:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49820685/471086428.0.jpg)
In this edition of the player profiles for the 2015/16 season, we take a look at Marcus Bettinelli, Alexander Kacaniklic, and Andy Lonergan,
Marcus Bettinelli
Rank: 16 | Age: 24 | Starts: 11 | Appearances: 11 | Minutes: 947
Player Profile
The English goalkeeper clocks in at 16th in our team rankings after enduring a frustrating and injury filled second full season at Fulham. In 2014/15 Bettinelli burst onto the scene, claiming the first choice goalkeeper spot and even being linked to Chelsea. Radars for goalkeepers don’t always tell the full story, so instead let's look at what Who Scored says about him.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6627735/bettinelli%20summary.png)
Season Review
Bettinelli tore his ACL against Hull in just his second appearance of the year, a devastating injury that would keep him out for seven months. Bettinelli finally returned to the starting lineup in mid March, and played nine matches to close out the season. Bettinelli conceded 20 goals in 12 total appearances, keeping two clean sheets in the process. These statistics make for grim reading, but much of the blame should be heaped on the defense rather than on the goalkeeper. In the end, Bettinelli had a mediocre season by his standards, and should be motivated to rediscover his form next year.
2016/17 Best Case
The best case for Marcus is that he wins the starting job, continues to improve, and has a defense in front of him that allows him to continue to develop. He’s still a few years away from entering his peak as a goalkeeper and if his development doesn’t stagnate, he could have a decade of high level play in him.
Alexander Kacaniklic
Rank: 15 | Age: 24 | Starts: 10 | Appearances: 23 | Minutes: 1089 | Goals: 3 | Assists: 1
Player Profile
Recently released by Fulham, Alexander Kacaniklic seems set to end a long, six year stay at the club. After joining from Liverpool in 2010, the Swede made 79 appearances for Fulham, and was one of the last remnants from Fulham's Premier League days. The winger was always an exciting talent, and although he left on loan to Copenhagen following Fulham's relegation, he returned to play for the Whites in the Championship.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6625773/Alex%20Kacaniklic%20Career.jpg)
Season Review
Last season he made 27 appearances (23 in the league), scoring four goals (three in the league), most notably in home wins over Reading and Rotherham. Kacaniklic looked a tad bit out of place in the Championship, and he never truly fulfilled his potential in SW6.
2016/17 Best Case
There is no doubt the Swedish international will be missed at the Cottage, and hopefully Kacaniklic will find success wherever he finds himself next. He never quite hit the highs we expected for him at the club, but perhaps he can in a new situation.
Andy Lonergan
Rank: 14 | Age: 32 | Starts: 28 | Appearances: 29 | Minutes: 2551
Player Profile
Another player who has recently left the club, Lonergan joined in the summer of 2015 after being released from Bolton. Starting the tail end of his career, he’s settled in as a backup keeper in the Championship.
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6627857/lonergan%20summary.png)
Season Review
The experienced goalkeeper started the season second choice to Marcus Bettinelli, but after Bettinelli's injury against Hull, Lonergan slotted in between the posts. He went on to make 28 appearances, keeping 4 clean sheets in those matches. A more than capable understudy, Lonergan performed well when called upon. He now makes the switch to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and will be warmly welcomed back to the Cottage when the two sides meet next season.
2016/17 Best Case
Lonergan performed about as well as could be expected in the bad situation he was put into. At Wolves, he should be the backup again. He’s a more than capable backup and could probably play five years or more in that role.