Why Fulham should tie Ryan Sessegnon down to a new contract

According to Evening Standard, Fulham are keen to open talks with Ryan Sessegnon over a new contract with the youngster’s current deal set to expire in two years’ time. Sessegnon has been making a name for himself over the past couple of seasons as one of England’s most promising talents and the 18-year-old was one of the standout performers for Fulham in the Championship last year.

A product of Fulham’s youth academy, Sessegnon showed his commitment to his boyhood club by signing his first professional contract in 2017, despite being subjected to interest from elite clubs in the Premier League (h/t Sky Sports). 

It was largely due to Sessegnon’s exploits down the left flank that Fulham secured promotion to the top-flight. He starred with 16 goals and 8 assists in the Championship last season and was instrumental in the club’s successes. His offensive stats were amazing, given he was often deployed either as a left-back or a left-wing back.

Let us take a detailed look at his stats from last season. Sessegnon averaged 1.3 shots per game, 1.2 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game. His ability to link play down the left made him a valuable asset to the Cottagers. Apart from his heroics in the attacking third, he was quite conscious of his duties on the other side of the pitch as well. He averaged 0.8 tackles, 0.8 clearances and 0.8 interceptions per game. These stats provide evidence to his development as an all-around footballer.

The English prodigy played the full 90 minutes of Fulham’s first two fixtures in the Premier League this season. Although he was not quite at the top of his game, he made a mark with an assist in the second game against Tottenham Hotspur. Quite understandably, the youngster needs some time to adapt to the Premier League.

The 18-year-old has shown tremendous maturity as a footballer. He has shown an excellent presence of mind to get in behind the defenders with his pace and agility. A player defined by technical soundness and athleticism, Sessegnon has quick feet and combines his dribbling skills with pace to weave his way past the defenders.

An excellent crosser of the ball from the flanks, the youngster has a keen eye to pick out the runs of his teammates with his crosses. He is also adept at cutting inside from the flanks and can find the back of the net with his accurate and powerful shots.

It is quite unusual for a youngster to position himself so brilliantly while playing as a full-back. But Sessegnon has shown a maturity that belies his tender years. His recovery pace not only allows him to track back and make tackles but also allows him to play in a high defensive line.

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Sessegnon has already shown strong signs of excellence and boasts of massive potential to become one of the best in the world. Since he has peaked early in his career, his evolution as a footballer can be compared to someone like Gareth Bale, who also started his career as a left-back and then became one of the most feared attackers in the world.

However, it would be too early to create such hype since Sessegnon has a long way to go. That said, Fulham should offer him an improved contract as soon as possible to keep him at Craven Cottage.