Fulham were many people’s certainties for relegation from the Sky Bet Championship during 2016/17 but their early season form has suggested otherwise.
The departure of Ross McCormack to Aston Villa looked as though it might hit the Cottagers hard but they have actually looked in irresistible form without their talisman.
Slavisa Jokanovic’s men currently occupy second place in the Championship and are yet to taste defeat in their first five games of the season, suggesting they could punch well above their early season expectations.
The Cottagers made some shrewd signings during the summer months and some of the football they have played so far this season has been a joy to behold.
There is obviously a long way to go in the Sky Bet Championship campaign for anyone to get too excited but after several years of mediocre football, few could blame the Cottagers faithful for having an optimistic outlook on the season ahead.
Football League World writer Lee Clarke takes a look at three members of the current Fulham squad which are underrated and deserve more credit for their ability.
David Button
Fulham secured the services of the ex-Brentford goalkeeper in the summer in a move that was met with real excitement.
Button was the mainstay in the Bees’ goal the season prior to last when the club shocked the Championship and reached the Championship play-off semi-final.
The 27-year-old is one of the more competent keepers in the league and his signing alone goes a long way to ensuring that the Cottagers will concede last goals than last season.
Button is an agile, uncompromising presence between the posts and he will look to achieve big things with the Cottagers this season.
Chris Martin
The target man arrived from Derby County on transfer deadline day after falling out of favour with Nigel Pearson at the East Midlands-based club.
The Rams could live to regret letting Martin leave the club on a season-long loan with the club clearly undervaluing the prolific striker.
According to some Rams supporters, Martin supposedly underperformed for Derby last season, yet the talisman still managed 15 goals for the side.
A fresh start could do the 27-year-old the world of good and a free-flowing Fulham side could be a perfect move for the player.
Kevin McDonald
The 27-year-old arrived at Craven Cottage from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer and his arrival could be the most astute piece of business of the entire transfer window.
McDonald marshals the back four with relative ease and his performances so far during the campaign suggest he is going to be a key player for the Cottagers this season.
Fulham boast an impressive midfield this season and McDonald’s arrival only enhances the opinion that their engine room is among the best in the entire division.
If the Scotsman stays fit this season, then Fulham could well stay in contention for a top six place come May.
Fulham fans, do you agree that these players are undervalued? Who else do you think is an underrated member of the squad? Let us know in the comments below!!!