Many thought Giorgis Karagounis would be somewhere else this season, but Fulham resigned the 36-year-old and after Scott Parker's injury the Greek international has returned to the starting line-up. The barrel-chested defensive midfielder uses all of his experience and know-how from his time at Panathinaikos, Internazionale, and Benfica to retain possession, attempt to link the defence with the attack, and make sure the Fulham back four are never exposed. He has a great knack to win a free kick when he's in trouble, and he is a firm fans favourite because he gives 100%. The problem is that while the mind is willing, the body is not up to the rigour of the Premier League. From very early on Karagounis appears to struggle, he can be easily outpaced, and if he pushes forward and the move breaks down then he can be left behind. He lasted about an hour and Derek Boateng's introduction added a bit more energy to Fulham's performance. Karagounis is a wily fox, and the ideal man to bring on with ten minutes to go and points to secure, when his lack of pace will not be quite so exposed. It's just a shame for Fulham that he appears to bring a bit of much needed quality to their central midfield.
