The pitch is sodden and the ball is not travelling cleanly across the Craven Cottage surface. Fulham, understrength, off-kilter and losing the fight, have just conceded a third goal to a rugged Burnley team, who are not perturbed by the prospect of a little dampness underfoot. Across their XI, not one fails to wear mud as a mark of honour on their white shorts.
So, with 83 minutes on the clock, step forward 18-year-old attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho, a nimble-footed and slightly-framed playmaker with one senior appearance to his name.
His welcome was never going to be a friendly one. Within minutes, a promising turn and run was ended by a door-slamming James Tarkowski challenge. A few moments later, Burnley substitute Joel Mumbongo left what is commonly known as “one on him” as he clattered into the youngster after he had played a pass near the centre circle.
It was bruising. Carvalho still managed to show some lovely touches, including a…
