Why Bassey and Alex Iwobi could struggle under Arbeloa this season

Super Eagles stars Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi might struggle to thrive under new Fulham coach Álvaro Arbeloa this season, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Cottagers have lost their opening two Premier League games, falling 3-2 to Chelsea before a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland.

Those results have exposed some of the uncertainty surrounding Arbeloa’s new-look side, particularly after Fulham lost several experienced attacking players during the summer.

Harry Wilson and Raúl Jiménez, who combined for 19 Premier League goals last season, are no longer at Craven Cottage, while Samuel Chukwueze has also returned to AC Milan after his loan spell.

Fulham have instead invested in younger options, including Oscar Bobb, Gonzalo García and Kevin.

That has prompted former Manchester United defender Gary Neville to raise concerns about the club’s recruitment.

“The teams I’d be worried about are Liverpool and Fulham,” Neville said on the Overlap.

“I think Fulham not adding experience in attack after this window because they’ve brought in inexperienced players.”

His concern could have significant implications for Iwobi and Bassey.

Why Bassey and Alex Iwobi might struggle this season

1. The pair must carry more responsibility

Fulham’s decision to replace established attackers with younger players means their experienced players will inevitably carry more responsibility.

Iwobi is particularly important in that regard. The Nigerian has become one of Fulham’s most reliable players since joining from Everton, and Arbeloa’s possession-based system requires him to contribute more than simply retaining the ball.

He must help create chances, progress possession and provide the attacking link between midfield and Fulham’s inexperienced forwards.

The early evidence has been mixed. Against Sunderland, Iwobi produced one of Fulham’s better attacking moments when he released Josh King into space, but the youngster failed to convert the opportunity.

Bassey’s responsibility is different but equally significant. The centre-back has already been trusted with the captain’s armband, including against Chelsea, underlining the leadership role he is beginning to assume.

With Fulham’s attack still developing, Bassey needs to provide stability at the other end.

2. Arbeloa’s system could expose Fulham

The second concern is tactical. Arbeloa wants Fulham to play with intensity, press aggressively and commit numbers forward. That approach can produce attractive football, but it also creates spaces when possession is lost.

Fulham’s 3-2 defeat to Chelsea illustrated the problem. Despite enjoying 62% possession, they conceded three goals.

The Sunderland defeat presented a different issue. Fulham again dominated possession but failed to register a shot on target before conceding late.

Two games, two different attacking and defensive problems, putting additional pressure on both Nigerians.

Iwobi needs to turn Fulham’s possession into chances, and convert them if possible, doubling his workload, while Bassey must help protect a defence that will frequently find itself exposed in transition.

For Bassey, his pace and physical strength should suit Arbeloa’s demands, but the greater the attacking risk Fulham take, the greater the consequences of defensive mistakes.

Relegation pressure could arrive quickly

There is nothing inherently wrong with Fulham building around young talent; the problem is timing.

García, Bobb and Kevin all have significant potential, but Premier League clubs rarely get unlimited time to wait for young players to adapt.

Fulham have already started with two defeats, and another poor run could quickly turn an exciting rebuild into a relegation fight.

If the younger players take time to adjust, the burden will fall on established figures such as Iwobi and Bassey to keep the team competitive.