Kevin in line for Fulham starting XI role after what he did vs Wycombe
Kevin shone once again for Fulham in their nervy penalty shootout win over Wycombe in the EFL Cup on 28 October.
Kevin became one of the most expensive deadline day signings when he joined the Cottagers for £34.6million.
Shakhtar Donetsk faced multiple suitors for Kevin including Sporting CP and Fulham, yet Marco Silva‘s side landed his signature in a dramatic last minute deal on the 1 September.
On their hands is a sensational talent and Kevin dazzled against Wycombe on a night where he proved to the Portuguese manager why he must become one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Kevin stuns for Fulham as on-field performance matched by eye-catching stats
The Brazilian was the standout performer in a frustrating night away in the EFL Cup against a dogged Wycombe outfit.
In a match where Silva’s men were lacking creativity, the 22-year-old was one of the prime outlets trying to make something happen.
The number 22 attempted seven dribbles in the game, frequently looking to pin the right-back one-on-one on the left-hand side, before using his rapid acceleration to ease away or push him back into the 18-yard box.
Moreover, the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk starboy was also unafraid to cut in on his right foot and pepper Will Norris’ goal, racking up seven shots with three on target.
The Palmeiras academy graduate was too much to live with for Jack Grimmer who was consistently isolated, allowing Kevin to breeze past him on more than one occasion.
In addition to his goal threat, the left-winger accrued a match-high five key passes, also crossing in a delightful ball for Josh King’s leveller from a corner in the 48th minute.
Given only Burnley, Aston Villa, West Ham and Sunderland sit below Fulham for expected goals in the Premier League this season (9.17xG), Silva has to consider unleashing his Brazilian prodigy to improve their attacking numbers.
Alex Iwobi the stumbling block to Kevin’s Fulham ascendancy
Although the five-foot-nine winger is now starting to adjust to life in west London, he faces stiff competition from Alex Iwobi.
The Nigerian is a firm favourite of Silva and has risen to become one of the go-to players on the teamsheet.
At 29-years-old, his attacking play is beginning to fully come to fruition and he has already picked up one goal and two assists in nine league starts this campaign.
However, whilst Kevin may have to bide his time to completely nail down a starting spot, news of Iwobi heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be music to his ears.
The continental tournament starts on 21 December and could see the ex-Arsenal man stay away from Fulham until 18 January, opening up a potential long run in the team for the Brazilian during the winter period.
Silva may introduce the number 22 into the starting XI in the Premier League on a regular basis before AFCON, but at least the speedster knows he has that window without the Nigerian to flourish and impress his manager.