Fulham Season Review Part 1: Player Ratings

David Button

Up until April, I was a fairly vocal defender of David Button for the most part of the season, although I did concede that he had poor games against Derby (H) and Aston Villa (A). Then Derby (A) happened and I quickly flipped switch. Goalkeepers are bound to mistake at least one season, apart from the very best. Button had too many of these instances however and they’re likely to stay long in the mind of a Fulham fan. His distribution is woeful and his lack of communication also stands out, despite the fact that he’s actually quite good at claiming crosses and the like. 4/10

Marcus Bettinelli

Bettinelli came in after Button’s brain fell out at Derby and performed averagely. Nothing stood out to me and he did nothing to change my perception of him: he’s an average goalkeeper with good shot-stopping instincts but has no idea how to command a box or claim a cross. His performance against Ipswich Town showed off exactly the type of goalkeeper he is: capable of highlight worthy saves but poor in commanding the box and claiming balls. 5/10

Scott Malone

Malone is probably the strangest full back I have seen recently. His overall ability as a full back is about average but he possess bizarrely good finishing. Because of the goals he’s scored, he’s suddenly gained a desire to shoot more rather than to pass for teammates. In addition to this, he’s also absolutely awful at crossing. But with Fulham’s attacking style, he has lots of chances to cross, hence why his completed crosses is so high (and why his crossing % is so low). He’s relatively defensively competent (we’ll forget about the Spurs game where Eriksen and Son destroyed him) and an adequate full back at this level. 7/10

Ryan Sessegnon

What a season for the kid, who looks destined for the top. His attacking talent is on another level already, with the goal against Hull in the FA Cup a prime example. I think he’s more suited to a LW role than a full back role at the moment, especially given his poor defensive tendencies (Wolves and Preston at home) but there is so much talent in this kid. Newcastle away will live long in the memories of Fulham fans. Seventeen years old. 8/10

Tomas Kalas

Kalas was absolutely immense to start the season, carrying on the form he had shown at Middlesbrough alongside Ben Gibson. When he was out of the team, his absence was very notable, with the Whites conceding a lot more with him out than in. Formed a stable partnership with Tim Ream towards the end of the season but at the detriment of his individual performances slipping (Wednesday away, Brentford, etc). Unfortunate to have conceded a penalty against Reading in the second leg. If Chelsea want 5mil or more for him, I’d move on I think to another option. 7/10

Tim Ream

I’ve notably been bearish on Ream ever since last season, so it was always going to take a lot to change my mind on him. He was absolutely awful in 2016, probably directly at fault for 3 of Wolves’ goals in that 8 goal thriller and was just positionally woeful at times (Barnsley (A)). Improved markedly though when Slav persisted with him however and was probably our best player against Reading in the playoffs. Happy that I was proven wrong to an extent. 7/10

Michael Madl and Ragnar Sigurdsson

Barely featured, although I thought Sigurdsson had some moments in him (locked Scott Hogan down at Brentford) but he does have a fair few errors in him. Madl fell into Slav’s doghouse for whatever reason. Probably was kept as a thank you for being our best defender in 15/16. I still maintain that Sigurdsson probably works out in a Bruce-esque system where the full backs aren’t asked to do that much with the ball. N/A ratings for the pair.

Ryan Fredericks

Has games where he’s absolutely brilliant (Villa, Ipswich (H)) and taking on the full backs all game but often fails to look up and pick out an open man. Still a great attacking outlet and has saved us defensively with his speed sometimes by making last ditch tackles. He does have a temper in him though and does need to cool it at times, plus seems to really struggle at times positionally and WONT STOP OTHER TEAM’S CROSSES. 6/10

Denis Odoi

Personally, I think he’s a better all around full back than Fredericks is but Fredericks’ pace and ability to take on other players is what keeps him in the team. Odoi’s crossing is also better than Fred’s in my mind and he’s able to look up and cross to other players. Unfortunate not to play more and I really hope he isn’t sold in the window, especially given the interest Fredericks will probably draw (ENGLISH FULL BACK) from the PL. Got a good shot and celebration in him as well. 6/10

Kevin McDonald

Probably the most important signing we’ve made for years and someone we’ve been crying out in need for: a DM who can sit in front of the defence while also being competent in the passing game. Macca’s tackling and defensive instincts are on another level and positionally as good as it gets. Such an important player to the team and thank god Gordon Strachan doesn’t select him for Scotland, otherwise he’d be snapped up instantly. Hope he is made captain if Cairney leaves as he seems to have a great standing in the team and shows the right leadership characteristics. 9/10

Tom Cairney

Brilliant season for TC. Technically fantastic, great vision of passing and has a hell of a (left foot) shot on him. Not much to else to say really that hasn’t already been said apart from good luck in the PL. 9/10

Stefan Johansen

Absolutely brilliant on his day but looks like the Huddersfield injury probably niggled him in the playoffs. Had tendencies to dip in and out of form, going from totally anonymous in March to Player of the Month worthy in April. A great box-to-box midfielder whose style of play fits perfectly with Macca and TC’s abilities: happy to put in a tackle (our 1st goal against Villa at home) and has that Frank Lampard-esque ability of being in the right place at the right time when scoring goals. Good finisher and who doesn’t love a Norwegian at the club? 8/10

Floyd Ayite

Oft-injured throughout the start of the season but clearly a good technical ability with great instincts in the box and excellent one touch finishing. However, his goals seemed to dry out towards the end of the season, when he should’ve scored against Reading and Brentford at home. Did well when shoed into striker role however, which is clearly not his natural position. Should hit at least 10 goals next season if fully fit. 7/10

Lucas Piazon

A litmus test player really. Had games where he was great (Forest H, Bristol City A) but others where fairly ineffective. The glimpses of his talent which you can see are too sporadic sadly and I doubt we’ll re-sign him, despite his passion for the club. Shame, as he’s a very likeable character. His defensive work rate is great and his “jack of all trades” ability to play multiple positions will probably keep him floating around Europe. 5/10

Neeskens Kebano

Fantastic after his return for the AFCON and brilliant as a bench option. Clinical as well. There’s a lot of talent in there and a very likeable character. So comfortable with the ball at his feet and why he was taken off against Reading in the 2nd leg when he was by far our best attacking option is beyond me. A 7/10 considering he was consigned to Slav’s doghouse for the first half of the season.

Sone Aluko

By far the most frustrating player I’ve watched. Had an absolutely awful September followed by a brilliant October. Can absolutely rip teams apart on his day, as seen in the 5–0's against Huddersfield and Reading. However, his finishing is just AWFUL (shot 28% in shooting percentage for the season which is baaaad) which ultimately cost us in so many games. Reluctantly giving him a 7/10 as his finishing let us down way too often in the playoffs and other games.

Chris Martin

Fairly disappointing season considering his pedigree at this level. His hold up play is top class and he knows how to use his physical attributes but 8 non-penalty goals in a team with this much attacking talent is quite a poor return. A shame that just as he was really starting to hit form in December and Novemeber, he pulled the old “sick note” trick to try and re-join McClaren, which killed off all form he had all season. Will do well under Rowett at Derby though and will no doubt come back to haunt next season no doubt. 5/10