Steve Sidwell has admitted that he’s been very impressed with Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed this season.
Sidwell was speaking on The Fulham Fix Podcast and reflecting on his time at Craven Cottage.
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Marco Silva’s side so far.
The club are arguably the worst cup team in the Premier League but have a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup next month when they face Ipswich.
They’ve already recorded their first couple of wins in the league too, but performances haven’t always been convincing.
Wins over Everton and Luton Town could have gone either way, although Fulham played well against Crystal Palace and Arsenal.
One of the players who has been essential to Marco Silva’s system for some time is Harrison Reed.
He signed a new contract last month after being linked with a summer move and compliments Joao Palhinha brilliantly in midfield.
Reed didn’t have his best match against Chelsea although it would be harsh to single out any player after that overall performance.
Sidwell impressed with Fulham midfielder Reed
Speaking about his time at the club and his relationship with the fans, Sidwell said: “Everyone’s gifted in certain elements. Like my strengths and my game was obviously just win the ball back tackling and then giving it as Zamo [Bobby Zamora] would say, giving it to the good players.
Felix White then starts singing the Ginger Iniesta song, and Sidwell replies: “Oh that song is class!
White: “We sing it about Harrison Reed now,” and Sidwell said: “Yeah I know, yeah.
“He’s been brilliant, he’s been absolutely class.”
Fulham midfielder Reed shares a lot of similarities with Sidwell and not just because they’ve got both ginger hair.
The £6m number eight is tireless in the centre of the pitch and covers an incredible amount of ground.
Both players’ roles in the side were to move the ball onto more creative players as quickly as possible while winning back possession once it was lost.
Reed will be under pressure for his place in the side with Alex Iwobi and Sasa Lukic trying to break into Silva’s starting line-up.
He still has a big role to play this season even if he drops out against Sheffield United on Saturday.