Saturday Fulham Stuff (11/01/14)...

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Fulham must buy for future

Unsurprisingly the January transfer window is yet to throw up much activity outside of the endless speculation that will no doubt continue throughout the duration of this month.

In fact, Fulham are one of the few teams in the Premier league so far to have actually added to their squad with the acquisition of Clint Dempsey on a short-term loan from Seattle. While there are many benefits to having the American at our disposal, there are a number of Fulham fans (myself included) who are hoping that this particular deal is not a sign of things to come.

Historically Fulham have not been a big spender when it comes to the transfer window and on the few occasions that the cheque book has come out the resulting signings have proved to be less than successful – think Steve Marlet, Andy Johnson and more recently Bryan Ruiz. In more recent seasons though, the majority of us have come to expect that any incoming player will likely fall in to one of three rather undesirable categories – free transfers, loan signings and short-term deals for players over the age of 30. Clint Dempsey for example falls in to two of these brackets.

It is still unclear exactly how much Rene Meulensteen will be given to strengthen his squad this month, but what is for sure is that as a club we need to find players who will not only lower the average age of what is the oldest team in the league, but also offer some sort of value as an asset both in the long and short-term.

The recent FA Cup tie away at Norwich saw a number of younger prospects from the club be given their chance at first-team level and on the whole they grasped it with both hands. Dan Burn, recalled from a loan spell at Birmingham City, looked solid at the back while Chris David, Vigen Christensen and Ange-Freddy Plumain all did well in midfield. It's always encouraging to see young prospects getting a chance but it is vital that we compliment these with additions who are already at the level to play week in week out.

Fulham will always be a selling club but in recent times we have had little in the way of products to sell. No one is going to fork out for a player over 30 and the sell-on value of our current crop is fairly limited. There has been talk around the possibility of Ravel Morrison and Simon Makienok being targeted, and while both in terms of age and potential fall in to the right category for the club, it remains to be seen how much truth there actually is in these rumours. A lot of our activity in terms of forward options will depend on the fate of Dimitar Berbatov, and with Dempsey due to return to Seattle at the end of February, it is vital that we strengthen before the month is out.

COYW !


http://www.shoot.co.uk/fulham-must-buy-for-future/

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You're my No.1! Meulensteen backs Stekelenburg over Stockdale in battle for Fulham spot

Dutch keeper will return to the side when he recovers from an ankle injury

Maarten Stekelenburg remains Fulham's No.1 keeper, according to boss Rene Meulensteen.

The Craven Cottage chief has heaped praise on David Stockdale in recent weeks after deputising for the Dutch international, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury.

However, Meulensteen insists summer signing Stekelenburg will regain his place between the stick when he returns to fitness.

He said: "It's important you are clear. Maarten Stekelenburg didn't go out of the team because a lack of form. It was because of an injury.

"What you want is a top drawer second goalkeeper that can step in and really keep the level where you want it to be. If it was a loss of form it would be a different scenario."



http://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/youre-no1-meulensteen-backs-stekelenburg-6496665?

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Hereford United could face Tottenham Hotspur or Fulham in next round of FA Youth Cup

HEREFORD United's promising young stars will face another Premier League club in the FA Youth Cup if they overcome mighty Manchester City, writes TIM PRESCOTT.

United's under-18 team travel to Ewen Fields on Tuesday knowing that a win would secure them a fifth-round tie against Tottenham Hotspur or Fulham at Edgar Street.

Peter Beadle's Bulls have already played six rounds but face a tough task against Manchester City, who thumped Doncaster 4-0 in their first outing in the competition.

The fifth round ties are scheduled to be played the week beginning Monday, February 10.


http://www.herefordtimes.com/sport/10930352.Hereford_United_could_face_Tottenham_Hotspur_or_Fulham_in_next_round_of_FA_Youth_Cup/?ref=rss

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Fulham: Meulensteen eyes former Liverpool striker



Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen is interested in bringing Fenerbahce's Dirk Kuyt back to the Premier League, it has emerged.

The new Cottagers boss is set to improve his squad this month as he hopes to steer Fulham out of the relegation zone before the end of the season, and new signings in attack could be a priority.

SportsDirect News understands that ex-Liverpool forward Kuyt could also be looking to return for another spell in English football, and Fulham currently look the favourites to land him.

The 33-year-old scored 51 goals in 208 Premier League appearances for the Reds, and was a fans' favourite for his work-rate and enthusiasm.

