Thursday Fulham Stuff - 11/08/22...

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Fulham prepare offer to sign Victor Nelsson

Premier League newcomers Fulham are reportedly preparing an offer to secure the services of 23-year-old Danish defender Victor Nelsson.

According to a report by Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Victor Nelsson is the subject of interest from Fulham over a possible move in the summer transfer window. The Premier League new boys are readying a bid to sign the in-demand 23-year-old defender ahead of La Liga giants Sevilla.

Victor Nelsson started his youth career at Hornbaek IF before joining Nordsjaelland in 2010, where he finished his footballing education six years later. The Danish defender was a regular for the Tigers before joining FC Copenhagen in 2019. And after a couple of years at the Parken Stadium, he joined Galatasaray last summer.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a solid debut campaign with the Turkish club, and he has turned out 45 times thus far at the Nef Stadyumu, even chipping in with a goal. Nelsson's progress at Galatasaray has not gone unnoticed, with Sevilla reportedly keen on signing him. And the in-demand defender has now emerged on Fulham's radar.

The Cottagers have made a splash on their return to the Premier League, holding Liverpool to a 2-2 draw. But one thing that stood out sorely was how easily the Reds found a way past their defence in the clutch situations. Fulham will thus be eager to address the issues at the back, with signing a centre-back becoming a priority in the last few weeks of the summer transfer window.

Several central defenders have already emerged on Fulham's radar, with Issa Diop reportedly closing in on joining from West Ham United. But Diop's impending arrival is not stopping Fulham from pursuing other defenders, with Jannik Vestergaard recently rejecting the chance to join the Londoners.

In addition, intermediaries recently offered Fulham the chance to sign Jason Denayer. And Victor Nelsson has now emerged on the London club's radar, with the report claiming they are ready to make a sizable offer to prise the 23-year-old away from Galatasaray.

But Fulham will have to steal a march on Sevilla in the race to sign the in-demand Danish defender this summer. So an intriguing transfer saga is setting up, with Nelsson likely to leave Galatasaray after just one season at the Nef Stadyumu.



http://www.thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2022/08/10/fulham-prepare-offer-to-sign-victor-nelsson/

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Games for the Weekend 13/08...
Our first away game is against Wolves at Molineux

Well I think we took everyone by surprise against Liverpool, I think we were unlucky not to take all three points and I don't think many would have had too much of an argument, if we can play like that for the majority of the season then we're in for a good time!
Mitro has started as we all hoped?, he's still on fire!, and probably had he best ever game for Fulham, after last season that is quite an achievement!
It's a shame that Harry Wilson will be out for 5-6 weeks, he was so important last season, and I'm sure he would have loved to have played against his previous team.
News has also come out that Manor Solomon and that he will also be unavailable for the same sort of time?, both were injured in behind closed doors "friendlies".

Our record against Wolves is much the same as against Liverpool with 4 wins, 11 losses and 5 draws.

I was surprised that Leno didn't start against Liverpool, and because of that I don't think that either Diop will start however I think it would be difficult to change any of the starting line-up, therefore my team would be...



COYW's

Games of Interest...
Saturday 13th
Arsenal v Leicester
Man City v Bournemouth
Wolves v Fulham
Brentford v Man Utd

Sunday 14th
Forest v West Ham
Chelsea v Spurs

Monday 15th
Liverpool v Palace

come on over to the forum and join in the conversation...
https://www.friendsoffulham.com/forum/index.php?board=36.0



http://www.friendsoffulham.com/wordpress/?p=2301

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: James highlights how impressive Robinson was on Saturday

tsaPodcaster Sammy James has claimed that Antonee Robinson proved why he has kept his place in the Fulham side in the opening fixture.

Robinson signed for Fulham in 2020 and played a constant role in the side last season as his side won the Championship to gain promotion to the Premier League, making 36 appearances, scoring twice and chipping in with four assists.

The American left-back played the whole game against Liverpool on Saturday and helped his side claim an impressive draw.

Whilst speaking on the Fulhamish podcast, James claimed that he proved why Marco Silva has stuck with him and decided against bringing in a replacement, stating his physicality is enough to cope with Premier League wingers.

