At the end of the 2024/25 season, Fulham fans were able to see the emergence of young talent Josh King breaking into the first team.
The emergence of the player has created a conundrum for Marco Silva, however.
He will be competing with the likes of Andreas Pereira and Emile Smith-Rowe for a starting spot next season, and all will expect frequent minutes. But how will Marco Silva ensure this happens?
Fulham’s Stats
Englishman Emile-Rowe featured most frequently out of the three players last season, amassing 2,061 minutes over the course of 34 league appearances.
Although Fulham’s record signing was somewhat underwhelming on some occasions, he was still able to provide six goals and three assists.
Andreas Pereira amassed similar minutes to Smith-Rowe, accumulating 2,022 minutes over the course of 33 appearances. Pereira’s contributions to the side decreased last season in comparison to previous seasons, however.
The Brazilian contributed with two goals and four assists during his time on the pitch.
18-year-old Josh King was able to make eight appearances last season, starting one match against Southampton and accumulating 144 minutes in total.
Although he was unable to contribute with goals or assists during that period, King impressed many of the Fulham fans with his agility, his ability to turn on the ball and his desire to take a man on.
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Marcos Silva’s Solutions
Throughout pre-season, Fulham have tested different solutions that may indicate what Silva’s plans are with the three players.
These plans indicate that the minutes for Andreas Pereira may be limited to allow for the emergence of Josh King, and that Emile Smith-Rowe may be utilised in a different role to ensure he retains adequate minutes.
Against the likes of Al-Ittihad and Nottingham Forest, Emile Smith-Rowe has been used on the left-hand side of midfield, with Josh King starting through the middle.
Although Smith-Rowe is predominantly an attacking midfielder, this change in role is something that he is fairly used to, having played on the left-hand side of midfield 44 times throughout his career. Smith-Rowe’s assets are related to his dribbling and crossing, thus indicating his suitability for the role.
Andreas Pereira has been talismanic for Fulham since joining the club following promotion. However, he has not started the previous matches against Al-Ittihad and Nottingham Forest, indicating he could play more of a role off the bench next season.
Pereira has also been utilised at number eight previously, so he may see more minutes in that position.
King, therefore, is set to see a significant rise in first-team minutes this season.
Although he may not play ninety minutes every week, the youngster is most suited to playing in the attacking midfield position, and, as his talent is highly regarded, there will be games he will start ahead of Smith-Rowe and Pereira.
King will also see some minutes from the bench, though, as Silva phases him into the team.
The progress of youngster King is exciting for Fulham fans, and, although it gives manager Silva a selection headache, it is an exciting problem for him as well.
Many fans will be intrigued to note the progress of King this season, and how it affects Smith-Rowe and Pereira as a result.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
Recording Date: 22.12.2024