That kind of work ethic and experience could be crucial in keeping Fulham in the top flight this season.
Cardiff City were also reportedly interested in Kuyt during the summer transfer window.



http://www.sportsdirectnews.com/premier-league-news/38185-fulham-meulensteen-eyes-former-liverpool-striker.php#.UtDQL_0cKbA

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Poyet's Sunderland Good Enough To Turn Fulham's Jekyll Into Hyde

FULHAM v SUNDERLAND 15:00; Craven Cottage

Fulham manager Rene Meulensteen showed he won't hesitate to wield the axe on underperforming players by making seven changes to his line-up from the 6-0 battering at Hull two weeks ago for the 2-1 win over West Ham on New Year's Day. Scott Parker showed how his presence had been missed and Kieran Richardson and Damien Duff also made promising returns, though neither are guaranteed starting places for Sunderland's visit.

The Cottagers have been very Jekyll & Hyde since the Dutchman took over, but that at least means there have been ups as opposed to the consistent downs that finished the reign of Martin Jol. A win over Sunderland would put eight points distance between the sides, but a defeat would signal that Fulham are to be key protagonists in the scrap for survival.



Sunderland will draw huge encouragement from their midweek League Cup semi-final first leg win over Manchester United,which has given them a real possibility of a Wembley final. Following on from a victory over Chelsea in the previous round and their recent league performances prior to the home defeat to Aston Villa last time out, it illustrates the doggedness Gus Poyet has engendered in the team.

The Black Cats have not lost any of their last four away games and will be confident of getting a result at Fulham that would take them to the brink of escaping the bottom three. John O'Shea and Wes Brown are both ready to return, while new boy Marcos Alonso may make his Premier League debut for the club after impressing in the win over United.



What to watch out for: A six-pointer that will probably produce a cagey match. Sunderland are capable of sitting deep and hitting Fulham on the break.

Possible line-ups:

Fulham – Stekelenberg; Riether, Senderos, Amorebieta, Riise, Dejagah, Parker, Sidwell, Dempsey, Taarabt, Berbatov

Sunderland – Mannone; Bardsley, O'Shea, Brown, Alonso, Johnson, Cattermole, Colback, Giaccherini, Ki, Fletcher

Recent form: Fulham – WLLWLW; Sunderland – LDDWDL

Prediction: 1-2


http://www.footymatters.com/articles/english-football/premier-league/poyets-sunderland-good-enough-to-turn-fulhams-jekyll-into-hyde/?

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Squad Sheets/PreMatch Stats – Fulham vs Sunderland

A victory over fellow strugglers West Ham will have given Fulham a much needed boost as they look to move away from the relegation zone, and the Cottagers will be looking to make it two wins on the bounce when they host fellow strugglers Sunderland this weekend.

Fulham's winner was scored by striker Dimitar Berbatov as he made a return to the side following a groin problem which had kept him out since December 14th. The enigmatic Bulgarian, should he choose to stay this January, will be central to Fulham's hopes of staying in the league, not only because of his goals but also his overall creative package.

Berbatov's passing is one of his key assets, and this outstanding ability of his was on show again against the Hammers as he managed to complete a total of 29 passes in West Ham's half – the second most of any striker in the league.

Fulham boasted an incredible 68% of possession against West Ham and this was, in no small part, down to the performance of midfield general Scott Parker. Parker has become an essential component of the Fulham lineup since his arrival at Craven Cottage, featuring in 17 of their 20 fixtures so far this campaign, and he was at his creative best against the Hammers. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he completed 56 passes in the opposition half, which was more than any other player in the league.

Berbatov and Sidwell may have grabbed the headlines with their goals against West Ham, but the performance of Philippe Senderos should not be undervalued. The former Gunner has undergone something of a revolution since Meulensteen took the reins, and he produced another imperious performance against the Hammers. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index demonstrates that he made 13 clearances – the most in the league.

Steve Sidwell has been a rare shining light in an otherwise gloomy campaign for Fulham, and his equalizer against West Ham underlined his worth to the team. Not only has he played more minutes than any other Fulham player this term (1650), but he has also made 40 interceptions – the sixth most of any midfielder.

Sunderland battled their way to a 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the first leg of their semi-final. It was a morale-boosting win after a disappointing loss to Aston Villa at home in the last round of Premier League fixtures.

