Marco Silva’s Fulham: Tactical Insights and Analysis for the 2022/23 Premier League Season
Fulham entered the Premier League in 2022/23 on the back of a record-breaking Championship campaign, scoring 106 goals in 46 matches—an offensive display unmatched since Manchester City’s memorable 2001/02 season. Under Marco Silva, the West London club returned to the top flight full of promise, revamping much of its side following the departure of key talent Fabio Carvalho to Liverpool. Early signs pointed to a shift in style: while Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrović continued to make headlines, defensive solidity emerged as a defining characteristic, thanks to impactful new arrivals like Joao Palhinha and Bernd Leno. Fulham’s first three games yielded five points and an unbeaten start—offering a compelling case study for their tactical setup.
Structural Foundations: Fulham’s Flexible 4-2-3-1 Setup
Fulham’s preferred structure is anchored in a 4-2-3-1 formation—though the shape evolves during various phases of play. This configuration allows the team to transition seamlessly between attack and defense. Andreas Pereira, operating as a central attacking midfielder, is especially pivotal: during defensive phases, he advances alongside Mitrović, morphing the structure into a man-oriented 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 for coordinated pressing. On the ball, Pereira positions himself between the lines, seeking pockets of space to orchestrate attacks. Meanwhile, Harrison Reed frequently moves ahead of Palhinha, shifting the alignment closer to a 4-1-2-3 during progressive phases.
While adjustments occur depending on the phase, the team remains more disciplined than fluid—defensive blocks hold firm, and attacking transitions tend to be structured rather than improvisational.
Defensive Stability and Key Personnel at the Back
Fulham’s back four, supported by goalkeeper rotation, has been central to their improved defensive record. Marek Rodak started the season in goal, employing a safety-first approach with a reluctance to play short from the back. However, the addition of Bernd Leno provided not only superior shot-stopping but enhanced ball-playing abilities, increasing the team’s comfort when building from the back.
– **Left-back:** Antonee Robinson anchors the left side, maintaining vigilance against counters by limiting his forward ventures.
– **Right-back:** Kenny Tete favors a conservative approach, excelling defensively while contributing intelligently when joining attacks.
– **Center backs:** Tosin Adarabioyo stands out for his composed distribution and reading of the game. Veteran Tim Ream, who played 98% of league minutes in the prior season, continues to offer leadership and consistency, despite stepping up to Premier League level at age 33.
Notably, Ream, Robinson, and Tete all ranked among the league’s top players for interceptions early in the season (Ream: 17; Robinson: 14; Tete: 13), evidence of both disciplined organization and defensive awareness—even if partially influenced by below-average possession statistics.
Midfield Dynamism: The Palhinha–Reed Engine
Central midfield features a robust partnership between Joao Palhinha and Harrison Reed. Palhinha anchors the midfield in a deep-lying role, shielding the defense and breaking up play, while Reed serves as a tireless box-to-box presence—providing energy, recovering possession, and supporting attacks with timely runs.
Fulham’s wingers—Bobby Decordova-Reid and Neeskens Kebano—stretch play and attack directly, often moving inside to create space for overlapping full-backs. Their movement is facilitated by Andreas Pereira, whose game intelligence echoes the space-finding “Raumdeuter” role, reminiscent of players like Thomas Müller.
The Role of Aleksandar Mitrović: Focal Point in Attack
Mitrović remains at the heart of Fulham’s offensive approach. His imposing presence enables him to contribute both as a scorer and a target for long passes or crosses. Marco Silva has capitalized on Mitrović’s physicality, involving him more in defensive transitions and as a key outlet in attack. The challenge for Fulham lies in consistently delivering the service Mitrović thrives on, especially against top-flight defenses.
Constructing Play: Building from the Back and Direct Alternatives
During the season’s opening matches with Rodak in goal, Fulham opted for longer clearances, minimizing risky short-passing sequences from the back—partly reflecting Rodak’s discomfort with the ball at his feet. Possession-based play increased with Leno’s introduction against Brentford, as illustrated by a diamond build-up featuring Palhinha, Tosin, Ream, and Leno.
Fulham’s starting build-up typically assumes a 2+3 shape—full-backs Robinson and Tete maintain symmetry, with Palhinha positioned centrally to draw out opposition midfielders. This creates space for Pereira to find the ball and dictate play. Although their passing accuracy stood at a league-low 68.2%, the structure is in place to develop a more fluid, progressive style as familiarity grows.
At times, Fulham revert to direct play, launching long balls in “route one” fashion toward Mitrović, especially when under pressure or during transitions. This method plays to the striker’s aerial strength but requires careful timing to avoid wasteful turnovers.
Fulham’s Attacking Patterns and Key Mechanisms
The team attacks with structure and intent, favoring swift progression through the thirds. Pereira’s movement between the lines creates passing lanes, while Mitrović provides a constant threat, especially from crosses and set-pieces. Fulham’s wingers and full-backs—most notably Kebano and Tete—drive play wide, seeking to exploit space and deliver accurate balls into the box for Mitrović.
– Kevin Mbabu, in limited minutes, showed promise with his crossing, even providing a match-winning assist after coming on as a substitute.
– Mitrović’s dominance is underlined by winning 25 out of 50 aerial duels early in the campaign, nine more than any other competitor.
However, the team’s low possession rate (39.1%) and the highest volume of loose-ball recoveries faced in the league (103 per 90 minutes) indicate a preference for rapid, vertical play—which, when mistimed, can quickly break down attacks. Improved composure and ball retention, especially when progressing play to the final third, will be critical as the season advances.
Defense: Organization and Pressing Triggers
Despite enjoying less possession than most rivals, Fulham’s defensive organization has been outstanding. They have conceded just 1.3 goals per game, maintaining discipline in a compact 4-4-2 mid-block when out of possession. Silva’s squad posted the highest tackle success rate in the league (51.3%), made more interceptions (76) than any other side, and led the league in forcing opponents offside.
– Defensive pressing often initiates with Andreas Pereira guiding the frontline—supported at times by Palhinha stepping up to form a pressing trio.
– In transitional moments, Fulham invest in regaining shape rather than a full-force counter-press. Reed and Palhinha focus on immediate compactness, with Reed making the most recoveries (37) among Fulham players.
– Full-backs and center-backs are proactive in holding a line, stepping up when the opportunity arises to catch opponents offside or disrupt passes in behind.
This finely tuned defensive scheme both protects Leno from exposure and enables quick transitions when possession is regained.
Conclusion: Can Fulham Enjoy a Breakthrough Campaign?
With many predicting a fierce relegation struggle, Fulham have thus far defied expectations through tactical discipline and purposeful play. Their cohesive 4-4-2 shape, sharp pressing, and organized defensive line have resulted in both high interception and offside statistics. Offensively, their ability to generate a joint-second highest xG (5.3) in the early matches—despite low possession—underscores a tactical model tailored to club strengths.
To sustain this form, two missions are key:
– Delivering precise and timely service to Mitrović, integrating longer counter-attacks and empowering the striker with quality chances.
– Preserving the balance in their high defensive line, minimizing space left behind for opponents and reducing the risk for their goalkeeper.
If Marco Silva’s men maintain this stability and continue optimizing attacking transitions, Fulham could be on course for their most successful Premier League season in recent memory.