He said: "Robinson has had a lot of stick, but all through last season, we said look, he has the physicality and the pace to cope with those top wingers that we're going to face week-in, week-out in the Premier League, and I think we saw a little bit [on Saturday] as to why Marco Silva has persevered and kept with the faith in Robinson, because that's the performance that he can put in."

TIF Thoughts on James' comments...

Robinson arguably could not have had a harder test this season than against Mohamed Salah on the opening day of the campaign after the Egyptian winger was the top scorer in the Premier League last term, and James has highlighted how well the 25-year-old defender played, with one of his best stats being the five clearances made on Saturday lunchtime.

Although Fulham did pull off a result that many wouldn't have expected on Saturday, Marco Silva might be keen to bring in a few more players this summer, after they have made six new additions to the squad, but the left-back slot is seemingly covered as Robinson and Joe Bryan are currently the options in that position.

It will be interesting to see if Robinson will be continued to be selected throughout this season by Silva given James' claim that the performance he put in at the weekend is the reason why he kept his place in the side.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2022/08/blogs/premier-league/fulham/fulham-robinson-impressive-display-weekend-kept-spot-premier-league-fixture/

[WhiteJC]

Fulham bolster their back-line as they complete £15m signing of Issa Diop from West Ham - with defender signing five-year contract at Craven Cottage

    Fulham have finalised the signing of defender Issa Diop from West Ham United
    Diop joins Fulham for a fee of £15million and has signed a five-year contract
    The centre-back expressed his delight at joining Fulham and is eager to impress

Fulham have completed the signing of defender Issa Diop from West Ham for £15million.

As reported by Fulham's official website, the centre-back has signed a five-year contract at Craven Cottage.

Diop told FFCtv: 'I'm very happy, very happy to join Fulham. I hope it's going to be a very good chapter of my career. 


Fulham have signed French defender Issa Diop from West Ham for a fee of £15million

'It's all official now, so I'm happy. I just want to train with the team now, and let's get to work.'

Fulham co-owner Tony Khan said: 'I'm very excited that we've brought Issa Diop to Fulham.

'Issa is a talented and imposing defender whom we've pursued for a long time, and his experience and formidable presence will be important to our squad in this Premier League season and for us to build a bright future in the years ahead!

'Come on Fulham!'

West Ham boss David Moyes revealed that the French centre back had not made himself available for recent games amid ongoing talks over a move away despite the Hammers needing cover in defence.

Moyes has been eager to bring in another centre back with new signing Nayef Aguerd out for a couple of months while Craig Dawson has picked up a thigh strain and Angelo Ogbonna is still recovering from his cruciate injury.

Diop joined West Ham from Toulouse in 2018 and made 121 appearances for the club.

In addition to Diop, Fulham have also signed Joao Palhinha, Andreas Pereira, Kevin Mbabu and Bernd Leno on permanent deals, while Manor Solomon and Shane Duffy have joined on loan. 



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11099945/Fulham-complete-signing-Issa-Diop-West-Ham-15m-defender-signing-five-year-contract.html

[WhiteJC]

How Fulham's XI will look with Willian, Justin Kluivert and £15m Issa Diop

Fulham fans waited months to see Manor Solomon posing arm in arm with Marco Silva at Craven Cottage, a black-and-white scarf wrapped around his neck. 

Now, after the Israel international suffering a knee injury after his debut in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, patience will once again be required. Solomon, according to The Athletic, could be out of action for several weeks; His stop-start 2022 stalling once again.

Fortunately, with Fulham making progress in their pursuit of two new forwards, it seems unlikely Silva will have offer an olive branch to the out-of-favour Ivan Cavaleiro or Anthony Knockaert. Two players who are not part of his Premier League plans.

Justin Kluivert and Willian could be on their way to Craven Cottage

According to The Standard, Fulham are accelerating their pursuit of Roma's Dutch international Justin Kluivert. The former Ajax wonderkid could arrive on an £8 million loan-to-buy deal before Saturday's trip to Wolves.

