Former Nottingham Forest, England and Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has backed Fulham’s new transfer strategy under head coach Alvaro Arbeloa.
The Spaniard has used his connections with Real Madrid to bring in young players, with Collymore believing Fulham could benefit greatly if they find outstanding talents from the Spanish club’s reserves.
Speaking exclusively to 10bet, Collymore also suggested that former Fulham boss Marco Silva may have received too much credit for the club’s progress during his time at Craven Cottage.
Collymore backs Arbeloa’s transfer strategy
Collymore believes Arbeloa’s decision to look towards familiar surroundings is understandable as he begins his time at Fulham.
“People start inventing conspiracy theories about agent networks being too cozy, but whenever a new manager arrives, they rely on trusted scouts and familiar environments.”
The former England international also believes Fulham could benefit from signing young players recommended by people within Real Madrid.
“If someone you respect at Real Madrid vouches for a young player’s Premier League readiness, taking him before Real Betis or Sevilla do makes absolute sense.”
Arbeloa’s knowledge of the Spanish club could therefore prove useful as he looks to reshape the Fulham squad and establish his own identity.
For Collymore, giving the new head coach enough time to implement his ideas will be important.
“Fulham need to grant Arbeloa the time and space to reshape the squad in his image.”
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Marco Silva’s Fulham legacy questioned
While Silva enjoyed a successful spell at Fulham, Collymore believes the Portuguese manager’s reputation among supporters may have become slightly exaggerated.
“I also felt the legendary status bestowed on Marco Silva by Fulham supporters was slightly inflated.
“He was a very good, dependable manager, but look at what other clubs achieved in the same timeframe – Nottingham Forest pushed toward European contention and Crystal Palace won domestic cups.”
Silva helped establish Fulham as a consistent Premier League side, but Collymore feels the club could have achieved even more during his time in charge.
“Fulham had the longevity, budget, and squad stability to nick a League Cup or FA Cup under Silva, yet they didn’t cross the finish line.”
The former striker also pointed towards Oliver Glasner and Ange Postecoglou as examples of managers who have delivered silverware at their respective clubs.
“Managers like Oliver Glasner or Ange Postecoglou have delivered silverware at their respective clubs, so why shouldn’t Fulham hold that same ambition?”
Arbeloa will now have the opportunity to build a Fulham side in his own image, with Collymore believing the Spaniard deserves a full opportunity to establish his identity.
“Silva was solid, but on any given day, Fulham could look like a top side or drop to a completely average standard.”
