Jokanovic hails missing link as Mitrovic keeps Fulham firing
FULHAM SHEFF UTD
ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC was not the right fit for Rafa Benitez at Newcastle, but the Serbia striker has given Fulham an edge that could make the difference in the race for automatic promotion.
Mitrovic scored twice against Sheffield United last night to take his tally to five goals in four matches as Fulham extended their unbeaten run in the Championship to 14 matches.
The 23-year-old was out of favour at Newcastle, but Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic believes he could be the missing link that gets the club back into the Premier League.
Jokanovic has been desperate to sign a top centre-forward and Mitrovic has relished the opportunity to lead the Fulham line since his loan move to Craven Cottage in January.
Fulham like to dominate possession and Mitrovic has given them fight and quality at the top of the pitch.
“He is the proper striker that we have looked for,” said Jokanovic after his side kept within five points of the top two. “He brings us a different option.”
For a long time Jokanovic was left frustrated by the transfer policy at Craven Cottage, but the departure of data analyst Craig Kline meant he was given more control over transfers in the January window — and that allowed him to sign Mitrovic. It is clear to see why he was so keen to bring in his compatriot.
Mitrovic joined Fulham on deadline day after moves to Bordeaux and Anderlecht fell through and Jokanovic has given him a fresh start.
There were questions about his attitude at Newcastle but his two goals last night again showed he can play a big role for Fulham in the run-in.
Mitrovic opened the scoring when he turned home a cross from Ryan Fredericks at the end of a good passing move and he added a second with a brilliant finish before half-time. The brace set Fulham on their way to another win against a team chasing promotion.
Jokanovic said: “Aleksandar is a quality player... he is a great signing for us and he has started well with us. He scored two goals and he did great job.
“He protected and held many balls. We expect he can be better in the games that are ahead of us. We have 10 more games ahead of us and we expect he will be in better shape.”
Mitrovic, who cost Newcastle around £13million in 2015 and will go to the World Cup with Serbia, has claimed the more defensive style of football Newcastle play under Benitez did not suit him.
He was short of fitness when he joined but he has quickly found his groove and helped ignite Fulham’s hopes of automatic promotion.
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said: “Mitrovic should be playing in the Premier League. Newcastle paid what for him? Just under £15m? Mitrovic is an outstanding player.”
Fulham have played a game more than Cardiff and Aston Villa — in second and third places respectively — but
CHAMPIONSHIP
they are hunting down the teams above them and Jokanovic said: “We are playing with real confidence. We know we can beat every Championship team.
“We are trying to be mentally strong... always focusing on the next step, and after that the next step, and then the next step and the next step. That is it.”