Fulham manager Marco Silva has heaped praise on Nigerian international Alex Iwobi, calling him “one of the club’s best players this season, if not the best,” following his standout performance in their 2-0 derby win over Crystal Palace.
Iwobi provided the assist for Harry Wilson’s second goal, securing Fulham’s fifth victory of the season and propelling them to seventh place in the league.
Wilson, who has netted three goals in his last two appearances, once again made a significant impact from the bench.
While there have been calls for the Welshman to start, Silva acknowledged the difficulty of displacing players like Iwobi, who has been consistently impressive.
“He’s (Wilson) doing the right things. He’s not doing anything wrong to not start. He’s competing against very good players, too. Alex, for example, is being one of the best players so far this season, if not the best. From the first day of the pre-season, he’s been so, so brilliant.
“That connection that he (Wilson) is creating with Alex – it’s not the first time that we created a chance like that, and he did it again, and I’m really pleased for him,” Silva said.
With Fulham’s fifth win of the season and their current position in seventh place, Silva expressed satisfaction with the team’s overall performance, noting that they could have scored more goals but for VAR interventions.
“Two goals, plus two goals disallowed. Of course, we are pleased. We have to be proud of the way we played again. Arriving in so many dangerous areas so many times, first half, second half, we should we have created more chances, clear chances, and should have scored more goals. But, overall, great performance,” he added.
“To win here with a clean sheet is a great feeling, too, and the most important thing, because we deserve the three points, and we have to be pleased for it.”
Iwobi has contributed two goals and two assists in 11 appearances for Fulham, but it’s his overall impact on both sides of the ball that sets him apart from other players competing in his position.
