Strategic Shift Behind Fulham’s Unstoppable 2024-25 Start

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This is the best start to a top-flight season for Fulham in two decades, and for much of it, the credit has to be given to their manager, Marco Silva. Having survived speculation about his future this summer, Silva has not only stayed on but oversees an imperial run of form. With just one defeat all season, their first match against Manchester United, Fulham sit sixth ahead of the daunting trip to Manchester City. The big question is whether Fulham will be able to sustain momentum for the rest of the season after coming off consecutive wins against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

Influence of Marco Silva and Fan Support

Despite Saudi Pro League interest and that of Portuguese side Benfica, Marco Silva has not left the dugout of Fulham. And the fans are happy. He has grown more committed to the club than ever, and in that regard, his relationship with his fan base is crucial. At all times, the fans trusted their manager to show full investment in the project at the club. As Drew Heatley of the Fulhamish podcast rightly puts it, “You will not find a fanbase more united behind their manager across the board.”

The Brazilian’s influence has been all the more important with Fulham having to negotiate through change. In the summer, they lost the influential midfielder Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich for £47.4 million in a deal that forced Silva to change tack and method. Even so, his development of players and change in the team have kept Fulham competitive in the Premier League. The fans are confident in Silva because he can navigate the team through challenges to further success.

Transfer Market Movements and Tactical Development

The secret to Fulham’s flying start to this campaign has been the club’s transfer market dealings. The Cottagers have spent some £77m—a mid-table amount by these trend-following parameters—and brought in such high-profile talent as Emile Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson from Arsenal and Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham Hotspur. These marry with Silva’s proven talent for rejuvenating players who struggled for game time at larger clubs. The manager’s knack for getting the best from underused players has been vital to the success of Fulham, and the new additions are already making a difference.

Tactically, Fulham has changed this season, and one of the major changes has been in the press. Last season, they ranked 17th for pressing, but they find themselves fourth this term—quite a jump. Part of this is related to the absence of Palhinha, whose presence was important in Fulham’s backline solidity last season. For now, though, with Sasa Lukic relieving him of most of his defensive duties, Fulham has become more aggressive, winning the ball high up the pitch. The result is a more kinetic style of play, allowing players like Raul Jimenez and Smith Rowe to thrive.

Player Development and Emerging Performances

One of the hallmarks of Marco Silva’s reign at Fulham has been his ability to improve players, and this year is no different. Raul Jimenez may have joined in 2023, but he spent most of the year on the sidelines due to injury. He has been one of the key players this campaign. Already netting four goals across all competitions, the Mexican striker scored a penalty in Fulham’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest. This was Jimenez’s 50th Premier League goal.

While the struggle on the spot with Andreas Pereira over who should take the penalty caused some controversy, it shows the good competition inside the camp. High-pressing Fulham and a slightly liquid style of play benefited players like Jimenez, who love performing well in an attacking setup.

New signings like Emile Smith Rowe and Nelson have benefited the team, as they have managed three goals thus far. The team is also pressing high, getting more opportunities, and looking more potent than in the past seasons. The tactical flexibility has combined well with Silva’s management at Fulham, and they have flourished at the beginning of the season.

Conclusion

Fulham’s impressively positive start to the Premier League campaign under Marco Silva has capped expectations from fans and pundits alike. Having lost just once and on the back of a good trot of results, this team does look like it can genuinely hold its own against the best in this league. But their real test comes in playing Manchester City, with Fulham trying to leave the Etihad with three points for the first time since 2009. Whatever the result, there is every indication that this season, under Marco Silva and with the squad’s tactical development, could be a good season for Fulham, with a top-10 finish very much not out of the question.

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Article originally written by Kufreabasi Essien.