Like Cavaleiro and Knockaert, Kluivert is training alone, crying out for a fresh start and a new challenge.

And assuming Kluivert will fill Solomon's place on the left-hand side at the Cottage, then a two-time Premier League champion could step in for the similarly-crocked Harry Wilson on the opposite flank.

Willian's dreadful spell at Arsenal may be fresh in the memory. But Fulham are reportedly willing to hand the 33-year-old Brazil international the chance to bounce back, with Willian keen on a return to his beloved London after a troubled spell at Corinthians (Goal).

A 30-something attacker on big wages; That is the sort of signing that just screams desperation. But there is method to this perceived madness. Willian, as recently as 2019/20, was one of the division's most feared forwards at Chelsea. If a footballer of such lavish talent, vision and guile can find some semblance of form, he'd represent a colossal upgrade on the likes of Knockaert, Cavaleiro and the industrious but inconsistent Bobby Decordova-Reid.

Willian produced 39 Premier League assists in Chelsea colours. His wicked deliveries – either from open play or set-pieces – should serve up plenty of opportunities for a ravenous, blood-thirsty Aleksandr Mitrovic.

A potentially relegation-dodging partnership.

A busy end to the window for Fulham

Marco Silva, ahead of Saturday's opener at Anfield, sparked concern amongst the Fulham fanbase when he highlighted the lack of central defensive options at his disposal. 

"We, as a squad, are not ready," Silva told West London Sport.

"We have 16 senior players in our squad. No-one competes at this level with 16 senior players in your squad. I will tell you one more (thing). No-one can prepare for one season with just two central defenders. We have two central defenders at this level."

Since then, the Cottagers have signed Shane Duffy on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion. A solid, if not spectacular arrival. Issa Diop should also arrive from West Ham United after a £15 million fee was agreed. Better late than never, right? 

A much stronger – and deeper – defence

And Fulham might not be finished there either. According to Tuttomercatoweb, a bid for Galatasaray's £17 million-rated Denmark international Victor Nelsson is also in the pipeline. Nelsson, a leading target for a Sevilla side looking to replace Jules Kounde, wants to leave his Super Lig employers, as confirmed by Galatasaray's deputy chairman this week.

It remains to be seen whether Fulham see Nelsson as an alternative to Diop, or someone who would arrive alongside him. Another central defender would certainly do Fulham no harm. Especially when you consider Diop's worrisome fitness record, and Tim Ream's perceived lack of top-flight nous.

Sao Paulo's Luizao and Leicester City misfit Jannik Vestergaard are two more names to keep an eye on between now and September. Ditto Bayern Munich forward Joshua Zirkzee. The rangy goal-poacher, who scored 18 times on loan at Anderlecht last term, would choose join Fulham over Southampton, according to the Evening Standard. 

So while Fulham might have approached the new Premier League season with a sense of trepidation, fear could turn to faith if Kluivert, Diop, Willian and co arrive beef up Marco Silva's carpaccio squad. 



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/10/draft-how-fulhams-xi-will-look-with-willian-justin-kluivert-and-15m-issa-diop/

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Fulham to visit Crawley Town in second round of the Carabao Cup
Crawley Town will entertain Premier League Fulham in the second round of the 2022-23 Carabao Cup.

The tie will see Reds head coach Kevin Betsy take on one of his former clubs. The 44-year-old made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring once, during a four-year spell at Craven Cottage between 1998 and 2002.

This will be the first competitive meeting between Crawley and the West London club. The two sides met in a pre-season friendly in July 2018, with Fulham running out 4-2 winners at Broadfield Stadium.

The Reds progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2019 last (Tuesday) night with a 1-0 home victory against League One Bristol Rovers.

The clash will be played the week commencing August 22. Ticket information for this fixture will be confirmed in due course.

The draw took place live on Sky Sports following the conclusion of this (Wednesday) evening's first round tie between Sheffield Wednesday and Sunderland.

Sky's new Carabao Cup presenter for 2022-23, Mark Chapman, hosted the draw, with former Wednesday forward Clinton Morrison and Sunderland hero Michael Gray selecting the ties.

