Fulham Opinion: Fulham should reignite their interest in Andre Almeida
Back in January, a report from Portuguese publication O Jogo claimed that Fulham were interested in signing right-back Andre Almeida from Benfica. However, a move to the Premier League failed to materialize for the Portuguese international and he stayed put in his native land.
Almeida has been one of Benfica’s standout performers in the Liga NOS this term and been one of the driving forces behind his team’s surge to the tip of the table, contributing with a goal and 8 assists from 25 appearances in the league.
The right-back has plied his trade with Benfica since making a move from Belenenses back in 2011 and has accumulated a total of 5 goals and 30 assists from 240 appearances across all competitions, helping the team claim four Primeira Liga titles.
Fulham’s interest in Almeida is not surprising, considering that the Cottagers have endured a dismal campaign in the Premier League due to their defensive frailties.
They have one of the worst defensive records not only in the Premier League but also across the top-five leagues in Europe, having shipped an embarrassing 70 goals in 31 games so far.
With the Cottagers languishing 13 points adrift of safety at the bottom of the table, relegation looks almost inevitable for the west London outfit. It might sound harsh but they are probably going to have to prepare themselves for a long and hard slog in the Championship next term after their Premier League miseries come to an end.
Fulham should aim for a major overhaul of their defensive options next summer and right-back is one area which is in dire need of investment. Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Calum Chambers are likely to return to Man United and Arsenal respectively at the end of their loan spells, which would leave the underwhelming Cyrus Christie as the only option on the right. Denis Odoi has failed to deliver the goods at his makeshift right-back role, which should further prompt the club hierarchy to bring in reinforcements.
To put things into perspective, an experienced and versatile defender like Andre Almeida would be an ideal solution to their right-back. conundrum. While the 28-year-old is essentially a right-back, he is also adept at playing in defensive midfield and on the left-hand side of the defence.
Almeida is not particularly lightning quick but he knows how to contribute equally to both attack and defence, with his high work-rate and stamina allowing him to patrol up and down the pitch throughout the ninety minutes.
The Portuguese international is also quite sharp and agile on and off the ball, whilst his game-reading ability and awareness make him a solid presence at the back.
The 28-year-old likes to venture forward and join the attack, making subtle overlapping runs and creating chances with his wonderful eye for decisive passes.
Almeida is not only adept at linking up with his teammates down the wide areas but he also has the ability to cut out attacks by making good recovery runs.
Technically astute with sound positional sense and good aerial ability, Almeida should be the perfect man to answer Fulham’s prayers.
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Fulham might find it difficult to attract a hugely experienced player like Almeida next season if they lose their Premier League status, but the financial muscle of Shahid Khan might just give the Cottagers a chance of striking a deal for the Portuguese international.
