With the much maligned Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa playing a pivotal role in a Napoli side who sit top of their Champions League group and Serie A, we take a look at a side of players who’s careers didn’t work out at the Cottage.
The squad will not include any players who were only at Fulham on loan, so cult heroes like Joachim Andersen and Alphonse Areola miss out.
Goalkeeper: Marcus Bettinelli
I know what you’re thinking, how can Bettinelli be the current best goalkeeper that used to play for Fulham when he has yet to make his official debut for Chelsea? Well options are indeed limited. Other goalkeepers whom are still playing professionally include the likes of David Button, who boasts a save percentage of as low as 46.7% for West Brom, and 40 year old Maarten Stekelenburg, who is now Ajax’s backup goalkeeper. It would be unfair to say that Bettinelli’s career didn’t work out at Craven Cottage. Marcus joined Fulham at the age of 14, and went on to make over 100 senior appearances for the side. The highlight of his Fulham career has to be the 2017/18 promotion season. Marcus broke into the starting eleven and established himself as a safe option between the sticks. Sadly, he couldn’t emulate these performances in the Premier League, making only seven appearances in the following season.
Left Back: Ryan Sessegnon
Who knows what could have been if Ryan had stayed at the Cottage for a couple more seasons. Ryan lit up the Championship in the season of 17/18, scoring 15 goals and assisting 6 at the ripe age of 17. It’s safe to say that Ryan did not exactly hit the ground running at Tottenham, failing to break into the first team until recent times. Under Conte, however, Ryan looks a new player. Picking up MOTM in Spurs’ last game away to Brighton, Sess’ performances are consistently composed.
Centre Back: Chris Smalling
Although having less of an impact for Fulham as the prior players in this team, Smalling still made over 10 senior appearances for Fulham before joining Manchester United, whom Chris won the league with in his first season. The 32 year old now starts for Roma, who sit 6th in the highly competitive Serie A. Smalling has contributed 3 goals this season for Roma, proving he still has what it takes to compete at a high level.
Centre Back: Dan Burn
The 6’5 monster that is Dan Burn made over 60 appearances in what may be the worst Fulham side we’ve seen in recent times. Although it is safe to say that Dan Burn did not set the world alight during his time at Fulham, he has become an integral part of a good Newcastle sides defence. The big man is also able to do a job at left back, a position he regularly played during his time at Brighton.
Right Back: Djed Spence
It was a tough decision to not include Denis Odoi at right-back in this squad as the man is currently smashing up the Champions League. Djed Spence is a cheeky one to include as he left Fulham at the young age of 16, however he is still a product of the talented Fulham alumni. Spence played a key role in Forest’s promotion to the Premier League, earning a place in the Championship team of the year and a nomination for young player of the year. Such performances earned him a 13 million pound move to Spurs, where he is yet to make a start for the club.
Central Midfielder: Andre-Franck Zambo Anguissa
Upon watching Anguissa’s recent performances for Napoli all one can say is wow. Probably the star player in this ex-Fulham side, it seems like he has added the ability to contribute to goals into his game this season, something that always seemed to be missing at Fulham. The tricky midfielder can look untouchable at times as he drifts across the pitch elegantly with the ball at his feet. Anguissa didn’t leave Fulham in the best manner, making it clear to all that his heart was not with the club. This seemed to always be the problem with Zambo, he clearly had the technical ability however he seemed to lack the heart and tenacity that was required to represent the club. It would not surprise me in the slightest if we see Anguissa back in the Premier League playing for a top 6 side in the coming years.
Central Midfielder: Matt O’Riley
Another player who is playing regular Champions League football upon leaving Fulham is Matt O’Riley. Matt was never granted a league start for Fulham, prompting him to pack things up and move elsewhere. Matt played a huge role in an MK Dons side who finished 3rd in League One. This earned him a move to Celtic, where Matt won the league in his first season. Matt has registered 5 assists in 8 starts so far this season, an impressive tally. It is therefore bemusing that Parker opted to start Harry Arter, a man who is struggling to get into League One side Charlton currently, over Matt.
Attacking Midfielder: Fabio Carvalho
Ahhhh Fabio. Still a sensitive topic for many Fulham fans. The tricky attacking midfielder played a vital role in our 100+ goal season, being directly involved with 18 of them. It was a real shame to see Fabio go, and who knows what things he may have achieved if he has signed a new deal. Although it was tough to see him go, there are few big clubs that develop young players better than Liverpool do. Fabio has already made 7 appearances for Liverpool, starting 3 games. He recently made his Champions League debut for Liverpool against Rangers. Still only 20 years of age, Fabio seems to be destined for greatness, previously stating that one day he aims to win the Ballon d’Or.
Left Wing: Eberechi Eze
Like Djed, Ebere is another who failed to make any senior appearances for the club. Eze joined Fulham at the age of 13, however was released when he was just 15. Eze found success elsewhere in West London with QPR, making over 100 appearances for the R’s. Eze now plays his football for Crystal Palace, where the skilful winger has made over 50 appearances. So far this season, Ebere has scored one and assisted 2 goals.
Right Wing: Harvey Elliott
Like Fabio, Harvey is another tough one to reminisce on. Harvey made his debut for Fulham at the age of 15 – a crazy feat. The 19 year old now regularly starts in a competitive Liverpool side, earning himself player of the month for both August and September. Harvey scored his first Champions League goal against Rangers recently, proving that perhaps his move away from Fulham really was for the best. Harvey’s success at Liverpool may be a good indicator of what Fabio’s career will look like in the future.
Striker: Moussa Dembele
Moussa made over 50 appearances for a poor Fulham side, scoring 15 goals before joining Celtic. Moussa had a successful spell at Celtic where he caught the eye of Lyon. Moussa scored 31 goals in his two years in France before joining Atletico Madrid. Although Moussa won the league with Atletico that season, things didn’t go great individually for him, so he re-joined Lyon where last season he was out scored by only Mbappe and Ben Yedder.
