Fabio Carvalho paid tribute to new Fulham head coach Marco Silva after he scored the winner to settle the Whites’ final pre-season friendly against Charlton Athletic this afternoon.

The England youth international, starting as a number ten against the Addicks in the continued absence of club captain Tom Cairney, scored a superb goal just after the half hour mark after latching onto a meticulous pass from fellow Motspur Park academy graduate Tyrese Francois. Carvalho, who made an impression in the Premier League when handed an opportunity at the end of last season, credited Silva for overhauling Fulham’s style of play in the space of three weeks.

He told FFC TV following the final whistle at Craven Cottage:

“It was just amazing. The new staff coming in have made sure we work hard. We’ve been together really as a family, so it’s just good to top it off with a win today and it sets us up well for the rest of the season. It’s amazing. He helps the team. The way he wants to play is clear with goals and an end product. He wants to go forward, score goals, win games. That’s what us players thrive on so it is good. We’re taking each game as it comes and I’m sure if we perform like we did today, it will come out good for us.”

The teenager is full of belief that Fulham can secure an immediate return to the top flight.

“I’m looking to grow as I do every season. I’m trying to help the team as much as I can with the opportunities I get. Everyone knows we belong in the Premier League and I’ll be looking forward to take the team there with goals and assists and whatever I can do.”