English Premier League
Silva backs Jorge Cuenca as competition with Calvin Bassey intensifies at Fulham
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Fulham manager Marco Silva has acknowledged the growing competition for places in his defensive line, particularly between Nigerian international Calvin Bassey and Spanish defender Jorge Cuenca.
Silva handed Cuenca a starting role ahead of Bassey in last weekend’s narrow 1–0 defeat to Arsenal, explaining that the decision was influenced by the Spaniard’s aerial strength and recent training performances.
“Calvin had an amazing season last year – very quick, strong, the most agile one,” Silva said in an interview quoted by the Hounslow Herald. “But I knew Cuenca was more than capable of doing the job. He’s given us all the confidence to start him.
“Even if sometimes the team sheet doesn’t show it, he’s a very important player for us. Cuenca works hard every single day. Of course, he’s not happy when he’s not playing — and I want them not happy if they’re not playing — but his attitude and professionalism are top class.”
Silva added that leaving Bassey out of the starting XI was a difficult but deliberate decision to reward Cuenca’s form.
“To not have doubts, to leave out a player like Calvin and start Cuenca, that shows the confidence we have in him,” he said.
The Portuguese tactician emphasized that both players bring distinct qualities to the team and that their healthy rivalry is crucial to maintaining high standards within the squad.
“Both Calvin and Cuenca are top-quality defenders,” Silva noted. “That kind of competition pushes everyone to perform better.”
Fulham will hope the internal competition helps sharpen their defensive edge as they look to recover from consecutive Premier League defeats.
