Fulham vs Crystal Palace: Super Eagles star Chukwueze starts - Super-sub earns Marco Silva's trust

After dazzling as an explosive super-sub with a sensational brace against Manchester City, Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze is finally rewarded with a starting spot for Fulham in their crucial London derby against Crystal Palace. 

This elevation signals a turning point in his Fulham journey and raises the question: has manager Marco Silva been convinced to trust Chukwueze from kickoff?

Chukwueze’s electrifying appearances off the bench over the past weeks have left no doubt about his game-changing impact, with the 26-year-old named as the biggest threat in the derby.

His recent performance against the reigning Premier League champions, where he scored twice to inspire a dramatic 5-4 fightback, was a masterclass many took as undeniable proof.

Signed on loan from AC Milan, with a potential permanent £24 million transfer, Chukwueze faced early doubts over his fitness and consistency, often used as a late offensive spark rather than a starter. 

But the numbers tell a different story: he boasts the best goal or assist involvement ratio in Premier League history in terms of minutes played, averaging a goal or assist every 46 minutes this season (minimum 200 minutes).

Marco Silva’s recent comments hint at a shift: “He’s getting better and better. We need him to start games and maintain that intensity for the full 90 minutes.”

Chukwueze’s inclusion may come at the expense of Sasa Lukic, marking a significant vote of confidence from Silva, who was slammed for dropping the Nigerian against City. 

With his trademark pace and attacking flair, the Nigerian star is primed to pose a serious danger to Crystal Palace’s defence right from the first whistle at Craven Cottage.

As Fulham aim to secure vital points before Chukwueze departs for the Africa Cup of Nations, this game marks a crucial moment not just for the club but for the player’s career at Fulham, a chance to prove that the bench debate is finally over.