The 13 Premier League clubs not competing in European competitions have entered the tournament in round two alongside Burnley and Watford from the Sky Bet Championship.

Crawley Town will entertain Premier League Fulham in the second round of the 2022-23 Carabao Cup. Picture by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images

The Carabao Cup remains regionalised in the early rounds with the draw split into a southern and northern section until round three.



https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-to-visit-crawley-town-in-second-round-of-the-carabao-cup-3801196

[WhiteJC]

Fulham face Crawley in League Cup

Fulham have been handed an away trip to Crawley Town – and a reunion with their former midfielder Kevin Betsy – in the second round of the League Cup.

The first competitive meeting between the clubs will take place at Broadfield Stadium, where Fulham have been previously played pre-season friendlies, in the week commencing Monday 22 August. League Two Crawley edged out Bristol Rovers on Tuesday to give Betsy, who made twenty appearances for the Whites between 1999 and 2002 before beginning his coaching career at the academy, his first win since taking over the Red Devils this summer.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2022/08/fulham-face-crawley-in-league-cup/

[WhiteJC]

Aleksandar Mitrović: A rejuvenated Premier League striker out to prove a point – tactical analysis

Having bounced straight back to the Premier League from the Championship, Fulham faced off against the runners-up of the Premier League and Champions League on matchday one. There is always scepticism about Fulham, who have been in purgatory between the top flights in England. However, could this be the season Fulham finally avoid relegation?

With Marco Silva in charge and a Serbian striker who bagged 43 goals in 44 games in the Championship, the opening game at Craven Cottage was going to be the first test. Aleksandar Mitrović continued his fine form as he ran the Liverpool defence ragged, scoring 2 goals to give his team a well-deserved point to kick off their campaign.

The 2-2 draw said a lot about both teams, but more importantly, displayed the firepower that Mitrović might finally bring after his previous four stints in the Premier League being rather dismal. This tactical analysis in the form of a scout report will break down the movement in and around the box, the build-up play, long ball tactics and the Serbian international's role in defence, to showcase the full package that Mitrović brings to The Cottagers.

Movement in and around the box
Aleksandar Mitrović is well known for his aerial ability in the box. Because of his strength and height, what he is less acknowledged for is his intelligent movement to open up the opportunities to score in and around the penalty area.

Against Liverpool, he crafted two goals in a completely different fashion. The Serbian's first goal came in the 31st minute, as Fulham hit Jurgen Klopp's side on the break. With Liverpool outnumbering the home side, Reed played Kebano down the right-hand side looking to cross the ball in for their target man.


The movement for Mitrović's first goal

At this stage of the attack, Mitrović is lurking in between the midfield and defensive line, parallel to the back post. This gives Liverpool a difficult decision to make. With Fulham's biggest aerial threat completely unmarked and Alexander-Arnold already marking another Fulham player, Mitrović is left free on the fullback's blind side. Mitrović now has the advantage over Alexander-Arnold, who potentially didn't respect Mitrović's ability or wasn't aware of his presence at the back post.

As the ball was whipped in, Alexander-Arnold and Mitrović meet simultaneously at the back stick but, by now, there was little the fullback could do with the Serbian running onto the ball and towering above Alexander-Arnold to score his first ever goal on the opening game of the season.

This is going to be a regular feature of Mitrović's Premier League goals, as he targets the blind side of defenders aiming to run onto the ball from the back post. In the Liverpool game alone there were over 4 instances of Mitrović situating himself on the blindside of his nearest defender to find himself free at the back post. Even if he only connects with one cross, that one is enough to make a difference in the game.


Mitrović positioning himself on the blindside of defenders

The threat of Mitrović's presence in the box has been his go-to weapon for scoring goals and is his biggest strength as a target number nine. On Saturday, the Serbian showcased the new weapon in his armoury as he took on defenders and dribbled into the box to carve out his own chances.

