Parker hails Cavaleiro but insists Mitrovic can still play big role
Fulham boss Scott Parker says his team pose a different threat with Ivan Cavaleiro as a lone striker – but insists Aleksandar Mitrovic can still play a big role.
The Portuguese laid to rest the ghost of missed penalties when he converted at Leicester on Monday for what turned out to be the winner.
Meanwhile, the man forced to watch from the bench until he came on for the final few minutes, passed up a golden chance for 3-1 with a gaping goal at his mercy – albeit one from 50 yards.
It’s fair to say this is not Aleksandar Mitrovic’s time, although Parker is reluctant to agree the Serb doesn’t suit the counter-attacking style that’s meat and drink to Cavaleiro.
“Aleks can definitely fit into that,” Parker said.
“But Cav has done very, very well as a nine. There’s a different dynamic to what Aleks brings. Cav can stretch back lines a little bit.
“In terms of positives and weaknesses, they probably balance out each other. Both are going to be needed for different games at different times in the season. Every team in this division has that flexibility.
“Even though Cav’s not really a recognised number nine, he’s come in over the last two games and has done really well.”
05/12/2020 @ 9:23 pm
I can only think this is a cover up because Mitrovic is not fit to play whether it be physically or mentally following his disappointment from the penalty spot for both club and Country. If I’m right I wish Mitro a speedy recovery, we need him firing on all cylinders
05/12/2020 @ 3:45 pm
Against a team like City you need a hold up player a target man up the field for defensive outlets. Cav provides none of that!
05/12/2020 @ 3:03 pm
“Cav has done really really well as a nine”, really really Scott?
05/12/2020 @ 2:57 pm
What is Parker’s love affair with Cavaleiro??? Besides making the penalty last week, what did he really do in that game? From my viewpoint, almost nothing! He has all of the other positions right, but Mitro needs to be our center forward. Cavaleiro provides nothing in the box offensively or defensively. Watch today he will barely be noticed.