Fulham manager Marco Silva has challenged club-record signing Kevin to sharpen the defensive side of his game before he can cement a regular Premier League starting spot. The Brazilian winger, signed on Deadline Day for a club-record fee, has shown flashes of brilliance but is yet to start a league match for the Cottagers.
Speaking ahead of Fulham’s visit to St James’ Park today, Silva admitted the 22-year-old still needs time to adapt to the pace and physicality of English football. Fulham coaches have held one-to-one meetings with Kevin to accelerate his understanding of the team’s defensive structure and transitional play.
“He has to understand what we need from him,” Silva said. “Best position to receive, best position to attack — when he needs to be in, when he needs to be out — many things we need to work with him.”
So, can the young Brazilian translate his raw flair into consistent Premier League impact?
Marco Silva’s warning for Kevin after mixed Fulham start
“He needs time to understand how we play — both on and off the ball. He’s improving, trying his best, and we are helping him.” — Marco Silva
Fulham fans saw glimpses of Kevin’s talent in a lively cameo against Leeds, but a more difficult 23-minute appearance versus Bournemouth exposed his lack of defensive awareness as the team conceded three late goals. Silva insists this adjustment period is normal — and that Kevin will be a key figure once he finds consistency.
“When we signed him, we thought he was going to be a very good solution,” Silva added. “We didn’t sign him to play 15 or 20 minutes; we signed him to be a very important player for us. He needs time to adapt.”
Fulham’s record signing learning the Premier League pace
Kevin’s journey from São Paulo to Shakhtar Donetsk, and now Fulham, has been rapid. Yet the Premier League’s transitional chaos demands more than technical flair. Silva wants his wide men — including Alex Iwobi — to master positioning, pressing and recovery runs to prevent counterattacks.
| Stat (2025/26) | Kevin |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 6 (all comps) |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Successful Dribbles | 67% |
source: Sofascore match data – 25 October 2025
These early figures underline Kevin’s strength in one-on-one situations — he’s already among Fulham’s most direct attackers. However, Silva’s tactical system requires balance; flair alone won’t secure him a start until he contributes equally in defensive transitions.
Our View: Patience could pay off for Fulham and Kevin
In our view, Silva’s public challenge isn’t a criticism — it’s a test of mentality. The Fulham boss has nurtured talents like João Palhinha, King and Andreas Pereira into Premier League regulars, and Kevin could follow that path if he embraces the tactical side of the game.
The youngster’s raw speed and dribbling offer something Fulham have lacked since the departure of Willian. If Silva can channel that explosiveness into a two-way role, Kevin could quickly evolve from impact sub to match-winner — a transformation that might define Fulham’s season.
Key Insights
- Marco Silva has told record signing Kevin to improve his defensive discipline before starting.
- The 22-year-old Brazilian joined Fulham from Shakhtar Donetsk on Deadline Day.
- Fulham staff are holding individual meetings to help him adapt tactically.
- Kevin’s flair in one-on-ones excites fans but he must master transitions.
- Fulham face Newcastle away on 25 October in the Premier League.
What’s Next for Fulham
Kevin is expected to feature from the bench again at St James’ Park, with Silva eager to ease him into the intensity of Premier League away fixtures. Over the coming weeks, the manager hopes the winger’s defensive awareness and pressing instincts reach the level needed for a starting role.
If progress continues, Kevin could make his first league start before Fulham’s home clash with [Brighton] in early November. The Cottagers are backing their record investment to come good — and supporters will be watching closely.
👉 Should Marco Silva give Kevin his first Premier League start soon, or keep easing him in?
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