Marco Silva keeps Fulham ship steady as young stars start to shine
Fulham acquitted themselves so well on their return to the Premier League last season when they finished 10th.
While their 13th-placed finish this campaign was lower, their football improved greatly.
Signings have paid off, with Timothy Castagne, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey demonstrating the club’s shrewd recruitment strategy.
And while last season’s success was down to getting it right against teams in and around them, wins against Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United this term show growth.
Here, Dom Smith assesses their 2023-24 campaign…
The season in one word
Encouraging.
Star of the show
Antonee Robinson: Has made 16 more interceptions than any other Premier League player this season. Inconsistent last term but consistently excellent this campaign.
Biggest let down
Raul Jimenez: The 33-year-old is in the autumn of his career and has looked it since his summer move. Only seven league goals, of which his only two in 2024 came on the final day.
Most improved player
Alex Iwobi: Admittedly it was at Everton that his performances fell flat, but defenders have found him very difficult to handle since his deadline-day move.
Game to remember
Not one but two. Within the space of four days in December, Fulham thrashed both Nottingham Forest and West Ham by 5-0 margins.
Game to forget
Liverpool 2-1 Fulham: Fulham were leading in the first leg of their first-ever EFL Cup semi-final but allowed the Anfield crowd to inspire a Liverpool turnaround.
Rising star
Rodrigo Muniz: When the loveable Brazilian was not banging goals after Christmas, he was plugging Birmingham Safari in left-field interviews. Raw, but destined to represent Brazil.
Manager verdict
Marco Silva is one of the league’s most intense managers but it paid off again. Some expected relegation; he delivered mid-table again.
Fans’ mood
Fulham supporters are upbeat about how the squad is maturing. The prospect of Muniz and Jay Stansfield as a front-two next season excites many.