Gus Poyet will be extremely frustrated by the result, particularly because his team boasted 65% of possession. Pass-master Ki Sung-Yueng was critical in ensuring Sunderland retained the ball, as he managed to complete an impressive 46 passes in the opposition half – the fifth most in the league. Poyet has expressed his hope that Sung-Yueng will remain at the Stadium of Light, and on the back of performances such as these, it isn't hard to see why.

Another player who Gus Poyet has seen as an essential component of his team is full back Phillip Bardsley. Off-field players problems led to the Scot being discarded by former manager Paulo Di Canio, but he has come back into the fold since Poyet took the reins, contributing defensively, but also popping up with a few goals.

Bardsley's propensity to bomb forward was evident again against Aston Villa as he completed an impressive 37 passes in the opposition half. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that no other defender completed more than the former Manchester United man.

Jozy Altidore has made 18 appearances for Sunderland in the league this year, but has only managed to hit the back of the net once. When consulting the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index, this appears to be a fairly surprising statistic, as he has hit the target with an impressive 64% of his efforts. No other player in the Sunderland squad matches the American's accuracy. Altidore is 11/2 with 888sport.com to score the first goal on Saturday.

Sunderland will be desperately looking to tie Jack Colback down to a new contract with his current deal due to expire at the end of the campaign. His versatility has been an asset for Gus Poyet, with his ability to operate both in central midfield and left back a major boost.

He's showcased his offensive and defensive skills this term, as he has won an impressive 70% of his challenges and also completed a pass in the opposition half at an impressive rate of a pass every 4.7 minutes.

Sunderland  Mannone, Pickford, Bardsley, Brown, Celustka, Diakite, Dossena, O'Shea, Roberge, Ba, Cattermole, Colback, Gardner, Giaccherini, Johnson, Ki, Larsson, Mavrias, Altidore, Borini, Fletcher, Ji, Mandron, Moberg-Karlsson

Fulham Etheridge, Stekelenburg, Stockdale, Amorebieta, Hughes, Riether, Riise, Senderos, Boateng, Dejagah, Duff, Frei, Kacaniklic, Karagounis, Kasami, Parker, Richardson, Sidwell, Taarabt, Zverotic, Bent, Berbatov, Rodallega, Ruiz.



http://threeandin.com/archives/33291?

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EXCLUSIVE: Fulham line up £7.5m double swoop for West Ham's Ravel Morrison and Mo Diame

FULHAM are planning an ambitious £7.5million double move for West Ham's Ravel Morrison and Mo Diame.

Manager Rene Meulensteen has been given cash to strengthen his struggling team by owner Shahid Khan, and is intent on a bold raid on one of his club's main relegation rivals.

Morrison knows Meulensteen from their time together at Manchester United, and Fulham have been monitoring the talented youngster for weeks. But the move for Diame is a surprise.

Fulham can only afford a maximum of around £4m for Morrison, which is unlikely to be accepted by West Ham, who may consider cashing in on the England Under-21 star to bankroll moves elsewhere in the transfer window.

But Fulham are still intent on testing the water with an offer. Diame has a buy-out clause of £3.5m in his contract, but the Senegalese midfielder has been unsettled at Upton Park for some time, holding out for a new contract worth around £75,000 a week.

Those wages would also be a stumbling block for Fulham, but Meulensteen is hoping the prospect of a fresh start could lure Diame to west London.

Diame impressed Fulham when he scored against them in West Ham's 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage on New Year's Day, a win that contributed to a new atmosphere around the club, which Meulensteen believes will be enough to keep his team up in the Premier League.

Before Meulensteen came in to replace Martin Jol Fulham were in freefall and heading for demotion to the Championship. But ahead of today's meeting with Sunderland, the Dutchman said: "There is a buzz around the place.

"Everybody has a spring in their step, everyone is polite and has a smile on their face. It is a combination of things which help, but perhaps the best medicine is results.

"You can be as happy as Larry, but if you keep on losing that will affect the mood of the team."

One of those to benefit from Meulensteen's lighter approach to training has been Darren Bent.

When he was at Sunderland, Bent was an England player but lost his way after moving to Aston Villa. He was bought by Jol to provide goal power but has scored only four in 18 appearances at Fulham. But with a new-found confidence and belief he could still reach his target of double figures for the season.

Meulensteen said: "His stats don't lie, but he is still a very good striker. The goal he scored at Norwich was fantastic for him.

"He is going to be important for us. Can he get double figures now? It's not impossible."

Meulensteen is prepared to release talented Costa Rican Bryan Ruiz, who cost the club £10m.

He added: "We have allowed him to talk to a number of clubs to see if something can come out of that.

