Alfie Mawson's 'experience and leadership' impress Slavisa Jokanovic on Fulham debut

Jokanovic's Fulham booked their place in the third round of the EFL Cup with a 2-0 win over Exeter
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James Benge29 August 2018

Slavisa Jokanovic hailed Alfie Mawson’s display of “experience and leadership” on his Fulham debut in a 2-0 EFL Cup win over Exeter.

Mawson, a £20million summer signing from Swansea, had been sidelined with a knee injury having undergone surgery at the back end of last season.

The 24-year-old was untroubled in a convincing win over League Two opponents, impressing his new manager ahead of an expected Premier League bow away to Brighton on Saturday.

“After three months and a half or something like this, this was first time he played the game and with new team mates,” Jokanovic said.

“Alfie showed the quality, the power and was strong in the air, he showed some experience and leadership too.

“It was a positive sensation for me and for Alfie.”

Loanee goalkeeper Sergio Rico also made his debut, becoming the third shot-stopper to feature in Fulham’s first four games of the season with Fabri and Marcus Bettinelli also vying to be Jokanovic’s first-choice between the sticks.

Aboubakar Kamara's brace secured victory for Fulham 
REUTERS

“In my hands I have three quality keepers and it’s fantastic news for us,” the Fulham manager said.

“I have less chances to make mistake and first chance for Sergio too, to play with new team mates and he showed the personality and made a few interesting saves and actions from his position.

“I must be satisfied like I try explain, I am satisfied with the ambition from my side.”

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