Why Ivan Cavaleiro can single-handedly help Fulham achieve promotion

After a forgettable return to the Premier League, Scott Parker has had the summer to assess the complete situation and make necessary changes to his squad in a bid to secure an immediate return to the top-flight.

The Cottagers spent heavily in last summer’s transfer window, bringing in more than 10 players to boost their current squad. But that approach massively backfired as they failed to retain their top-flight status, enduring the worst defensive record in the league.

This time around, however, the club has approached things wisely in the market with Parker adding some Championship proven players to his squad.

After doing a wonderful job by keeping hold of star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham signed wingers Ivan Cavaleiro, on loan from Wolves and Anthony Knockaert, also on a season-long loan from Brighton.

Parker has also bolstered his midfield options with the loan signings of Harry Arter of Bournemouth and Harrison Reed from Southampton. Truth to be told, Ivan Cavaleiro has been the most influential player for the Cottagers so far this Championship campaign.

Even though Mitrovic has found the back of the net on five occasions in Fulham’s first six league games this term, Ivan Cavaleiro has added the much-needed pace and flair to Parker’s attack.

The Portuguese has been fantastic during the opening weeks of the 2019/20 campaign, stretching defences with his pace, power and direct running.

After opening his account in arguably the best possible way against Huddersfield Town, the 25-year-old was then directly involved in three goals in the Cottagers’ victory over Millwall before setting up Mitrovic’s equaliser in Friday evening’s 1-1 draw with Cardiff City.

He has looked dangerous in every manner since dropping down from Wolves, forming a very good understanding with Knockaert and Mitrovic so far.

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In the 4-3-3 system where Parker wants his team to dominate possession, Cavaleiro has been a livewire on the left flank and performed splendidly so far.

If he can keep himself fit and maintain this consistency over the course of an entire season, the Portuguese has the potential to single-handedly guide the Cottagers back to the Premier League.

Verdict

Cavaleiro has shown he can be a hit in the Championship after achieving promotion with Wolves to the top-flight, but it didn’t quite happen for him last season. But now back to England’s second-tier, the jet-heeled winger is once again displaying his true colours and proving to be a top acquisition for Fulham.