Scout Scribbles – Di Maria Dominates in Dusseldorf

Angel di Maria grabs a goal and a trio of assists as Argentina avenge their World Cup Final defeat against Germany. Erik Lamela, Sergio Aguero and Andre Schurrle all find the net in a six-goal thriller, while Wayne Rooney slots home a spot-kick as England squeeze past Norway.

DI MARIA STEALS THE SHOW FOR ARGENTINA

Manchester United’s record signing Angel di Maria assisted three goals and bagged a fourth as his side ran out 4-2 winners against World Cup winners Germany in their own backyard last night. The former Real Madrid midfielder provided the crosses for Sergio Aguero, Erik Lamela and Federico Fernandez (newly of Swansea) to put the visitors 3-0 ahead, before adding a fourth for his side early in the second half with a dinked finish. Post-match, Argentina coach Gerardo Martino had high praise for his star man:

“Di Maria is one of the best four or five players in the world and so his performance didn’t surprise me.”

The Scout Says: Man United fans will have been purring at last night’s performance from Di Maria, who showed exactly why Louis Van Gaal’s out-of-form side broke the English club transfer fee record for the Argentine’s services. Fielded on the right wing in yesterday’s international friendly, the midfielder turned in a timely advertisement for his services to Fantasy managers, demonstrating his skill, vision, ability from set pieces and finishing in an all-round display of quality. Available for 9.5 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), Di Maria looks an integral cog in Van Gaal’s fresh looking United side, though his positioning alongside Darren Fletcher in the centre of the park against Burnley last weekend somewhat dampened our enthusiasm. Nevertheless, it is far from certain that this will remain his chosen role, nor whether Van Gaal will even stick with his 3-4-1-2 formation, having failed to win single match so far this season, ensuring that Di Maria’s Fantasy potential still remains in the category of ‘wait and see’. One thing, however, is for sure – after Di Maria proved last night that he has the quality to tear apart a World Cup winning side, Harry Redknapp will be straight to the drawing board to figure out how his QPR team can cope with the £59.7million man in two Sundays’ time.

SWIFT IMPACT FROM AGUERO ONCE AGAIN

Sergio Aguero’s goal for Argentina came in just the 20^th minute of last night’s match, and was the third time the striker has hit the back of the net within 25 minutes of taking to the field this season.

The Scout Says: Whilst last night’s goal further highlights the appeal of the Manchester City forward even in spite of his hefty 12.1 price tag, owners of Aguero will be mainly thankful that the injury-prone Argentine made it through the game unscathed. Having been eased into the campaign thus far by Manuel Pellegrini, a two week break would probably have been ideal for Aguero right now, though last night’s run out did actually turn out to be beneficial for the striker, who can now rest up ahead of his next league fixture. With tough fixtures against Arsenal and Chelsea up next for City, however, Aguero has his work cut out in demonstrating why he’s worth shelling out the substantial extra slice of budget over team-mate Stefan Jovetic, though his lively start to the season signals that he’s set to do just that.

FIRST INTERNATIONAL GOAL FOR LAMELA

Erik Lamela vindicated Martino’s decision to offer him the opportunity of a starting role by striking his first goal for the Albicelestes just before half time against the Germans.

The Scout Says: With Cristian Eriksen sitting on a disappointing seven points after Spurs’ three opening matches of the campaign, and Nacer Chadli still well and truly in the ‘differential’ category, Lamela strengthened his position as Tottenham’s midfield asset of choice last night with a sumptuously taken volley. Two assists against QPR in Gameweek 2 underlined his creative talents, and if he can also bring his finishing ability from last night into his league performances, the 8.0 priced Lamela could be set to plunder the points against Sunderland, West Brom and Southampton in the next four Gameweeks.

SCHURRLE OFFERS CONSOLATION FOR GERMANY

Andre Schurrle was one of the few members of the home side to leave the field with something to show for his efforts yesterday. The Chelsea midfielder continued his World Cup form by scoring one his side’s consolation goals against the South Americans.

The Scout Says: A goal against Burnley in Chelsea’s opening fixture of the season saw Schurrle race on to our radars, despite the German still recovering from his exertions in Brazil in the summer. However, the midfielder only lasted 63 minutes on the pitch the following week, and then watched on as an unused sub in his side’s 6-3 rout of Everton last weekend, and has subsequently fallen far in our estimations. Whilst the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard are available in FPL for 9.3 and 10.0 respectively, the 7.5 priced Schurrle could offer managers a budget route into Chelsea’s midfield should he convince Jose Mourinho that he is worthy of a regular starting role, and last night’s goal will certainly help his cause. With Swansea and Aston Villa visiting Stamford Bridge in the next three Gameweeks, and Eden Hazard and Oscar currently considered a doubts for next Saturday’s fixture for the Blues, Schurrle may indeed be offered further chances to regain the faith of Mourinho and Fantasy managers alike.

ROONEY NOTCHES FROM THE SPOT

Wayne Rooney’s first appearance as captain of England’s national side in their friendly against Norway proved a cheerful occasion. The Man United forward secured a 1-0 win for his side by slotting home a second half penalty after Raheem Sterling was brought down in the box.

The Scout Says: Last night’s goal will have given Rooney a real confidence boost after the striker failed to contribute in either of his last two appearances in a United shirt. The 10.5 priced man has already been sold by over 200,000 managers in FPL this week, with a straight swap to Old Trafford’s latest arrival Radamel Falcao the most popular route out, but Louis Van Gaal’s plans for his club captain are yet to be ascertained once he has a fully fit squad to choose from. A deeper role is seen as the most likely scenario, though it won’t be until United’s home clash with QPR until we are any the wiser.

FOSTER SUFFERS THUMB INJURY

Ben Foster withdrew from England’s squad yesterday just prior to their friendly victory, and will now be unavailable for his national side’s Euro 2016 Qualifier against Switzerland on Monday. West Brom have, however, stated that the thumb injury sustained by their first choice goalkeeper ‘is not a serious problem’.

The Scout Says: With testing encounters against Everton and Tottenham up next for West Brom, the Midlands outfit will be keen to have Foster fully fit and available between the sticks. The same applies for his 4% ownership in FPL, who will be hopeful that the Baggies can repeat the defensive performance that saw them pick up a clean sheet at Southampton two weeks ago if they are to pick up any returns from those fixtures. Nonetheless, with clashes against Liverpool and Man United then on the horizon for Alan Irvine’s side, and Foster now classified as a doubt, investment in any of the Baggies’ assets currently looks unadvisable.