Evaluating every position in this Fulham squad

In his debut article, Avais Malik looks at our players to assess what work is needed in the transfer window.

As the sun sets on another cup run, despite a chance of qualifying for European football, it’s not unreasonable to feel that the season is all-but over, with not much to play for.

With that in mind, let’s explore the status of the squad and what improvements could establish us as a serious, consistent top eight Premier League team and maybe, just maybe, secure us a trip to Wembley?

Goalkeeper

On one hand, you have super Bernd Leno in goal, and on the other you have Steven Benda, who is as reliable as the McFlurry machine at McDonalds.

Just watch the penalties at Preston or the last few minutes at Wigan and you will agree, Benda is League One. Leno, not without his faults, has been too consistent for his spot to be under threat, but with no competition, this can breed complacency – and an injury would spell disaster. We need a dependable back up ‘keeper, sharpish.

Right-back

The last two seasons have seen positives and negatives for both Kenny Tete and Timmy Castagne. Last season, Castagne made the starting berth his own, while an out-of-form Tete really struggled when called upon.

This season, King Kenny was back to his very best, but that ridiculous (and of course unpunished) foul by Joe Gomez at Anfield all-but ended his season. Castagne has found being the sole right-back tough, and his performances have worsened as the weeks pass.

The elephant in the room is Kenny’s contract talks, which will dictate how the summer looks – we might need a starting right-back if Tete chooses to leave. Either way, we should look to upgrade on Castagne. How does Devan Tanton, recalled in the winter transfer window, fit into Marco’s plans? Work to be done.

Centre-back

Our strongest position in terms of depth, it’s not without issues. This feels like a breakout season for Calvin Bassey, who’s been our best centre-back by some distance. His understudy Jorge Cuenca has been solid when called upon, too. Joachim Andersen has been inconsistent, with Issa Diop rather harshly spending more time on the bench than many would feel he deserves. To be fair to him, Joa’s form could be attributed in some part to Tete’s injury, and his own fitness levels. There won’t be any activity in this position.

Left-back

Talking of activity, if another star player leaves the squad, it’s going to be Fulhamerican Antonee Robinson. He’s gained all the plaudits for his performances this season, and I doubt many would begrudge a big money move. However, if we want to be considered a serious club, and not a selling club, we need to slap on at least a £60m “take it or leave it” price tag and stick two fingers up at the likes of Liverpool.

The prodigal son Ryan Sessegnon was brought in as left-back cover, but more recently has thrived higher up the pitch (quelle surprise). Decisions need to be made about Sess’s role and Robinson’s future – his potential replacement is a transfer that cannot miss.

Central midfield

We’ve been one light in this department all season and it shows when either Sander Berge or Sasa Lukic don’t play.

Tom Cairney, to his credit, continues to adapt as Marco requires, but in the twilight of his career, we need bodies. Harrison Reed cannot get a start and is unlikely to be a Fulham player next season. The Lukic-Berge unit has been superb, but there are still elements that are lacking in this duo. We need a proper box-to-box CM who is both a real attacking threat and not afraid to get stuck in. If Reed leaves, we need two to come in, one of which has to be a potential game-changer in the centre of the park. One of the big focuses of the window, you’d hope.

Right wing

Adama Traore and Harry Wilson have shared the right wing spot at various times in the season, with Harry coming out on top when you consider the impact he has had on games and the insane memories he’s created. However, both have struggled for consistency and go missing too often.

Adama in particular has the potential to change games at both ends, depending on whether he’s interested in putting in a shift or not. Wilson’s bigger contributions have been something we’ve desperately missed lately, which emphasises his importance in the squad. More than likely, they’ll both be here next season, with Adama extending his contract, but frankly, we could worse than moving on from Adama and get in a more creative, tricky, consistent right winger.

Central attacking midfield

This position has been a tale of two players. There’s the much-maligned Andreas Pereira, who works hard but produces next to nothing, and Emile Smith Rowe, who barely moves but has the potential to be the game-changer this team desperately needs.

AP had been in the news spouting desire to leave, something that has reared its head again this week. There’s generally no smoke without fire so it’s certainly something to keep an eye on. ESR was the marquee signing this summer, but he’s been more frustrating than fantastic. Marco will give him time, but I’m not sure the fans will.

Then there’s Josh King, who’s caught more than a few eyes with his cameo appearances and looks like he could be the potential creative spark we need. Surely he will be more involved next season. There may not be any activity here, but Marco needs to spend the summer working out how to get the best out of ESR.

Left wing

Alex Iwobi’s back must be in bits with how much he’s carried that left side of the attack. He started the season on the left, with Willian’s departure, and with his mate ESR next to him, started like a house (or Cottage) on fire. Reiss Nelson came as a last second loan and found an effective role as an impact sub, showing us the attacking threat that gets you on your feet, not to mention some ridiculous skills – remember his back control at Spurs away?

Nelson’s injury killed any attacking momentum we had on the left, and with Iwobi being overplayed, his performances have dropped considerably. Willian came back into the fold, but we cannot be considered a serious club if we are relying on a 36-year-old who plays with us every summer. Ryan Sessegnon was belatedly used as an alternate winger, with incredible impact, where Martial Godo failed to do so. With decisions on Sess’s and Godo’s roles, Willian’s contract and whether Reiss stays permanently, this is a position to keep an eye on over the summer.

Striker

Combined, Rodrigo Muniz and Raul Jimenez are producing goals at an excellent rate for a team of our stature. There is a conversation to be had about whether using both as bit-part strikers depending on the opposition, or selling one and signing a high output striker, is the way forward.

Muniz is developing more with each game and is starting to develop a keen eye for goal, while Raul’s natural instincts have yielded important goals. Both are tremendous team players and ones who Marco loves. As much as this has been a position of contention within the fanbase, it is likely Raul extends, and we continue to watch Muniz develop into a monster. If we let Raul go, and sign a big name, is it worth it to stifle Muniz’s development, when he could be the big name people are clamouring for? I don’t expect much movement here.

Manager

It would be remiss not to include Marco in this conversation. His redemption arc since joining Fulham is all-but complete, and his reputation and credibility have been restored.

He’s our genius, and memories he’s given us this season alone will never be forgotten. But he’s not perfect: inconsistent performances, predictable tactics and failure to control emotions has stifled what could have been a season for the ages. Despite this, he has been linked heavily with the Spurs job, but given what he is built and building here, his clear love for the very essence of the club, in addition to the potential for a Mitrovic and Stansfield-funded war chest to back him properly this summer, it’s unlikely he leaves us for the poisoned chalice in North London. One to keep an eye on… possibly.