31Alexander KačaniklićMidfielder

For regular watchers of our Development Squad matches, in recent seasons Alexander Kačaniklić is arguably the player that stood out most.

Having joined Fulham in August 2010 as part of the deal that took former left-back Paul Konchesky to Liverpool, the former Reds youngster became a key player at reserve level; in fact, at times, the Swedish youth international was virtually unplayable.

In scoring goals and making a number of assists, Kačaniklić pushed himself to the fore and following a series of standout performances quickly caught the attention of a number of clubs. In a bid to further his development with regular first-team football, he joined Championship side Watford on loan in January 2012. The young winger impressed at Vicarage Road, so much so, he was recalled by Manager Martin Jol just two months later.

And just like Kerim Frei, Kačaniklić will look back at the 2011/12 season as his breakthrough campaign as he finished the season with four impressive performances for the Whites – playing his part in the defeats of Norwich City, Bolton Wanderers and Liverpool and the 1-1 draw with Chelsea. 

After making 19 appearances - and scoring three goals - in the 2012/13 campaign, Kačaniklić joined Championship side Burnley on 1st March on loan, but he was recalled on the 18th of April to help with Fulham's assault on the top half of the Premier League.