Fulham have started the new season in typical Fulham style –
unpredictable and inconsistent with signs of both promise and concern. 4 games
in, they have 2 defeats, a victory and a draw.
Comparing the new squad to last
season’s you would certainly say it’s looking stronger this time out, with
Scott Parker and Adel Taraabt added to the midfield offering both defensive and
attacking options. Up front, Darren Bent has been added to the already useful
Berbatov, Ruiz and Rodellega but the challenge will be to get Bent on the pitch
for long enough to strike up what could be a very useful partnership with the skilful
Berbatov. If Fulham
can get that duo firing on all cylinders, there could be plenty of goals to
follow.
New goalkeeper, Maarten Stekelenburg,
should prove to be a useful replacement for the now departed Mark Schwarzer but
he was injured on his debut and hasn’t featured since. Elsad Zverotic and
Fernando Amborebieta have been brought in to add some more experience and cover
to an already experienced (ageing?) defensive unit. Overall, however, the new
signings look promising and if manager Martin Jol can encourage the best out of
them, then Fulham should have a relatively comfortable season – but a lot will
depend on this team “gelling”.
Fellaini – Marouane Fellaini secured his much expected move to Old
Trafford on deadline day and became Manchester United’s sole summer signing and
there are great expectations from the 25 year old Belgian who cost the Red
Devils in excess of £27 million. His last 2 seasons at Everton were probably
the player’s best and if he can take that sort of form to his new club then United
might finally have that dynamic midfielder they have been craving.
Fletcher – Steven Fletcher, from early season evidence, will have a
real struggle on his hands this year along with the rest of his Sunderland team.
Granted, it’s far too early to make sweeping judgements but manager Paolo Di
Canio doesn’t yet seem to have a grip on this radically altered Black Cats
squad. With just 1 point from 4 games it already looks like a long, hard season
ahead. Fletcher’s goals (if he gets enough game time) will be just as crucial
as they were last season.
Fernandinho (or Fernando Luiz Rosa) started the first 3 league
games for Manchester City this season but was left out of the starting 11 for
their 0-0 draw with Stoke City. In Negredo, Navas, Jovetic and Demichelis,
there are plenty of potential new stars in the City squad and it might be
difficult for Fernandinho to make an impact. At 28, the Brazilian only has 5
international caps, which suggests there are a whole host of Brazilian
midfielders ahead of him in the cue for a place in the World Cup 2014 squad in
Rio. With Yaya Toure, Nasri, Navas and David Silva all laying claims to a
starting position, perhaps the Brazilian (who cost City £30 million by the way)
might be more of a “cup” player this season.
No comments:
Post a Comment