Sander Berge has been a standout performer for Fulham this season, particularly after his impressive display at Old Trafford. His contributions have sparked comparisons to Joao Palhinha, who was a key figure in Fulham’s midfield last season. However, the two players bring different strengths to the team.
Palhinha’s primary asset was his tackling ability, breaking up opposition attacks with ease. Last season, he made 46 interceptions, 152 tackles, and 75 successful tackles, far surpassing Berge’s current tallies of 18 interceptions, 39 tackles, and 23 successful tackles. While Berge has played fewer games (20 compared to Palhinha’s 33), the Portuguese midfielder’s defensive impact was significantly higher. This reflects a tactical shift, as last season Palhinha often shouldered the defensive burden alone, while this season, Berge and Sasa Lukic share the responsibilities, creating a more balanced midfield.
On the other hand, Berge excels in ball retention and distribution. His pass completion rate of 90.77% surpasses Palhinha’s 83.04%, and he has been dispossessed just 10 times compared to Palhinha’s 26 last season. While Palhinha contributed more in attack with four goals and an assist, Berge’s well-rounded skills make him a more versatile presence in midfield.
In conclusion, while Palhinha was a defensive powerhouse, Berge offers a blend of defensive solidity and technical ability. Together with Lukic, he has helped create a balanced and dynamic midfield for Fulham this season.
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