Carrying the ball
Previously, Mitrović wouldn't have attempted to take on players as his sole purpose was to link other players into the game and get into the box. This new part of Mitrović's game transforms his skillset allowing him to remain unpredictable when he attacks and builds up the play.

As a player who rarely gets back to defend, he is always the quickest option for his teammates to play the ball to in order to get some respite. With his ability to run at a defence, leaving him one versus one is a dangerous game.

This was the first warning sign that Liverpool had, which indicated Mitrović is prepared to run at the defence. In the 55th minute, the Serbian came back to challenge for a 50/50 in his defensive third. Successfully beating Henderson to the ball, Mitrović started to break towards the Liverpool goal as van Dijk looked to slow the Fulham striker down.


Mitrović carrying the ball from the edge of his box, then offloading it to continue the attack

Now faced with the Dutch centre-back, Mitrović darted past van Dijk, putting him off balance. By now, Liverpool players were flooding around him, so after a cheeky Cruyff turn to evade a van Dijk leg, he released the ball to Andreas Pereira who was on the outside of the Liverpool back four.

The shot from Pereira was blocked, but this was great hold-up play by the Serbian to carry the ball forward and set his team off on a counterattack. Even if Mitrović lacks the pace to get beyond the last defender, he can continue to carry the ball up the pitch and give his team time to join the attack.

For his second goal, Mitrović was making a run in behind the Merseyside back four with Van Dijk playing the Fulham number nine onside. The ball over the top for him to run onto was the perfect opportunity to once again run at van Dijk, who was trying to slow down Mitrović to allow Alexander-Arnold and his defence to get back.


Mitrović's second goal as he takes on Van Dijk and wins a penalty off the Dutchman's outstretched leg

By the time Mitrović had carried the ball to the edge of the box, Alexander-Arnold had already got back but just a few seconds too late. Mitrović fakes to cut inside van Dijk but instead takes the ball towards goal and wins a penalty as he is fouled by a sloppy outstretched leg. It is rare to see van Dijk so flustered in a one-versus-one, so if Mitrović can cause the Dutchman to give away a penalty when they hadn't for the entirety of last season, it shows he can do this against any defender.

Mitrović can clearly carry the ball from deep and run in behind a defence to cause problems. The next aspect of the match against Liverpool was the Serbian's role in the build-up for Marco Silva's side.

Build-up play
As with many of the newly promoted Premier League teams, playing out from the back can be difficult even if this was the team's playstyle in the Championship. With this in mind, Marco Silva uses Mitrović to deploy a long ball playstyle because of the 27-year-old's aerial and hold-up ability.

While long balls are never a guarantee of controlled possession, Marco Silva chooses to position Mitrović in the wide channel, as the ball is aimed solely towards him.


Mitrović challenged for a long ball in the wide channel, which gives his team the best chance of winning the second ball

In doing this, it reduces the chances of the ball returning into a dangerous area and limits the places Liverpool can head the ball because anything that goes out for a Fulham throw is a success as they have progressed to the opposition half.  The touchline also makes it easier to win second balls because of the reduced area for the ball to land. Alongside this, with the Serbian positioned out wide, it provides the opportunity for another player to take up the space in the centre of the pitch to start an attack off of the second ball.

If Mitrović does keep possession of the ball, he has the ability to offload the ball to another player who can spray it, or he can take the initiative himself by playing balls in behind for the players who are on the shoulder of the defence.


Mitrović displaying his ability to link up play, with this first-time ball over the top for Pereira

With the game plan from Marco Silva, suiting the qualities that Mitrović possesses, there is no doubt that Fulham will catch more teams out from their long balls even if they know the tactic. With everything the Serbian brings to the table going forward, to see his full effect on the team, his defensive input needs to be part of the analysis.

Defending
For Mitrović, defending is not something he focuses on and Marco Silva recognises this through his tactics. There are two main roles for the Serbian in defence which are extremely common for all traditional number nines.

The first role is to block passing lanes when the opposition, Liverpool in this case, are playing the ball around the back. The key in blocking the passing lanes is to show the opposition backwards or around the outside of the defensive shape, this makes it easier for the defending team to contain the ball down one side of the pitch.