"Expensive mistake? He was probably the right choice for Fulham and the right investment. But I have looked at the squad and picked the team on what are the right reasons and motivations."



http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/453246/EXCLUSIVE-Fulham-line-up-7-5m-double-swoop-for-West-Ham-s-Ravel-Morrison-and-Mo-Diame

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Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen backs Darren Bent to rediscover his scoring touch

The former Charlton and Spurs striker has found goals hard to come by, but has the confidence of his manager


Aiming for survival: Can Bent help Fulham avoid relegation?
Reuters
Rene Meulensteen reckons Darren Bent has put his troubles behind him and can play a big part in Fulham's survival bid.

The 29-year-old striker endured a nightmare spell at Aston Villa last campaign before his season-long loan switch to Craven Cottage in the summer.

Bent has failed to command a regular starting spot and managed just four goals in 18 games, but his manager hopes he has turned the corner following his strike in last weekend's FA Cup draw with Norwich and can shoot down former club Sunderland on Saturday.

Meulensteen said: "Darren's going to be important for us. Sometimes players get knocked out of their stride. It's how they respond and how they come back and if they do it in the right way they come back stronger.

"His stats don't lie. He's still a very good striker that you want to have in your squad. Every forward thrives on that confidence to get that goal and go 'right, I've still got it.'

"That's what you train for, that's what you work for and that's why you take your chances when they come.

"He might become one of those players that suddenly kicks-on, gets more playing time and in a rhythm where he can't stop scoring."



Check out all the latest News, Sport & Celeb gossip at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fulham-boss-rene-meulensteen-backs-3008659#ixzz2q40yb5Fj
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'I asked Meulensteen to stay' - Moyes rejects backroom clearout criticisms

The Scot brought many of his Everton staff with him in the summer but has claimed that he asked Rene Meulensteen to remain at Old Trafford.

David Moyes has rejected former United youth boss Eric Harrison's claim that the Reds boss made a mistake clearing out Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom staff.

Moyes brought in his Everton lieutenant's Steve Round and Jimmy Lumsden when he took over at Old Trafford and also appointed his ex-Goodison captain and former Reds stalwart Phil Neville as a first-team coach.

Fergie's No.2 Mike Phelan was dispensed with and coach Rene Meulensteen refused a post in the new regime.

Everton goalkeeper coach Chris Woods also came in for Eric Steele.

The cull has been offered up as one reasons for United's calamitous season with Harrison, who brought through the Class of '92, saying the old staff should have remained in place.

But Moyes retorted: "I don't think that's got anything to do with it at all.

"I asked Rene to stay at the club and gave him the opportunity so it wasn't as if I came in here and said let's get rid of everybody.

"I've kept all the other backroom staff."

The United boss is under-fire having lost five times at Old Trafford since August and is facing a huge battle to get into the Champions league places.

"It is a concern losing so many at Old Trafford, of course it is. You cannot turn around and say you are not worried about it," said Moyes.

"We have to get our home form right because in this position, people will always have an opportunity to find some form of criticism or find a weakness.

"But I've not listened to it (criticism that the Old Trafford empire is crumbling), so I couldn't tell you if that is what people have been saying.

"I have always said that if players are doing their best, you can't ask for any more. They are all giving their best but if that is not enough, it is something I need to have a look at.

"You continue to do what you have been doing because, if you have to change it, it suggests you were doing the wrong things in the first place.

"We are not and the things we have been doing are right. The players have been very good in the main. We just need things to go for us, we need to play better and take our chances.

"We have just been caught cold by a couple of sucker punches recently, which has been a bit disappointing."

The January transfer window still hasn't yielded any new faces to bolster the Reds' troubled campaign and Moyes says he won't be panic buying.

"I said I would try in January and it hasn't changed. If there's anything out there I'll try and bring them in but it's difficult," he said.

But was there hope that those mid-season window difficulties could be overcome?

"Probably not. I wouldn't say that today I'm any different than when you last asked me. Nothing's changed as far as that's concerned," he added.

"I'd like to try and choose the right ones, and I would always try and wait for the right ones than take people for the sake of it."



http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/david-moyes-asked-rene-meulensteen-6496778?

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Leaky Fulham United pin survival hopes on Brede Hangeland's return

When Brede Hangeland joined Fulham six years ago this month the deal's timing meant he had to watch from the stand while his new club lost 3-0 at home to Arsenal. After Emmanuel Adebayor scored the second of two barely challenged headers he received a text from a Fulham employee: "That's why we need u" it read.

