zverotić
Aaron Hughes (H)
Philippe Senderos (H)
Brede Hangeland
Fernando Amorebieta
Kieran Richardson (H)
John Arne Riise
Matthew Briggs (H)
Damien Duff (H)
Ashkan Dejagah
Steve Sidwell (H)
Derek Boateng
Scott Parker (H)
Bryan Ruiz
Giorgos Karagounis
Adel Taarabt (H)
Alexander Kačaniklić (H)
Darren Bent (H)
Hugo Rodallega
Dimitar Berbatov



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/september/04/squad-announcement?

Joe McDonald

Quote from: WhiteJC on September 05, 2013, 07:12:08 AM

Besiktas president confirms talks with Fulham over Kerim Frei

Beşiktaş president Fikret Orman confirmed that talks with Fulham over Kerim Frei are ongoing in an interview with Lig Tv.

"We are in the process of trying to sign Kerim Frei, we have been in contact with him for a long time," Orman said.

"I approached Kerim following the Champions League final and we have been in talks since."If our terms are met we want to sign Kerim."

Frei has fallen down the pecking order at Fulham and has been told he is free to leave this season to continue his development.

Fulham manager Martin Jol said: "Kerim is part of our future but he is still developing.

"I want him to play games and continue to progress."

The Turkish international winger spent much of the 2012-13 season out with injury however, Frei represented Turkey in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013.

Frei made four appearances for Turkey in the U20 World Cup, the Turkish side were knocked out in the Round of 16 against France.


http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=5133

Isn't that tapping up?


cmg

Quote from: Joe McDonald on September 05, 2013, 10:13:52 AM
Quote from: WhiteJC on September 05, 2013, 07:12:08 AM

Besiktas president confirms talks with Fulham over Kerim Frei

Beşiktaş president Fikret Orman confirmed that talks with Fulham over Kerim Frei are ongoing in an interview with Lig Tv.

"We are in the process of trying to sign Kerim Frei, we have been in contact with him for a long time," Orman said.

"I approached Kerim following the Champions League final and we have been in talks since."If our terms are met we want to sign Kerim."

Frei has fallen down the pecking order at Fulham and has been told he is free to leave this season to continue his development.

Fulham manager Martin Jol said: "Kerim is part of our future but he is still developing.

"I want him to play games and continue to progress."

The Turkish international winger spent much of the 2012-13 season out with injury however, Frei represented Turkey in the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013.

Frei made four appearances for Turkey in the U20 World Cup, the Turkish side were knocked out in the Round of 16 against France.


http://www.turkish-football.com/news_read.php?id=5133

Isn't that tapping up?

The Turkish clubs have been banging on like this all summer.

I've run 'tapping up' through Googletranslate, but I don't think a Turkish equivalent exists. It's like one of those EU agriculture Laws that we apply strictly but to which our French friends merely do that shoulder shrugging thing.