Fulham head coach Marco Silva has praised Antonee Robinson’s powers of recovery after the USMNT international impressed for his club despite undergoing surgery on his groin and his wrist during a demanding summer.
Robinson picked up his first assist of the season for Fulham during his side’s 2-1 win over Leicester on Saturday, setting up winger Alex Iwobi for the winning goal in the second half.
The 26-year-old played 90 minutes against Manchester United last week and Silva revealed that Robinson is sustaining his performance levels despite a demanding summer, including on his body.
“Last season he was one of the best players of the season,” said Silva. “You know, he never stops. He went to the Copa America after a long and a tough season and then had two small surgeries. He came directly to London to have a small surgery on his wrist, and then something on his groin.
“Afterwards, he was able to start the Premier League after two or three weeks.
Alex Iwobi restores the lead for @FulhamFC!
It’s a lovely reverse right-footed pass by Antonee Robinson, and the Nigerian international expertly places a low, hard shot home 🎯#TheKickOff | #FULLEI pic.twitter.com/Russ56aY4B
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 24, 2024
“The way he started last week, he’s a great great athlete. He’s a crucial crucial player for us. If he keeps improving then it will be another big season ahead for him. A great assist, great decision to do it first time for Iwobi. He has to really like his performance.”
Fulham secured their first home win since March with victory over Leicester. Emile Smith Rowe, Fulham’s club-record signing, opened the scoring in the first half before Leicester’s Wout Faes levelled proceedings from a corner. Iwobi then secured all three points for Fulham in the second half.
Fulham face newly-promoted Ipswich Town next weekend before the international break.
Robinson will hope to again be in the U.S. squad which is named next week, with new head coach Mauricio Pochettino expected to be with the side for their friendly against Canada on September 7 as the national federation works to finalise the deal to bring in the former Chelsea manager. After the Canada game in Kansas City, the U.S. hosts New Zealand in Cincinnati three days later.
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