This season Fulham have conceded 42 goals, more than any team in the Premier League, including nine at corners. Hangeland has missed three months with a sciatic nerve problem. These facts are related.

Fulham hope their Norwegian giant will return today when Sunderland visit Craven Cottage, too late to save Martin Jol, but a boost for his replacement Rene Meulensteen. With goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg also in line for a comeback, and Clint Dempsey making his second home debut after returning on loan from Seattle Sounders, there is renewed belief by  the Thames.

However, after taking three points at Everton and beating Manchester United in the Capital One Cup, Sunderland also have fresh confidence. They won at Fulham last season and a repeat could lift them off the bottom.

Gus Poyet's main decision centres on whether to change players involved on Tuesday when Fulham were resting, or hope the buzz of that victory overcomes any fatigue.

Sunderland are yet to beat a fellow struggler and Poyet said: "People say we are going to do well in the second half of the season because we are playing so many teams at home who are in the bottom half. But we haven't beaten one yet and it is vital that we start doing that. That's why the Fulham game is such a massive game for us."

A Sunderland win would bring them within two points of Fulham. Poyet, who arrived on Wearside with the club adrift after taking one point from seven games following Paolo Di Canio's disastrous reign (which included a home defeat by Fulham), added: "This game is one which can change our season and I'm looking forward to it."



http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/leaky-fulham-united-pin-survival-hopes-on-brede-hangelands-return-9052745.html

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Three Wise Men! Khan hopes Fulham trio will steer struggling Cottagers to safety

Shad Khan will summon Fulham to unite and support the three wise men in his new managerial team ahead of Saturday's relegation clash with Sunderland.

Khan has written a message for the match-day programme, explaining for the first time his reasons for bringing Alan Curbishley and Ray Wilkins on the backroom staff of new boss Rene Meulensteen.

'Above all, I believe we're in much better shape to make our move up the Premier League than just a month ago,' said the American billionaire who bought the club from Mohamed al Fayed last summer.


Impact: Rene Meulensteen has helped Fulham climb out of the drop zone

Experienced heads: Alan Curbishley and Ray Wilkins have been drafted in to assist Meulensteen

He also hails the return to Craven Cottage of USA international Clint Dempsey, on loan from Seattle Sounders, but adds: 'This isn't, nor ever was, about nostalgia. This is about getting results.'

Khan fired manager Martin Jol at the start of December in an attempt to halt Fulham's worrying slide into the relegation mire.
The London club are two points clear of the drop zone and five clear of Sunderland, who have also changed their manager and shown signs of recovery.

It feels claustrophobic in the depths of the Barclays Premier League but Khan is encouraged by the way things have been shaping up under Meulensteen and Co.

 
Thumbs up: Owner Shahid Khan has hailed the return of American ace Clint Dempsey

On Curbishley's appointment as technical director, he says: 'Alan is a strong complement to René, both from the directors' box on match day and during training at Motspur Park throughout the week.

'His years of experience in the league, combined with his overall perspective on the game are most welcome additions to our operation. Alan will also provide competitive analysis, ideas on tactical strategy and a very valuable point of view during the winter and summer transfer windows.

'And finally, Alan has proven to bring the best out of players, as his time with Scott Parker and Darren Bent during earlier and successful periods in their respective careers will attest.


Reunited: Curbishley worked with Scott Parker at Charlton

'It was no wonder that René viewed the addition of Alan as an important step toward achieving our potential, and he had my full support to make it happen. We're delighted that Alan accepted.'

On the return of former Fulham manager Wilkins as assistant head coach, Khan adds: 'Given his exceptional body of work on and off the pitch, and his vast understanding of the
Premier League, Ray has natural credibility with the players and brings a valuable dimension to our entire Club during a time when we need it the most.

'I've heard from many people close to and within the Fulham family that it's good to see Ray back in our dugout on match days, and I couldn't agree more.'



As for Dempsey, on loan until the start of the MLS season in March, he says: 'This is an excellent development on many fronts, but there's no storyline more important than the simple fact that Clint will make us a more competitive team from the moment he steps onto the pitch this afternoon in league play, wearing his familiar Fulham kit.

'Clint's interest in returning to Fulham on loan was every bit as strong as our desire to have him back, and this makes for a wonderful homecoming for everyone. No one is happier to welcome Clint home than I am.'



