Marco Silva hailed Layvin Kurzawa as a “top, top player” because the on-loan Paris St Germain full-back helped Fulham transfer into the FA Cup fourth spherical after victory at Hull.
Kurzawa was making simply his second look for the Cottagers following an injury-interrupted season however gave his facet a first-half lead on the MKM Stadium.
Harry Wilson’s shot was parried by Hull goalkeeper Matt Ingram immediately into the trail of Kurzawa, who tapped within the rebound earlier than fellow loanee Dan James’ breakaway objective on the dying secured a 2-0 win.
Kurzawa, capped 13 instances by France, has proved prior to now he has a watch for objective, having as soon as bagged a hat-trick for his guardian membership towards Anderlecht within the Champions League in October 2017.
And having withdrawn the previous Monaco defender as a precaution with 1 / 4 of an hour to go, Silva hopes Kurzawa can change into an vital determine for in-form Fulham within the second half of the season.
“On the ball he’s a top, top player,” Silva mentioned. “Where he’s played before in his career speaks for itself.
“The last two seasons have been difficult for him but he’s a very good player. He has quality on the ball and he always gives us different things in attack.
“We didn’t want to take risks with him, he’s building his fitness as well and we need him in the best physical condition as we can.”
Silva rung the adjustments for his Hull return, the place he began his managerial profession in England six years in the past, after a busy hectic interval wherein Fulham climbed to seventh within the Premier League.
Aleksandar Mitrovic was omitted of the squad altogether however Fulham managed to say their fourth consecutive win to move into the go to of native rivals Chelsea on Thursday brimming with confidence.
“It’s fantastic,” the Fulham head coach added. “I have spoken about the winning mentality and the desire and it’s really difficult to keep playing games every few days at that level.
“But these type of feelings after the match that we are getting, it’s really important for us to try to continue.”
Despite the defeat, Hull boss Liam Rosenior believes his facet are on an upward curve after making eight adjustments to Fulham’s seven on Saturday afternoon.
Harvey Vale was off-target with a gilt-edged probability early on whereas substitute Oscar Estupinan’s header was fantastically tipped over by Marek Rodak in added time when Hull solely trailed by one objective.
Ingram going up for the nook as Hull went for broke led to James dribbling into an empty web after Fulham had cleared, ultimately ending the problem of the Championship facet.
Nevertheless former Fulham defender Rosenior was taking the positives from Hull’s efficiency.
“I ask that every player put sweat and blood into the shirt and I think it is clear every single player at the moment is running and working for this team,” he mentioned.
“It gives me a lot of positive thoughts and a positive mindset for the rest of the season.”
