Bournemouth have been the surprise package of the league this season as the Cherries have risen to sixth in the table after a brilliant start to the season, while Fulham have struggled to keep clean sheets and have been pulled into the relegation pack.
Bournemouth signed Lerma for a club record £25 million fee over the summer and he’s already played six games in the league this season.
Fulham, however, don’t seem to be able to stop any attack although that shouldn’t reflect on the solid performances of Seri.
Jefferson Lerma
Signed in a club record deal, the Colombian international is slowly establishing himself as one of Bournemouth’s solid performers in the league.
During his time with Levante, Lerma was a combative midfielder who excelled at breaking up play but also being able to play from deep. In Bournemouth’s possession-based style, he fits perfectly and as the season progresses, we should start to see the best of him.
Technically, the Colombia international seems more than skilled enough to play in the league and add that to his physical attributes and you have a player that should thrive in England.
TT Grade: B
Jean-Michael Seri
A player that attracted plenty of interest from some of the biggest clubs in Europe, signing Jean-Michael Seri for £25 million, was an incredible statement of intent from the west London club.
Despite being with the club for a relatively short period of time, Seri has turned himself into one of their most important players and his all-round game is a crucial piece to the club’s style of play.
The 27-year-old has played all nine league games for the club and has so far been one of the more consistent players in a squad that has struggled so far this year.
His fee might have been steep for a club the size of Fulham but such is his talent, that it seems that Fulham have made a solid long-term investment.
TT Grade: B+
Both midfielders have the ability to turn into two of the best at their positions but as it stands, Seri wins this one.
The Ivory Coast international proved during his time in Nice that he’s capable of playing at the highest level and we’ve already seen that ability, although only in flashes.
Lerma also looks like a talented player and he definitely showed that he was ready for the step up during his time in Spain but due to Seri’s track record, he wins this one.