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2537555/Shahid-Khan-hopes-Fulham-trio-steer-struggling-Cottagers-safety.html#ixzz2q42BCn21
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[HatterDon]

PSV on alert as Fulham boss confirms Ruiz can go



PSV will make a bid to sign Fulham's Bryan Ruiz on loan after Rene Meulensteen confirmed he will allow the playmaker to leave Craven Cottage.

The Costa Rican international has endured a difficult season and is set to be allowed to leave the club on a temporary basis.

And reports in Holland suggest PSV are keen to bring Ruiz back to the Bundesliga, where he enjoyed a hugely impressive spell at FC Twente.

Real Betis were thought to be close to completing a deal but PSV's interest, which was reported in Voetbal International, could swing the deal their way.

But it seems almost certain Ruiz will leave Craven Cottage this month.

"We've let Bryan Ruiz talk to a number of clubs to see if anything comes out of it," said Meulensteen.

"I wouldn't call it a mistake (signing him). At the time he was probably the right choice and investment.

"I've come in and looked at the squad and what needs to be done.

"There is some contact with Real Betis but maybe Holland will be an option as he knows the league well."



Read more at http://talksport.com/football/psv-alert-fulham-boss-confirms-ruiz-can-go-14011075041#jjlhXL9PqLvT3wMv.99

PSV is in the Bundesliga?

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GETTING THE BEST OUT OF BRYAN RUIZ

When Fulham signed Bryan Ruiz in August 2011, the transfer raised a few eyebrows. The Costa Rican attacker's reputation was sky high after impressive performances played a considerable part in leading Twente to their first-ever Eredivisie title. Now, after two-and-a-half years in England, Ruiz looks set to leave Craven Cottage having not lived up to his potential.
The skillful attacker followed in the footsteps of his famous countryman Paulo Wanchope in playing in the English top flight, becoming only the third-ever Costa Rican to step out in the Premier League.

However, despite glimpses of just what he is capable of on occasion, standout performances have been too few and far between. Fulham have revealed that Ruiz has been granted permission to speak to other clubs, in what looks like the beginning of the end of his English adventure.

After rising to prominence in his homeland with Deportiva Alajuelense, Ruiz moved to Europe in 2006 to join Belgian side Gent. Over the course of three seasons at the Ghelamco Arena, Ruiz went from a prospect with talent to a talisman for the team. He scored consistently for the club and was captain of the side before departing in the summer of 2009.

Ruiz will look back at his two seasons at Twente with fondness, as he became an instant hit in the Netherlands in a young team full of ability. In his debut campaign with the Enschede outfit, the Costa Rican netted 24 goals in 34 games to see Steve McClaren's men win the league title.

The following campaign Twente finished as runners-up, with injuries taking their toll and Ruiz not managing as many appearances for the side.

Before his move to Fulham, countless top clubs were linked with a move for Ruiz, who was adjudged as one of the brightest talents in Dutch football. His ability on the ball, vision and creativity were key attributes in Twente's title success, but he also proved he could score regularly with a run of ten consecutive games where he hit the back of the net.

It is fair to say that Ruiz has not adjusted to life in England, and has struggled for consistency in a transitional Fulham outfit. Last season he was given the opportunity to start 26 Premier League matches, but has been guilty of drifting in and out of the game and struggling to make his mark on the team they way he did at Gent and Twente.

With only eight starts this season, new manager René Meulensteen has admitted that Ruiz is likely to go on loan in January, with Spanish side Real Betis the favourites for his capture. In the long run, just how much of the €12 million the Cottagers shelled out for the Costa Rican they will receive back remains to be seen.

Although virtually guaranteed a place in his national side even if he is not playing at club level, Ruiz will hope to get consistent first-team football over the second half of the season ahead of the summer's World Cup.

The able attacker is his nation's captain, and will join forces with Everton's Bryan Oviedo and Arsenal's Joel Campbell in a bid to topple England, Italy and Uruguay in Group D of the tournament.

Undoubtedly a talent, the English public has not seen the best out of Ruiz and may well never get to appreciate his full ability if the switch to Spain materialises.

The Costa Rican needs a change of scenery to reinvigorate his career, with his eventual new club picking up a real star who has suffered a dip in form.



http://provenquality.com/getting-best-bryan-ruiz/?

