Fulham manager Marco Silva has hailed goalkeeper Bernd Leno as one of the key leaders in his squad now.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s match against Chelsea, via The Athletic, Silva was praising the German international.
Fulham have enjoyed a solid start to the season and currently sit just outside the top half.
Goals have been difficult to come by which will be a concern considering Aleksandar Mitrovic was sold in the summer.
Raul Jimenez is yet to get off the mark while Carlos Vinicius has managed to score two tap-ins so far this season.
Fulham have therefore relied on a solid defence to earn points in several matches.
They were up against it when they faced Everton after sneaking a goal through Bobby De Cordova-Reid.
Luton had chances as well, but Bernd Leno was equal to everything they threw at him, earning clean sheets in both games.
Silva has suggested Leno is one of the best signings he’s ever made and is now one of the key leaders in the squad.
Although he’s never worn the captain’s armband, the 31-year-old can regularly be heard screaming at his defence at the Cottage.
Silva hails Leno as one of his most important leaders
Asked about the German international, Silva said: “He’s one of the best [signings Fulham have made], I’m 100 per cent sure.
“He deserves more credit for what he has been doing — outside of the club. Inside, we know he’s important.
“He’s still one of the best three goalkeepers in this competition in my opinion. He proved that last season and will keep showing that.
“He is in our group of captains already. I keep repeating to our fans that they should enjoy having a goalkeeper like [Bernd] Leno.
“It’s so, so easy to work with him. Every time he comes through that gate, he (brings) an ambition and a desire to work and improve. He’s a top professional.”
It’s no surprise Silva sees Leno as one of his leaders considering the experience he’s got in the game.
The likes of Joao Palhinha and Andreas Pereira are likely in a similar position given their importance to the side.
Leno is indispensable to the side right now despite Marek Rodak’s clean sheet in midweek against Norwich City.
He was pivotal to Fulham’s 10th place finish last season and if Fulham are to replicate that success then they need Leno to be on form once again.