Is Harry Wilson underrated at Fulham?
Following his goal over Wolves last weekend, Jack Stroudley looks at the importance of our Welsh winger.
There’s been a lot of talk around wingers at Fulham for a while now. Breaking our transfer record for a dazzling and shiny Brazilian was always going to peak the interest of Fulham fans, and Kevin is slowly but surely showing that he can flourish in the Premier League. Samu Chukwueze has also come in and shown promise, Adama Traore is often perceived in a much different light, and Alex Iwobi is now being talked about for his ability to play slightly deeper in midfield.
But there’s one name who, no matter what he seems to deliver, is often overlooked. Harry Wilson’s cool, calm and collected finish last Saturday epitomised what he can do for us and helped Fulham breathe a sigh of relief on our way to a much-needed three points, but just how important is Wilson to this side?
Moments of magic
Brentford away, Brentford at home (three times), Chelsea away and Wolves at home all have one thing in common: Harry Wilson coming in clutch. He’s developed a knack over the last year to put himself in the right place at the right time when Fulham need it most. People often talk about Rodrigo Muniz for his late, late antics but Wilson goes about that same business in a much quieter manner.
Harry is a somehow still an underrated part of Silva’s squad. He was pivotal in the Championship and is just as crucial now. He’s in the top 30% (across wingers in Europe’s top five divisions) for goals and top 14% for shots. He has a keen eye for goal while also not being afraid of doing the dirty work when needed being in the top 23% for tackles and top 18% for clearances.
Lack of consistency?
I hear the cries from those who haven’t (like me) got a first-class ticket aboard the Harry Wilson train about a potential lack of consistency that can let his game down, so let’s dive into that. Since promotion to the Premier League, Harry Wilson has 24 goal contributions in 98 appearances averaging just under one per four games. Not terrible on the face of it, but if we look at his minutes played, it actually make this look even better.
There’s no denying that Wilson has had spells since promotion out of the side due to injury and squad depth, meaning he’s had to often shine during cameos from the bench. If we break down his actual minutes he’s played 4,470 in the Premier League, equating to 49.6 90-minute appearances. Which means going off this his goal contribution ratio goes from one every 4.1 games to one every 2.06. So, what does this mean?
I’m not for one second suggesting that if Wilson had started just 50 games he’d have still got those 24 contributions, but for a player whose struggled for consistent minutes he’s still managed to pick up a solid amount of contributions to Marco Silva’s side. Imagine what he could’ve done with a bit of extra trust and fitness.
Underloved?
For the record, this article isn’t suggesting for one minute that Harry Wilson isn’t appreciated by the Fulham faithful because he absolutely is. His moments over Brentford and Chelsea during the past 12 months alone have put him into Fulham folklore.
I just think sometimes we can be a bit quick to forget the good that Wilson offers us. Yes Kevin looks exciting, yes Chukuweze has started well, Sessegnon will also be pushed further forward once Jedi is back but we shouldn’t forget Harry. He’s been a magnificent servant to the club and I can’t wait to see more of him in a white shirt.