Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic produced an all-action display on Boxing Day, bullying the Wolves defence at will and creating countless goalscoring opportunities.
Yet for all his diligent work, the Serbian international failed to convert any of his chances. The Whites need Mitrovic to be at his clinical best if they hope to triumph against Huddersfield Town today.
Every part of the Fulham attack runs through Mitrovic, a hugely influential striker who has played a role in nine of his team’s 17 league goals to date.
Simply put, when Mitrovic is on fire, Fulham thrives. And for a team mired in the relegation zone with few other genuine scoring threats, that prospect creates a significant amount of pressure for the former Newcastle man.
Often isolated during the Whites’ poorest performances, the entire side seems to get better when Mitrovic is on the ball and heavily involved. Against Wolves, Mitrovic saw numerous excellent chances go begging, yet there is reason for encouragement despite his lack of goals.
The opportunities the striker created for himself were top-class; particular highlights include sending three defenders in the dust with his feints before shooting straight at Rui Patricio, and out-muscling the entire Wolves backline after latching onto a last-minute clearance from Sergio Rico.
But in order for Fulham to succeed against the Terriers today, Aleksandar Mitrovic must show his most clinical side in front of goal.