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Fulham's Young Guns Prove Squad Isn't Age-Old Problem

Article by Barnaby Mollett

Fulham's 1-1 draw at Norwich in the FA Cup on Saturday saw no less than seven players aged 21 and under in the Cottagers' squad. For a team often depicted by pundits has being old, grey, and having an average age of somewhere between 31 and Methuselah, this was a welcome riposte in the form of some exciting youthful talent. However, what did the Fulham fans travelling to Norwich know about these starlets? In fact, what do any fans of the Whites know about them at all? I thought it time for a thorough exposé on the Fulham 7...

Name: Dan Burn
Squad Number: 33
The Cold, Hard Facts: Burn joined Fulham from Darlington in 2011; at 6' 6", the big defender seemed to be Brede Hangeland Mark II. Although it's a major step up from League Two to the Premier League (although our abject defensive performances early in the season wouldn't have held up against Ebbsfleet away), Burn got valuable experience at Yeovil in League One, playing 37 games scoring in the play-off final. He's played almost every game for Birmingham in the Championship this year, and judging by the reaction on Twitter, the news his loan had been terminated gave Blues fans... the blues. His solid performance against Norwich in the FA Cup will surely mean Fulham's ideal defensive partnership in a month's time will be literally the tallest duo since the Petronas Towers or Hall & Oates on stilts.
Could Be: The answer to Fulham's defensive problems.
Hopefully Isn't: Roger Johnson. West Ham's panic buy from Wolves suggests not all defenders recently playing in League One can actually defend.

Name: Chris David
Squad Number: 30
Age: 20
The Cold, Hard Facts: When Fulham were in desperate need of some midfield experience after losing Dembele, Dempsey, Murphy and Etuhu, teenager Chris David (no relation to Craig, thankfully) was not really the answer. No team could survive with a midfield of solely Steve Sidwell. Nonetheless, Fulham scraped to safety last season, and thankfully Scott Parker appeared. Chris David was captaining the Dutch Under-19s one minute, then playing with Fulham's youngsters and reserves the next. However, he's impressed the coaches and got himself to the team fringes now, and 90-minutes in the FA Cup an an assist under his belt, Chris David is surely a long-term successor of a central midfield berth.
Could Be: Cesc Fabregas. We may as well dream at this stage, but he's certainly getting experience quickly - and will hang around for longer than namesake Craig did in his philandering hit song 'Seven Days'.
Hopefully Isn't: Collins John. Another young Dutchman Fulham acquired, who despite somehow being top scorer for the Whites in 2005/06 with 11 completely inconsequential goals, was a huge disappointment.

Name: Moussa Dembele
Squad Number: 45
Age: 17
The Cold, Hard Facts: Bought from PSG from under the noses of some of Europe's elite, this Dembele arrived as the other departed. Has scored truckloads of goals in the reserves this season, after scoring a hat trick in the under-18s cup final last season against Reading. He scored 5 goals in 4 appearances for the under-21s this season, before being elevated to the first team squad. Big clubs are reported to be looking at him. He's made a brief 7-minute cameo in the league, before injury took him out of action. Made the bench against Norwich, and with Bent missing the target with the frequency of an inebriated archer standing on the boat from 'A Perfect Storm', Dembele is going to get minutes and those minutes will get him goals, if history is anything to go by.
Could Be: Fulham's all-time top PL goalscorer in 5 years' time.
Hopefully Isn't: Poached. Manchester United and Liverpool are hanging around, and others will join the hunt. Use the kid while we've got both him and a respected coach like Rene Meulensteen.

Name: Jesse Joronen
Squad Number: 41
Age: 20
The Cold, Hard Facts: I always signed him on Football Manager, and he always came good. Sure, these aren't cold, hart facts. But these are: Joronen, a 6 foot 5-and-a-half inch Finnish full international (making his debut in January 2013), played 18 games on loan in Finland's top flight for FC Lahti and has been tipped by ex-Fulham stopper Antti Niemi to have a bright future. Yet to play for Fulham, but made the bench against Norwich. It's nice to know we've got a full international as our third-choice keeper (possibly fourth-choice, behind Philippines international Neil Etheridge).
Could Be: Antti Niemi. That would be more than good news.
Hopefully Isn't: Massimo Taibi. That doesn't need any explanation.

