I’ll admit I’m reading between some debatable lines but it’s not the first time we’ve discussed Erik Nevland’s future. Should we sign Stefano Okaka on loan from AS Roma – as we were widely tipped to do – then Nevland’s chances of first team football at Fulham would recede even further.
The Norwegian’s been very understanding about his lack of first team action since Roy Hodgson bought Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson to the club. The Fulham manager is clearly a fan of Nevland, largely for his ability to change/decide a game late on as a substitue, last seen in our 3-1 win over Liverpool. But he’s not getting any younger, struggles to make too much of an impact from the start, and would probably be behind Zamora, Johnson and the returning Kamara, who is expected to be back in contention in a couple of weeks.
Add Okaka, a young and speedy forward, into the mix and Nevland might soon struggle to get a place on the bench. It seems harsh but it’s difficult to see him staying along for the ride without getting any real shot at regular football. He’s already won a place in many a fan’s heart and probably remains the deadliest finisher at Fulham – it’s just a shame he isn’t 25.
Lots of people have been saying the same on the messageboards.
I think that unfortunately due to the fact he offers so little defensively or creatively (the latter might be harsh) Roy puts others ahead. When he came to fulham he was exactly what we needed, someone who could actually put the ball in the back of the net and could influence games late on. Now we are more solid his position is not as good as it was.
I hope we get Okaka and Neveland stays until the end of the season before leaving on a free. I think that he is not too keen to leave, he still gets the chance to play premiership footie, has a great relationship with roy and isnt trying to get into a world cup squad. Come the summer however, I think he will move on, probable back to norway/scandanavia.
I think the creative side of things is very harsh. He lacks the strength to bully defenders or the height to win balls in the air, but he’s made several key goals for Fulham thanks to his range of passing, with perhaps the best example being at Portsmouth last season. His vision brings people into play as it did so splendidly at home to Liverpool this year – but I guess it all hinges on whether you rank him higher than Kamara.