Parker backs Anguissa to shine at Fulham

Andre-Frank Anguissa had a difficult time when he first arrived at Fulham in 2018 – but his manager thinks the midfielder is going to be “pivotal” this time around.

Anybody who has watched the Cameroon international this season is aware his performances have been radically different compared to that relegation campaign.

He made only 16 Premier League starts with the Whites before a loan to Villarreal last season.

In the summer, the 24-year-old was linked with a permanent switch to the Spanish side as well as AC Milan.

But Parker reckons Anguissa is here to stay

“In 2018, he came in on the last day of the transfer window from Marseille and had only played a couple of games at that point,” the head coach said.

“He had a week’s training before our first game against Tottenham at Wembley (a 3-1 defeat), and we had our struggles having just come up from the Championship.

“The combination of factors; coming from abroad, a struggling team, not a lot of training, and he got injured – it was up and down.

“He didn’t know exactly where he was in the team and he probably lost a bit of confidence. People lose sight of those obstacles”.

“You’re seeing a player who is now a bit more familiar with me, his surroundings, and has not had any obstacles outside of football.

“He knows his stature in the side, and with his quality he’s going to be pivotal for us.”

Meanwhile, Harrsion Reed is unlikely to be risked in Saturday’s game against Crystal Palace.