Affengruber: To play in the Premier League with Fulham is ‘amazing’

As far as transfer deadline day signings go, few go under the radar more than David Affengruber.

The Austrian centre-back made the move from La Liga side Elche to join Fulham for an understated £10m.

Nobody quite expected him to become the essential member of the Fulham squad that he has become.

But, in a shock move, Affengruber slotted into the Fulham back four in place of Joachim Andersen.

The results of that decision by Alvaro Arbeloa were almost immediate, with Fulham keeping a clean sheet at Anfield as they clung on to a 0-0 draw to get their first point of the season.

Since Affengruber and Calvin Bassey formed their partnership, Fulham have shot up the table, with zero points in their first three matches, earning eight points from their next five to get themselves out of the relegation zone.

And Fulham going from conceding seven goals in their first three matches to only three in their next five comes as a direct correlation with the Affengruber-Bassey centre-back axis forming.

It is no surprise then that the Austrian is a fan of Bassey and that their relationship both on and off the pitch is only just beginning to form.

“Nice. I didn't know him before; now we know each other very good,” he told Premier League Productions.

“I started a few games with him now - it feels good on the pitch, it feels natural, and this is the most important thing: to have a good connection without talking so much, and we have to keep improving that also.”

Affengruber is likely to be hugely popular with Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa, with the Cottagers improving so much ever since he came into the side.

The Spaniard was under immense pressure, with Fulham seemingly unable to pick up any result, losing to both struggling Sunderland and Crystal Palace in the first three games.

Affengruber’s arrival, albeit it was his unfortunate touch that cost Fulham three points against Manchester United, has directly coincided with a run of form that has seen credible draws against Liverpool and United, as well as wins over Hull and Coventry.

In a similar way to Bassey, it is no surprise then that Affengruber is also a fan of his new boss, citing his role as Fulham manager as a key reason for making the move to Craven Cottage.

“Good. He was also a big point why I joined this club,” Affengruber said.

“It’s always important, the coach, when you move club, and I'm really happy here. 

“Also, it's a coach who saw a lot in football as a player, also as a coach, and when he tries to give us his experience, this is why I like to work with him.”

Since Affengruber arrived in London, it has been pretty full on, with two matches against Liverpool and Man United coming, before a three-week international break broke up the rhythm somewhat.

That does not seem to have made any material difference for the Austrian, though, who insists he has settled in quickly in west London.

“I settled in really quick. My first weeks was stressful a little bit, a lot of action, and then with the long national break, but everything worked really good. 

“To join Fulham, I knew before already that this is a big club in London, in England, and to play Premier League with Fulham is something amazing.”