Mitrović cuts off the passing option to the central midfielder forcing the ball backwards

When Mitrović has cut off the passing options, he angles his body so that he can intercept the ball or press the centre-back if there is any opportunity to win the ball. Against the top teams in the league, there will be fewer opportunities, but it may lead to a few goals throughout the season.

The pressing from Mitrović had a slight effect on Liverpool, as the Serbian would target van Dijk or Allison to force a mistake providing Fulham with possession high up the pitch. Even if no mistake was forced, Mitrović pressed aggressively, looking to get in contact with the opponent as this may frustrate the defender, making them lose their head or causing the defender to panic when they are pressed by Mitrović later in the match.


Mitrović pressing a backwards ball to Alisson after having pressed Van Dijk

The downside to Mitrović's press is his laboured recovery to get back onside. This can cause Fulham to lack an outlet up front when they are defending. In future matches, this may put more on the Fulham defence as they struggle to get the ball to safety while Mitrović is returning to his position.

Surprisingly, Liverpool struggled a few times against this Fulham press, as they would be a team that are expected to be able to play through a high press with the quality they have in the squad. For Mitrović, defending is not a key focus of his game but it is something Marco Silva will hope the Serbian can play a part in as they will need everyone working as a team against every opponent.

Conclusion
With the intelligence Mitrović displayed in this match, there is no doubt that he has the potential to beat his personal best of 11 goals in one Premier League campaign. Against the best defenders in the world, the Serbian wreaked havoc and made the Liverpool backline look ordinary.

Although Mitrović has performed very well against one of the best teams in the league, there will be doubts as to whether he can keep up this quality for the entirety of the season which he has struggled to do in his previous campaigns. All of the questions surrounding the number nine will be uncovered in time. For now, Fulham must focus on their next opponent, Wolves, as they travel to Molineux with the hope of getting more points on the table.




https://totalfootballanalysis.com/player-analysis/aleksandar-mitrovic-at-fulham-202223-scout-report-tactical-analysis-tactics

[WhiteJC]

Fulham target agrees to terminate contract, can now join Cottagers for free

Willian is set to terminate his contract with Brazilian giants Corinthians with a Premier League return now a very real possibility for the Fulham target, as reported by ESPN.

It's now two hugely disappointing moves in a row for the 70-time Brazil international. First Arsenal, now Corinthians. Fulham will be hoping two does not become three, with the former Chelsea favourite looking increasingly likely to continue his West London journey.

According to Goal, Marco Silva's Cottagers are in talks with Willian. And the 34-year-old is certainly keen on such an opportunity, his love of life in the English capital well documented.

Willian has a year-and-a-half remaining on his Corinthians contract. But, with the one-time Shakhtar Donetsk talisman pining for an immediate return to the other side of The Atlantic, Meu Timao reports that an early exit has been agreed, the final 18 months of his deal torn up.

Willian could return to the Premier League with Fulham

"I know my performance wasn't what I expected," Willian admits. "But I've never been a player to score 20 or 30 goals a season."

Willian has a point. Then again, Corinthians still probably expected better than one goal in 45 matches. 

The club were knocked out of the Copa Libertadores by Flamengo earlier this week. And that looks almost certain to be Willian's final appearance in Corinthians colours.

"I don't want to talk about this subject, because I don't want to rule anything out," Corinthians president, Duilio Monteiro, said post-match. 

"We scheduled a conversation after today's game. So tomorrow (Wednesday) morning we'll have a conversation. He has a contract until the end of next year, but we'll leave that for tomorrow. 

We've just come out of an elimination (from the Copa) and I don't want to hide anything, or rule out anything. There is the possibility of an exit."

Willian's arrival could help offset the injury-enforced absences of Harry Wilson and Manor Solomon at Fulham. The Cottagers are also hopeful of landing Roma's Justin Kluivert. He is training alone in Italy, no longer part of Jose Mourinho's plans.

Kluivert may be available for as little as £8 million too.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2022/08/11/fulham-target-agrees-to-terminate-contract-can-now-join-cottagers-for-free/