DARREN DEMETERIO – THE HIGHEST RANKED FULHAM FAN IN OUR HEAD-TO-HEAD LEAGUE – TALKS US THROUGH HIS FANTASY PREMIER LEAGUE SUCCESS.
Have you always been a keen FPL player?
I think the first season I played was 2009. I didn’t really know too much as I had just started watching the Premier League the year before. A friend of mine from High School moved to London and asked if I wanted to be part of his league. I thought that was a good idea as it would help me learn more about the game. Ever since, I have been hooked on it.
How pleasing is it to be the highest ranked Fulham fan in our Head-to-Head league?
Such an honour, really hard to believe.
You’re also very highly ranked in the entire game – 3,313th out of almost 11 million players!
I’m shocked that I have done this well. The next couple of games will be really interesting. Will players be coming back healthy and rested? Will in-form players continue to play well?
Your best return came in gameweek 5 when you cleared 100 points, with Aleksandar Mitrović and Andreas Pereira helping you out in our win over Brighton…
It was nice to get over 100 that week, but I was far more thrilled with Fulham’s result against a strong team. We had just come off a late loss to Arsenal and that game was really important for our confidence. It was another important step in proving we belong. For me, that was a result that immediately made me think, ‘okay, we can do this.’
Have you had those guys in from the start?
I did have both Mitro and Andreas from the start. I had a good feeling that Mitro was going to prove himself. Andreas was a bit of a gamble in the beginning but I thought that under Marco Silva he would settle quickly and do well.
Have you dabbled with any other Fulham players?
I did have Harrison Reed for a couple of weeks. In his position I knew he wouldn’t pick up many points, but I just love his style of play so I had to get him, and he delivered for me. Thanks Harrison!
Who else has had good returns for you?
Well of course the big one was starting the season with Erling Haaland. He is having just a ridiculous season. William Saliba I also had since the start and has played really well.
Who are your favourite budget players?
Right now, Kieran Trippier at 5.9 is still a steal. Miguel Almiron leads all midfielders and is still only 5.8. Leandro Trossard has also been great.
As an American fan, can you tell us a bit about your Fulham story?
I got so lucky becoming a Fulham fan. I had played growing up and through High School but kind of lost my love for the game. A friend of mine suggested that I go to London and see a game, he said I would love it. In 2008 I finally decided to go. The weekend I was going the only game I could get tickets for was Fulham, so I did a little research and liked what I saw. They had some history with American players, they played in a place called Craven Cottage, cool name. I liked hearing that they were a ‘family club,’ and I absolutely became obsessed quickly during that first game. I went back two times that season just to see Fulham. I flew over for the Juventus game and for Wembley. Those will always be such special moments for me. This is probably a good opportunity for me to thank you all. I got sick a couple of years ago and the team reached out to me very quickly. I heard from so many Fulham fans on social media offering their support. It really made such a big difference during a difficult time. This is a family club! When you have an illness like I do, you think about it constantly, it’s hard to escape. But every weekend for a couple of hours I get to turn on the game and fully immerse myself in it. I will always be so grateful for that.
Aside from FPL, how are you enjoying the season so far?
I am so proud to be a Fulham fan. This Club proves they belong. They fight to the end every week and never give other teams an easy game. I started the season thinking if we just survive I’ll be happy. Now that has changed to ‘we can finish top-10.’ Silva is a master. João Palhinha has been so immense, I love watching him play. I’m really looking forward to seeing a healthy Manor Solomon out there. I am enjoying the World Cup, but can’t wait to see Fulham again.
