The ongoing Premier League season has been a pretty entertaining year of top-flight English Football, filled with surprises at every turn and a nail-biting title race.
While the happenings at the top of the table are well-documented, we’d like to bring your attention to a side no one expected to do so well.
London outfit Fulham made the jump to the Prem after winning the Championship last season, they also impressed fans in the process with the quality of Football on display.
Coached by Marco Silva, Fulham looked primed for a successful stint in the top flight, but there were still some doubts lingering over their personnel.
Fans wondered whether the likes of Aleksandr Mitrovic and Andreas Pereira, among others, could hack it in the Premier League, and we’re happy to report that they’ve been doing brilliantly.
Fulham currently sits in 7th place on the table with the prospect of European Qualification looking like a real possibility, the side has also managed some impressive wins over Top 6 opposition this season.
Aside from the aforementioned Mitrovic and Perriera, the likes of Antonee Robinson, Joao Palhinha, and Willian have all been crucial to Fulham’s success.
Another key member of the side, who had been flying under the radar until now, is their defensive lynchpin, Tim Ream.
The 27-year-old has earned the praise of fans and pundits alike with his performances.
Calm in possession, strong during challenges and excellent in interceptions, these are the primary traits that sum up a typical display from Ream.
The veteran centre-back also loves faking a clearance to floor opposition forwards, much to the delight of Fulham supporters.
Ream earned the ultimate vote of confidence by being selected for the USMNT’s World Cup roster, he also earned a bit of appreciation from Man City gaffer Pep Guardiola, although in hindsight, it was more of a back-handed compliment.
Nevertheless, Ream has been turning heads, and the Football World is finally beginning to give him his due praise.
The Fulham faithful have even come up with a neat method to get behind their No.13 when the side plays at Craven Cottage.
Whenever the veteran produces a tackle, interception or even a neat bit of skill, fans gathered at the venue all chant ‘Reaaaam’ in unison, usually followed up by a loud cheer.
Whenever he produces a tackle or skill, fans gathered at the venue all chant ‘Reaaaam’ in unison
This compilation shows off various instances of Fulham fans lauding Ream, and you can expect to see more in the coming weeks with his form being as solid as ever.
The chant is similar to how commentators call out player names, except in this case, it’s 20,000 supporters doing it together while slightly altering the accent.
You can imagine how endearing this must be for Ream, having all your defensive actions be backed up by a classy chant is nothing less than an honour.
With the defender’s form showing no signs of a drop-off, you can expect Craven Cottage to go ‘Reaaam’ on a frequent basis.