Jorge Cuenca
FUL
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Nov 17, 1999 (26)
Left
6'3"
165 lb
Settles into backup role
Cuenca has not featured in the Premier League since starting Fulham's opening match of the season, though he has received playing time in the Carabao Cup.
Analysis: Cuenca has fallen into a reserve role after starting the opening Premier League fixture, with Calvin Bassey and David Affengruber emerging as manager Alvaro Arbeloa's preferred center-back pairing. Joachim Andersen and Cuenca currently provide the primary depth behind the two starters, leaving Cuenca with limited opportunities in league play. The defender should remain involved in cup competition but will likely need rotation or an absence ahead of him to regain regular Premier League minutes.
Clean sheet in rare start
Cuenca recorded six clearances and one interception in Monday's 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 82nd minute.
Analysis: Cuenca made just his third start of the season Monday with Calvin Bassey missing his first match due to his participation in AFCON for Nigeria. Cuenca slotted right in and he and the Fulham defense only allowed two shots on target in the clean sheet. He contributed six clearances, two blocked shots and one interception in the full 90 minutes. After this impressive performance, it seems likely that he will maintain his spot in the starting XI until Bassey returns from international duty.
Starts in Carabao Cup
Cuenca got the start during Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over Bristol City.
Analysis: Cuenca got the start during the Premier League opener, but returned to the bench once other options were available. He's a depth option behind one of the more imposing center-back duos in the Premier League. That will limit his playing time largely to cup competitions, but if Calvin Bassey is forced to full-back or injured, Cuenca would be the first player to step into the starting XI.
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