Fulham manager Marco Silva has shed light on his decision to keep Alex Iwobi in the starting lineup over Harry Wilson, despite Wilson's recent goal-scoring form, Soccernet.ng reports.
Iwobi and Wilson were both influential in Fulham’s latest 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace, a result that propelled the Cottagers to eighth in the Premier League.
Iwobi’s contribution was evident on Saturday as he set up Wilson’s second-half goal.
Wilson, who also netted twice against Brentford last weekend, now boasts three goals in seven substitute appearances.
Although Wilson has scored five times in his last six games for club and country, Silva maintains that Iwobi's all-around performances have been instrumental to Fulham’s progress this season.
When asked why Wilson isn’t starting, Silva highlighted Iwobi’s consistency and leadership, stating,
“He's doing the right things. He's not doing anything wrong to not start. He’s competing against very good players, too.
“Alex, for example, is being one of the best players so far this season, if not the best. From the first day of pre-season, he’s been so, so brilliant.”
Silva added,
“Adama [Traoré] had a fantastic start of the season, too. Right now, he is on the bench because Reiss Nelson is doing so well.
“Great competition between them – it’s great for me. Good headache, but great for me and for the team as well. If I could play with 12 or 13, it’d be easier for me, but I can’t!”
The Fulham boss acknowledged that Wilson’s “desire is to play from the start” but reiterated that the decision is about maintaining form and team balance.
“I'm here to make decisions, but he's done nothing wrong to not play,” Silva clarified. “It’s just because I'm deciding for the others, and the others are doing a very good season as well.”
Wilson’s form has been undeniable, especially after his goal against Crystal Palace, where the former Liverpool man scored just 39 seconds after coming on.
Silva praised his sharpness, saying,
“It was a great week for him. Last Monday, he decided the game for us. This afternoon again, one of the first times he touched the ball, he scored. A great move.
“His sharpness when he makes this type of move is really good, the capacity that he has to arrive in those areas is really good, too.”
Silva also highlighted the partnership between Wilson and Iwobi, saying,
“That connection that he's creating with Alex – it’s not the first time that we created a chance like that, and he did it again, and I’m really pleased for him.”
After the international break, Fulham will aim to continue their upward momentum as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers.
