I WAS covering Fulham against Derby back in November and the Cottagers bossed the game.
They went in 1-0 up at half-time but it could have been four.
The only thing they were missing was a goalscorer to put the ball in the back of the net.
They ended up drawing 1-1 when Derby’s Matej Vydra grabbed a second-half equaliser.
I remember saying at the time if they got a goalscorer in January they could go on a good run.
They snapped up Aleksander Mitrovic on loan from Newcastle in the transfer window and it is fair to say they are on a roll — unbeaten in 20 league games!
Mitrovic has scored nine goals in 13 matches as they have shot up the Championship table.
They have not lost with him in the team and have scored in every game he’s played. He has been the missing piece in the jigsaw.
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Fulham play very quick football. They switch from defence to attack in a flash and this is where Mitrovic is key.
He is the focal point of the team and makes great runs that stretch the opposition.
This creates space for Fulham’s quick widemen to attack the full-backs one-on-one. Then they can get crosses into the box, which Mitrovic thrives on.
He is a natural goalscorer either on the deck or in the air.
He is non-stop action, a real livewire, and although he is not particularly quick, his movement in and around the box is excellent.
The Serb doesn’t wander too far, preferring to stay central and finish moves off.
He also seems calmer than he was at times at Newcastle, when he could be hot-headed.
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There have still been four yellow cards but no ugly flashpoints.
Mitrovic is strong, wiry and difficult to handle.
He could be the missing link that fires Fulham back to the big time.
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