Fulham manager Marco Silva says “it’s not easy” to play Emile Smith Rowe and Josh King together | OneFootball

Silva Backs Smith Rowe but Admits Balancing Act with King

Fulham manager Marco Silva has reiterated his faith in Emile Smith Rowe (25) despite the midfielder’s lack of Premier League starts this season, while conceding that balancing his inclusion alongside Josh King remains a tactical challenge.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s fixtures, Silva was keen to stress his admiration for Smith Rowe’s qualities. “I love him. He has a specific profile as a player that I really appreciate,” Silva told Sky Sports. “Last season, the impact was very good. Unfortunately, after November he had a down, and a small injury broke the momentum. I know why the second half of the season he wasn’t at the same level as the beginning.”

Smith Rowe, who joined Fulham from Arsenal in 2024, remains on the fringes as King continues to impress in central areas. Silva acknowledged the dilemma of pairing the two. “It would be perfect if you could put together two players like Josh King and Emile in the middle of the pitch. But it’s not easy,” he said.

Nonetheless, Silva underlined Smith Rowe’s importance: “He’s a key player for us, and I think he’s going to prove it. There is competition, but he’s working very hard to get his position again.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle