Marco Silva has described Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno as ‘one of the best signings we have ever made‘.

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Monday’s SW6 derby, the Fulham head coach emphasised just how important the Germany international has been to his side’s progress in the Premier League.

It’s been a pleasure for me, I’ve really enjoyed having Bernd with us. We waited really long time to come, it was a longer process than we would have liked. Our board did a very good job, but we waited for him to come and it was possible because Bernd really wanted to join Fulham and he is a top goalkeeper. He is proving that he is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, with no doubts about it.

He’s a key player for us, he’s already in our captains group as well because he’s so important. He is one of the best signings that we made. The way he performed last season showed that and the way he keeps performing. But more than that, the way he works every single day since he came here. He’s so proud of his work, he’s ambitious to keep improving, he is always in a good mood, always has a smile of his face and I love working with him.”