SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
So, the season is underway, and as ever, Fulham have proven to be slow starters.
The Whites have failed to win their opening game for the fifth straight season, drawing 1-1 with Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
As ever in these opening games, there was plenty for us to take in from the match, and we’re going to look at two positives and two negatives we can take away from this one.
Young stars shine
After two years of completely neglecting our young stars, Fulham seem to finally be ready to embrace the talented youngsters coming through the academy.
Tyrese Francois and Fabio Carvalho started against Boro, and it’s fair to say they impressed.
Francois looked completely comfortable starting in the heart of midfield, he was always looking to get onto the ball, and he was dictating the tempo nicely.
Carvalho didn’t have his best game, but he made a number of bright runs and it’s easy to see that he’ll be one of our star players this season.
Wilson worth the money
Fulham spending £12m on Harry Wilson this summer seemed to rub a number of Championship fans up the wrong way, but if he continues to play like this he’ll be worth every penny.
His goal was excellent, but his performance was about so much more than that.
He showed pace, guile and skill throughout the match, with one highlight seeing a deft touch help the winger get in behind and win a free-kick in a dangerous area.
Mitro’s fire extinguished
It’s no secret that Aleksandar Mitrovic struggled last season, but sadly there are no signs that those struggles are going to come to an end.
The Serbian is a proven commodity at this level, but against Boro he looked off the pace.
He was slow, laboured and bereft of confidence. Mitrovic needs to sort himself out if Fulham are to go up this season.
No second gear
As much as Fulham dominated against Boro, they struggled to shift through the gears when needed.
Indeed, when the equaliser went in the Whites needed to push on for the winner, but they struggled to build anything and once again it looked as though they had no plan B.
It’s early days for Marco Silva, but we can only hope this isn’t an issue that persists.
