Fulham manager Marco Silva signed two Nigerian players last summer to bolster his squad and take his team to the next level. Calvin Bassey joined Fulham from Ajax, while Alex Iwobi joined from Everton. Since that summer move, the two players have established themselves as regular starters for The Cottagers.
One of their most memorable performances came at Old Trafford when the two inspired Fulham to beat Manchester United 2-1 at Old Trafford. Bassey scored his first Fulham goal at Old Trafford since joining the club, while Iwobi scored his third for the season. Their performance received high praise from the manager, who described them as a blessing to the team.
Fulham currently sit 12th in the EPL table after 28 games. They have won 10, drew 5, and lost 13 games. Marco Silva’s men are five points from the top 10, meaning they can still make it to the top half of the table by the end of the season. Would you bet on Fulham finishing in the top 10 this season? If you wager on sports, go for a Nigerian bookmaking titan to get an unmatched wagering experience. How vital are Iwobi and Bassey for Fulham?
Iwobi: Experience and Creativity
Alex Iwobi is a seasoned Premier League player who offers Marco Silva’s team a wealth of experience and composure in the middle of the pack. The former Arsenal midfielder can dictate a game’s tempo, orchestrate attacks, and link up with teammates.
The Nigerian has played 22 EPL matches, scored five league goals, and provided one assist for his teammates. Data from the EPL shows that Iwobi excels in progressive carrying and scoring non-penalty goals, which shows how he contributes to the team’s performance.
In the most recent match, Iwobi broke the record for most chances from open play in an EPL game. Iwobi created seven chances in the game which is the most by any player in the EPL this season. Although the team lost 2-1 to Wolves at Molineux, Iwobi demonstrated why he is a crucial player for Fulham as they chase a top-10 finish.
Bassey: Solid in Defense
At 24, Bassey is quickly establishing himself as a key player for Fulham’s defense. His athleticism and ability to read the game enable him to make crucial tackles, boosting his team’s solidity in defense.
His greatest strength is in his defensive duels, as stats show he is in the 98th percentile for this defensive feature. He also completes a decent number of passes and his ariel ability is also good. At his age, he has a lot of room for improvement, and he could become a better defender under the tutelage of Marco Silva.
Final Thoughts
The two Nigerian players are currently enjoying their stay at Fulham. Iwobi seems to have rediscovered his form after his career seemed to have stalled. On the other hand, Bassey is continuing to demonstrate his ability and is on course to become a great defender for club and country.
