'Alex has been one of the best' - Fulham boss admits Iwobi, 2 others keeping Wilson out of starting XI

Fulham coach Marco Silva has revealed that Alex Iwobi is one of the players keeping Harry Wilson out of the team following the latter's match-winning performance in the 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday night at the Craven Cottage.

The Super Eagles midfielder started alongside fellow Hale End Academy products Reiss Nelson, Smith Rowe alongside Raúl Jiménez in attack, but it was Wilson who came off the bench to rescue the Cottagers from the jaws of defeat.

The former Liverpool starlet replaced Nelson in the 82nd minute with the home side trailing by a goal and he grabbed the equalizer two minutes into the stoppage time, flicking the ball with his back heel over the reach of the Brentford goalkeeper.

Five minutes later, he scored the winning goal, turning Antonee Robinson's cross home with a clever header to net just his second goal of the campaign.

Wilson is yet to start a Premier League game this term and Silva has addressed the reason behind the Welsh forward's lack of minutes

Speaking to Fulham's official website after yesterday's game, the Portuguese tactician revealed that the form of Iwobi, Traore and Smith-Rowe were responsible for keeping Wilson out of the team.

"It's been tough, and I understand this. I have been having some conversations with him, it's being a tough season for him in terms of minutes,” Silva explained.

"All the players want to play more, and Harry is a good example of that. He's not getting the minutes probably that he wanted.

"Adama started to have a very good impact in the beginning of the season, Alex has been one of the best players so far in our team, too. And, of course, with the impact of Emile so far, it's not easy to find space for everybody. Because of that, it's been tough for him.

"He's been on fire in the national team, to be honest, he's been scoring such important goals in the national team. With a Fulham shirt, we know that he's capable to do it.

"He has to wait, he has to be patient, and when the chance comes, he has to take it. He had a great night, great 15 minutes from him, and he helped the team to win, and that's the most important thing."

Iwobi has started all 10 Premier League games for Fulham this term and has registered two goals and one assist.

The 28-year-old has been unable to play in his natural position, which is behind the striker, due to Smith-Rowe, who arrived in the summer but has been able to show his versatility to help keep his place in the team.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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