Fulham manager Marco Silva has expressed confidence in Alex Iwobi’s ability to deliver his finest Premier League campaign yet as the Cottagers prepare to face Wolves in a crucial clash on Saturday.
Fulham entered the international break riding high, with back-to-back wins against Brentford (2-1) and Crystal Palace (2-0) propelling them to seventh in the table.
With just a few points separating them from the Champions League positions, Iwobi has emerged as a key figure in their impressive start.
The Nigerian international, 28, has already registered two goals and two assists this season, earning praise from Silva, who believes Iwobi is currently playing the best football of his career.
“For me, last season was the best season from him in the Premier League, in my opinion, and I’m sure that he’s going to be better this season,” Silva told Fulham’s official website.
Silva, who previously managed Iwobi at Everton, highlighted the player’s versatility as a major asset.
“I know him very well. I brought him to Everton, and when we got the chance to have him with us here at Fulham, it was a moment for us to go to sign him.
“First, he is a really versatile player. He can play in many positions, and I know where he’s capable and where he feels he can perform better. He likes to be in the middle of the pitch, but now he’s playing more on the right, where he’s capable, like he showed against Crystal Palace.”
Iwobi’s creative prowess has been evident this season, with only Dejan Kulusevski, Cole Palmer, and Bernardo Silva generating more chances from open play in the league. His expected assists (2.9 xA) underline his playmaking influence.
The former Arsenal man has a particularly strong record against Wolves, having scored more goals against them (five) than any other team.
Fulham will be aiming for a third consecutive league win, a feat that would extend Wolves’ struggles. Wolves are winless in their last 11 away games, with seven losses in their previous 10 visits to London.
Fulham’s only win against Wolves in their last eight Premier League meetings came in this fixture last season (3-2), and Silva’s side will hope to replicate that result as they push for a European spot.
