21Kerim FreiMidfielder

There is little doubt that the 2011/12 season was Kerim Frei’s breakthrough campaign – with the young midfielder emerging as one of the Club’s most exciting prospects.

The Academy graduate made 25 appearances in all competitions, including one stand-out game against SW6 neighbours Chelsea, and is widely tipped to become a key player for the Whites for many years to come.

With his direct running, low centre of gravity and ability to make things happen, the talented youngster impressed in what was an eye-catching promotion to First Team duties. Despite his relative inexperience at the highest level, the former Switzerland Under-21 international (he has since chosen to represent Turkey at senior level) regularly had the beating of seasoned pros courtesy of his close control and ambitious dribbling.

Having handed him his professional debut, Martin Jol rates the teenager highly and has tipped Frei to make an even bigger impact in the 2012/13 season. The Fulham faithful will watch his development with added anticipation.

On 26th October 2012, Kerim joined Cardiff City on a one-month loan deal, playing three games before returning to SW6.