Sleeper – Steven Taylor

It had all started so well for Steven Taylor last season. The central defender was a cut-price phenomenon in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game in particular, with his propensity for picking up bonus points, allied with solid defensive returns, making a mockery of his initial 4.5 valuation. Investment picked up pace as his cost began to quickly rise but in early December disaster struck, after a ruptured Achilles sustained at Chelsea in Gameweek 14 ruled him out for the rest of the campaign:

Stationed alongside Fabricio Coloccini in the heart of the Magpies back-four, Taylor immediately showed his worth as a Fantasy asset. His ability to block shots – so crucial to scoring in the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index – helped him pick up maximum bonus points in each of his first two matches and, with three clean sheets in the first four Gameweeks, Taylor started the season with an average 6.25 from his first four appearances.

As Newcastle flourished under the guidance of Alan Pardew, Taylor continued to outperform Coloccini at the back; only twice did his EA SPORTS PPI score dip below double figures in those first 14 matches. Prior to his injury, Taylor had tasted defeat just twice, in visits to City and Chelsea respectively, with his price peaking at 5.1 as Fantasy managers snapped up his services on the back of some outstanding displays. By the time his campaign was brought to an abrupt end, he had returned 52 points, courtesy of an assist, nine bonus points and four clean sheets.

The Prospects

Earlier this week, Pardew revealed the player’s comeback is picking up pace, with Taylor now expected to step up his rehabilitation by featuring in Friday’s friendly against Chemnitzer as part of the club’s pre-season tour. The Newcastle boss went on to hail Taylor’s efforts and admits he should, once again, be a key asset for the Magpies in the campaign ahead:

I’m looking forward to having Steven running around and playing again. He’s an important player for us, and we want everyone fit for what’s going to be a tough season. Having Steven back fit for pre-season is a big boost for us. He did very well last season before his injury.

A fully-fit Taylor is almost certain to get the nod ahead of Mike Williamson as Coloccini’s partner at centre-half, though much may also depend on the club’s transfer policy between now and the end of August. Pardew has also been linked with a move for FC Twente defender Douglas – quite where this would leave Taylor in the pecking order is unclear, though with European football on the agenda, Taylor could be mainly utilised for league action, allowing any new signings time to find their feet in less hectic environments.

Taylor’s valuation across the Fantasy games will be intriguing next season and crucial as to how we view his potential. Bearing in mind that Newcastle racked up 15 clean sheets in the season gone by, first-team regulars such as Tim Krul and Coloccini can surely expect a price hike but Taylor may well prove the cheapest route into Pardew’s backline once again – Fantasy games could look kindly upon his cost, with an FPL valuation of 5.0 perhaps on the cards.

Investment in Newcastle’s backline may not be quite too substantial to begin with. Both Spurs and United visit the Sports Direct Arena in the first seven Gameweeks, while trips to Everton and Chelsea look likely to test their defensive resolve. Home clashes against Villa and Norwich and a trip to Reading offer greater potential and, if Pardew’s side can come close to replicating their form at the back, Taylor is likely to see plenty of suitors snaps up his services for the season ahead.