In and out of Fulham’s starting line-up last year, Zoltan Gera’s first season at the Club will be defined by his exquisite acrobatic strike that sunk Manchester United at Craven Cottage.
Signed on a free transfer last summer from former club West Bromwich Albion, who he helped to the 2007-08 Championship title and promotion to the Barclays Premier League in what was the last of his four seasons with the Midlands club.
Since the move Gera has shown his versatility; at home on either flank and comfortable in a more advanced position in the centre. The Hungarian is a player who is willing to track back and one capable of making a difference with his fleet-footed ability in and around the box.
This season Gera has featured more regularly in Roy Hodgson’s starting eleven and scored another wonder strike at Eastlands in the Carling Cup. The midfielder recently received high praise from his Manager, who described Gera as one of the Club’s best ever free signings.
“I think he’s first class in every respect,” said Hodgson in October 09. “His character is outstanding and he’s one of the hardest working, most honest and dedicated players I have ever come across.
“We like him very much and we’re very satisfied with the work he does here and I think as a free transfer signing, he's one of the best signings Fulham have ever made."
Another with European experience having played in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Cup with Ferencvaros, and has won more than 60 international caps for Hungary who he captained when the legendary Lothar Matthaus was in charge.
One of Gera's highlights this season is scoring the final goal in Fulham's three-two win over Basel in Switzerland to secure the Club's place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.
During the second half of the 09/10 campaign Gera has partnered Bobby Zamora in attack and the pair have formed a strong understanding, with both players scoring on a regular basis.