Name: Pajtim Kasami
Squad Number: 8
Age: 21
The Cold, Hard Facts: Of this list, lil' old Pajtim is the player Fulham fans will be most familiar with, having played 19 times in the Premier League this season, and scoring 3 goals, including an absolute belter against Palace that hit the spot like a good plate of bangers and mash. However, at the end of last season, few fans could've picked Kasami out of a line-up of one - despite being bought in July 2011, he only made fleeting appearances in the squad, and spent early 2013 on loan at Lucerne in Switzerland. For all the bad decisions Martin Jol might've made this season, the seemingly random selection of Kasami against Sunderland on the opening day of the season paid off; Kasami scored the winner, and since then has been in the first team squad. He's also played twice for Switzerland, and is relatively versatile as attacking midfielders go, exhibiting good strength on many occasion this term to hold up the ball when more senior players can't (I'm looking at you, Bryan Ruiz).
Could Be: What Bryan Ruiz promised to be.
Hopefully Isn't: Ahmad Elrich. The former Fulham man and Australian international was tipped for big things, but is now in jail for gun possession.

Name: Ange-Freddy Plumain
Squad Number: 34
Age: 18
The Cold, Hard Facts: Ange-Freddy came to Fulham and there was speculation that the club could face a transfer embargo similar to that which affected Chelsea when they bought 16-year old Gael Kakuta (incidentally, former Fulham loanee Kakuta is still a Chelsea player and still being sent out on loan – currently to Vitesse). However, this blew over as nothing more than a caffeine-free storm in a cup of Roobois, and Plumain was free to play for the Cottagers. He's played 7 under-21 games this season, and played the whole second half against Norwich in the FA Cup last weekend. Competent as a central attacking midfielder, or on either wing, he played twenty matches in Ligue 2 for Lens last season, having started the season turning out for Lens II 15 times in the division below. With experience of stepping up a level mid-season, he may be an excellent impact sub in the coming months.
Could Be: A new Luis Boa Morte.
Hopefully Isn't: Hameur Bouzza. Despite having one of the greatest terrace chants ('Stop... Hameur Time!' to the tune of MC Hammer's U Can't Touch This), the Algerian player never replicated the form of his Watford days at Craven Cottage.

Name: Lasse Vigen Christensen
Squad Number: 37
Age: 19
The Cold, Hard Facts: Certainly not short on match play this season (having played 16 matches at U21 level for club and country this season, scoring 2 goals with 4 assists), Christensen is an excellent prospect. Looked at home in the 21 minutes he played in the FA Cup, even if it was a brief period. The Dane will add further strength to Fulham's midfield ranks, and may get further first-team chances under Meulensteen's guidance this season.
Could Be: A key player in Fulham's midfield; tomorrow's Parker, Murphy or Legwinski.
Hopefully Isn't: Simon Elliott. The second questionable Australasian player featured in this article.

With Marcello Trotta (21 years old) having the season of his life at Brentford, high hopes for currently-on-loan winger Mesca (20), and Alexander Kačaniklić an established first-team regular at just 22, there is certainly a talented new generation of footballers at Fulham. Oh, and if our under-18s have won the Premier Academy League the last two seasons running, there are number of other talents I've not included here. Here's hoping that some of these prospects get the chance to shine alongside the experienced heads at the Cottage, and that the 'ageing squad' jibes can be hushed once and for all.

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Meulensteen On Bent

René Meulensteen believes Darren Bent has a significant role to play for Fulham between now and the end of the season.

The striker - on loan for the duration of the campaign from Aston Villa – has hit four goals in his 18 appearances, the most recent of which arrived in our previous outing at Carrow Road, and his Head Coach is pleased to have a frontman of that calibre at his disposal.

"We know what he can do," Meulensteen stated. "His stats don't lie – he's got very, very good stats and he's a very good striker that you want to have in your squad. I was delighted for him to score against Norwich City.

"I was disappointed for him that he didn't take that chance against West Ham United which would have put the game to bed but to see him score that header in the cup game was fantastic for him.

"Everybody, especially goalscorers, thrives on that confidence. That's what you train for, that's what you work for, and that's why you take your chances when they come. He's going to be important for us."

Bent may not have played as regularly as he may have liked for the Whites this season as he competes with Dimitar Berbatov for what has often been a lone striking role, but Meulensteen has faith in the England man to deliver when called upon, while he has not ruled out the possibility of playing the two frontmen together.

"There are different options I consider and that's definitely one of them," he admitted. "I think players sometimes, in terms of their career, need to bide their time. There are plenty of other examples where people have been a bit knocked out of their stride – it's how you respond and how you come back, and if they do that in the right way then they come back stronger.

"It all comes down to playing time and Darren might be one of those players where it suddenly starts to kick in and he gets more playing time and, if he keeps on scoring, you see it a lot with these players, they get a rhythm and they can't stop scoring."


http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2014/january/11/meulensteen-on-bent?