We’ll soon run out of superlatives for Aleksandar Mitrovic’s sensational scoring feats. The Serbian striker became the first Fulham forward to score thirty league goals in a season since Bedford Jezzard in 1953/54 – and since it is only early February, you’d back him to surpass the clinical Clerkenwell marksman’s tally of 39 in short order.
The transformation in our talisman since he was sidelined by Scott Parker has been striking. Mitrovic looks a much more complete striker under Marco Silva, adding seven assists, including a pair of sumptuous passes in Fulham’s last two outings. His brace against Millwall in midweek took him one short of Ivan Toney’s record Championship tally, although the real second tier record is the 42 set by Portsmouth’s Guy Whittingham back in 1992/93. George Camsell’s incredible 59 goals for Middlesbrough in 1929 might not be beaten, mind you.
Given that there is so much of the season to play and free-scoring Fulham have already scored 77 goals, you would only think that injury and suspension could prevent Mitrovic from running riot. He has plenty to play off even if the pundits are – foolishly – suggesting that the Championship title is guaranteed to end up at Craven Cottage. His stunning header in Lisbon sent Serbia to the World Cup finals at Portugal’s expense – but the form of Dusan Vlahovic earned a move to Juventus in January and it is by no means certain that Dragan Stojkovic will start with two strikers in Qatar.
Mitrovic is fast chasing down the all-time leading scorers in Fulham’s history as well. He moved into the top ten with that double that saw off Millwall, making in 83 goals in 160 appearances. While he has somehow to go to overhaul Gordon Davies – on 178 – at the top of the tree, the next name in his sights is Les Barrett on 90. At his current remarkable rate of scoring, Mitrovic could comfortably bring up a century of Fulham strikes before the close of this Championship campaign in May.
FULHAM’S ALL TIME TOP GOALSCORERS
- Gordon Davies (1978-1984; 1986-1991): 178 goals in 450 games
- Johnny Haynes (1952-1970): 158 in 658 games
- Bedford Jezzard (1948-1956): 154 in 306 games
- Jim Hammond (1928-1939): 151 in 342 games
- Graham Leggat (1958-1967): 134 in 280 games
- Arthur Stevens (1943-1959): 124 in 413 games
- Steve Earle (1963-1973): 108 in 327 games
- Maurice Cook (1958-1965): 97 in 248 games
- Les Barett (1965-1977): 90 in 491 games
- Aleksandar Mitrovic (2018-present): 83 in 160 games
Don’t be too perturbed by all the punditry suggesting he’d struggle in the top flight, either. Mitrovic managed eleven in a side that struggled to create chances back in the dismal 2018/2019 campaign and his international scoring record for Serbia suggests he can thrive at the very highest level with the right service. His predatory instincts certainly wouldn’t be wasted by Silva in the top flight – as they were under Parker – and, given that Mitrovic is happy with life in west London, we could be watching him celebrate goals at Craven Cottage for a long time to come.
Given the points made above re Mitro and his goals contribution in our successful seasons and in our first dismal foray back to the prem, it merely highlights the blind stupidity of Scott Parker.
we were promoted not because of him but despite of him given the squad we had.
What I find astounding, is the ‘big’ clubs failure to pay whatever is necessary to prize away one of the top goal scorers In English and international football ??
And praise the lord for that.
wow! I didn’t realise dear old Maurice Cook had scored so many. I remember we used to joke that he scored with every part of his body apart from his head and his feet.
Yes, Maurice Cook did score with every part of his body, including a shoulder barge that had the Arsenal keeper hitting the back of the net still holding the ball! A 5-2: victory in March 1962 at Craven Cottage
I fully agree with Cliff, thank goodness Parker went or Mitrovic would be scoring for someone else. How he wasted Mitro’s talent and come to that Kebano as well.
Mitro is a rarity these days, loves thpe club and I can’t see him leaving us.