Changing the System

Stekelenburg

Riether  Hangeland  Amorebieta  Richardson

Boateng

Dejagah                      Duff

Ruiz

Kacanicklic

                    Berbatov

This is how I’d like to see Fulham line up next season, based on the current squad and the type of player that is being linked for a move to the Cottage – that is, multiple wingers and a number of left backs.

Perhaps the most controversial part of this lineup is having Kaca playing just off Berbatov up front. However, in the few games where he has explored this role (notably Swansea, allegedly at Berbatov’s direction) he has been sublime, adding a determination and wilfulness to Fulham’s attack that the team often lacks when Ruiz and Berbatov provide the spearhead alone. I think it’s obvious that this is a move that Berb would approve of, and whilst the club cannot cater to it’s star man it would be prudent I think to accommodate certain desires that would help to elevate his own performances.

Ruiz here would fill the gaping hole of Fulham’s ‘creative midfielder’. Watch the through ball to Kaca for the goal away at West Brom and you can be left in little doubt that he has the vision and skill to finally flourish at Fulham. Obviously, this means that there is a lot of defensive duties for the rest of the midfield. Boateng is an incredibly astute signing in this regard, able to put in an extremely competent and unrelenting shift covering for the more creative players.

Now let’s hope Levy and co keep their grubby paws off Alex..