On the final day of the 2025 summer transfer window, Fulham completed the acquisition of Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk. However, Kevin’s form since then, has failed to live up to expectations, with high hopes placed on the 22-year-old’s shoulders after his big money transfer.
But why is Kevin’s form not to the expected level?
The Brazilian’s Fulham Debut
Many Fulham fans expected Kevin’s form for the club in his first few games to be at a high level after his Fulham debut. Kevin’s form was stellar against Leeds at Craven Cottage as he helped his side to a 1-0 win with a memorable cameo.
Such was the eagerness of Kevin to impress that he completed the most successful dribbles in that match in just twelve minutes of normal time and swung in multiple crosses that connected with the heads of his teammates on most occasions. The Brazilian also produced a wonderful effort which was saved by Karl Darlow, forcing the corner from which Fulham scored late on.
Although he did not score or assist in his debut cameo, Kevin’s form was such that Fulham fans were on their feet every time the player received the ball, and he received many plaudits after the game. Furthermore, in preceding matches, Fulham fans proceeded to chant “Bring Kevin on,” asking to see more of the Brazilian after Kevin’s form on his debut.
Kevin’s Form Since His Debut
However, since the Brazilian’s debut, Kevin has failed to register a goal or assist for Fulham, and Kevin’s form appears to be indicative that the player is currently lacking confidence and struggling to adjust to the Premier League.
Kevin’s form is such that he has continued to show his Brazilian flair, continually registering a high rate of successful dribbles per match. However, fans have questioned his decision-making, his ball retention and his incisiveness in the final third.
Although it is evident that the player has talent, Kevin’s form is such that before AFCON, he failed to register a consistent run of starts in the Premier League, with manager Marco Silva appearing to prefer the likes of Harry Wilson and Samuel Chukwueze, with both those players in good form in comparison to Kevin’s form.
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The Reasons For His Struggles
Although Kevin’s form is currently disappointing for Fulham fans, it shows aspects of his game that can be improved on with guidance and mentoring. The Brazilian has talent and it is up to manager Marco Silva to be patient with the player and ensure he produces such talent.
Kevin’s form for Shakhtar Donetsk before he joined Fulham was top-level form, thus impressing many suitors and forcing the transfer. However, the Brazilian is young, and the move to Fulham is his first move to a top league in Europe. Therefore, it should be natural that he takes some time to adjust and requires some guidance.
Fulham fans have noted that Kevin appears apprehensive to shoot in some circumstances and that he appears to be unaware in some circumstances when he could play an incisive pass. Both aspects of his game in that respect, are improved on with coaching and practice, not necessarily lack of talent.
With Kevin’s current lack of confidence, it is natural that the player may lose the ball in an increased number of circumstances. However, should the player be coached and guided with his incisiveness in the final third and start registering goals and assists, it is natural that confidence in other aspects of his game may follow and Kevin’s form will improve.
Conclusion
It is evident that Kevin’s form is not at the level that is required currently for the Premier League due to various reasons including a lack of confidence. However, he is currently starting games due to AFCON, and many Fulham fans will hope that this helps his form now or in the near future.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Martin Dalton
Recording Date: 27.12.2025
