LENO’S ONE IN A BILLION TO SILVA
MARCO SILVA reckons it is impossible to compare Fulham’s squad with that of big-spending Chelsea – but, in Bernd Leno, he has a priceless asset.
The Germany international shot-stopper has kept back-toback clean sheets in the top flight and, ahead of tomorrow’s west London derby, Silva said: “I keep saying it, but in my opinion Leno’s one of the best three goalkeepers in the division.
“He proved that last season and he’s going to keep proving it this season. His quality speaks for itself, we feel he’s at a top, top level.” Leno cost Fulham an initial £3million in the summer of 2022, but the Cottagers also paid Arsenal an additional £2m in bonuses after securing Premier League safety last term.
Asked where Leno ranks among Fulham’s signings since Silva (above) was appointed in 2021, the Portuguese boss said: “He is one of the best, I’m 100 percent sure. He deserves much more credit for what he’s been doing, and our fans should really enjoy having a goalkeeper like him in our shirt. “He’s so, so easy to work with. Every time he comes through that gate it’s with ambition, desire and he’s always in a good mood to work.” Leno has proven to be a
rare bargain during an era when transfer valuations have exploded.
Silva added passionately: “I’ll tell you something – Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have cost Chelsea nearly £250m. If I start to say more players, I will say probably £1billion in the past 12 months.
“It’s impossible to compare our squads, but, in terms of this game, it’s going to be 11 players versus 11 players.
“We will give our all and we are playing at home and that’s our one advantage because we love to play at home.”