Awards

Team Of The Season – Marcos Alonso

His arrival at Stamford Bridge from Fiorentina on the final day of August was unheralded and his league debut a losing one, but Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso would go on to become one of the key Fantasy assets in the 2016/17 campaign.

The Spaniard was brought on in the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal back in September – the moment when Blues boss Antonio Conte first switched to a three-man defence with wing-backs.

Neither side nor player looked back from that point, and with 30 % of the votes, Alonso becomes the first of our three-man defence in the Team of the Season.

The Statistics

Alonso made his first league start in the 2-0 win over Hull City in Gameweek 7, when he was available for 5.9 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), down from his initial starting price of 6.0.

At that point, the Spaniard was owned by a mere 20,523 managers in Fantasy Premier League (FPL), but his performance at the KCOM Stadium provided an immediate indication of the attacking threat he would provide.

He registered five goal attempts against the Tigers – more than any other player involved – and also led the way for chances created (four).

That clean sheet was the first of six consecutive shut-outs for the new-look Chelsea backline, with Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill combining in central defence and Alonso and Victor Moses operating as wing-backs.

He registered his first attacking returns with an assist in the emphatic 4-0 win over Manchester United in Gameweek 9 and opened his account for his new club with a goal in the comprehensive 5-0 victory over Everton in Gameweek 11.

The wing-back produced his first double-figure haul that day, totalling 13 points.

Following that impressive performance, Alonso saw his price shoot up to 6.3 in FPL prior to the Gameweek 12 trip to Middlesbrough, with over 300,000 managers adopting him by that point.

Conte’s men put together another run of four successive clean sheets between Gameweeks 15 and 19, but it was in Gameweek 21 when Alonso produced one of the definitive performances of the season.

The defender scored twice in Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Leicester City and, with what turned out to be his only maximum bonus point haul of the season, he provided a sensational 21-point return.

Although the clean sheets dried up during the second half of the season, Alonso registered a further three goals and two assists as his price climbed to 6.9 by Gameweek 38.

He ended the season as the joint-top scoring defender in FPL with six goals, while he also provided five assists, one behind the league-leading six from Spurs’ Kyle Walker.

He was also the second-highest scoring defender in FPL with 177 points – one behind team-mate Cahill – with Azpilicueta (170) completing an all-Chelsea top three.

Alonso did average 5.7 points per match (ppm) though, significantly better than Cahill (4.8) and Azpilicueta (4.5).

His underlying statistics were also outstanding, registering more goal attempts (46), shots from inside the box (25) and shots on target (16) than any other FPL defender.

Interestingly, Alonso didn’t fare that well when it came to bonus points, only managing 11 compared to 22 for Azpilicueta and 15 for Cahill.

In a nutshell, Alonso could not compete with that pair for clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI), or completed passes – both factors which impacted on his Bonus Points System tallies.

The Prospects

Alonso will inevitably earn a price hike next season.

Many will no doubt ponder whether out-and-out wing-backs such as Alonso should be reclassified as midfielders, but a price tag of between 7.0 and 7.5 as a defender appears the most likely outcome.

The classification of Victor Moses could also affect Alonso’s stock.

If he’s also a defender next season, the Nigerian will surely be priced lower than Alonso, although his tally of three goals and three assists was inferior.

All of Chelsea’s defensive starters look set to rise in value, with a minimum price of 6.5 perhaps likely across the board.

With Champions League fixtures on the agenda, we perhaps need to assess Chelsea’s defensive assets with more caution.

Conte will look to strengthen his squad over the summer, with alternatives in the wing-back positions likely to be one of the priorities.

That will need monitoring, with the calibre of new acquisitions dictating whether Alonso could be a rotation risk.

But based on his performances this season, Alonso will surely be expected to remain the first-choice.

He could also justify a hefty price tag, with Conte likely to build the Blues’ title defence around the quest for clean sheets.

We will be keen to monitor Alonso’s early numbers to assess if there is any marked regression, but it’s doubtful whether that will make us wary of investment.

Should Chelsea’s opening fixtures bless them with a favourable start, Alonso will likely remain the go-to option for most, particularly if he is priced at just 0.5 more than his defensive team-mates.

718 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Egyptian Giza
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 hours ago

    so many indications now that Mo Salah is joining liverpool this summer. If that happens what would their attack look like?

    Firmino

    Salah Coutinho Mane

    Wjinaldum Can

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      His agent has come for talks, that doesn't mean a deal is done. He even had a deal agreed with Liverpool a few years back before Chelsea came in and offered more money.

      1. Egyptian Giza
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        I know, I mean if the deal is set, would that look legit?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 hours ago

          Post below would look more correct.

          1. Egyptian Giza
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 hours ago

            pardon? I don't understand

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 6 hours ago

              UnitedFan's post below is how Liverpool would probably set up if they signed Salah.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      Maybe this:

      Salah Firmino Mane
      Coutinho Can Wij

    3. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      He was gash at Chelsea but had something of a revival at Roma and been brilliant last two seasons still only 24..

      1. Lawrø
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        Wow I didn't realise he was still so young! I thought he was only sparingly used under Mourinho and when I did see him I was impressed tbh

        1. KingNidge
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 hours ago

          Yeah didn't see much game time for whatever reason

    4. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      Sarah & Mane. Nightmare for defenders!

      1. makaveli123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        Salah 🙂

      2. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        Sounds like a sex tape.

  2. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 hours ago

    Curious that Arsenal have had a greater win percentage in the season just gone (64%) compared to the Invincibles team that won in 2004 (63%)(Phil McNulty, BBC).

    1. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      That's pretty impressive if you discount the 9 extra losses

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        Loool

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        😀

      3. Clifford☯
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        🙂

      4. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        Even Chelsea lost 5 times. A bit more steel and resolve vs the top sides might make a difference next season.

        1. KingNidge
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 hours ago

          There has been an improvement with the change of system and were particularly excellent in the cup final but they aren't exactly high in steel and resolve.. with Sanchez wanting out Wenger signing on for another two years and Europa League duties there short term prospects look very bleak tbh

          1. KingNidge
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 6 hours ago

            Their fs

          2. Sims
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 hours ago

            Doubt wenger will use senior players in Europa like mourinho

            1. KingNidge
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 5 hours ago

              He could well see it as his best chance of getting back into the CL and first ever European trophy for himself

  3. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 hours ago

    Any exciting transfer that I have missed?

    1. Matamatics
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      Big begovic to Bournemouth

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        Good signing

        Boruc makes Bravo look good

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      City signed me.

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        Are you sure?

        They usually run things like that past me

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 6 hours ago

          You normally deal with Tea Lady recruitment?

          1. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 6 hours ago

            Have you seen the City tea lady??

            She is no Mrs Doyle

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        😆

  4. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 hours ago

    Will Begovic be 4.5m? Expect Bou to be more solid at the back.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      Could be £5 m

    2. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      No

    3. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      My guess is 5.0

    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      If he moves to Hudds.

  5. dhamphiir
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 hours ago

    When he tells you his team hasn't won the league in 13 years, but he still has a job.

    http://i3.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/incoming/article10962329.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/JS83771130.jpg

  6. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 hours ago

    BREAKING: Sky sources report that Arsenal have agreed a £6.8m fee to sign striker Henry Onyekuru from Belgian side KAS Eupen . #SSNHQ

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      In case you didn't know who, Arsenal are a small club from North London.

    2. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      Hahahaha Wenger is on the wind up at this stage

      1. Sims
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        Tbf at least this time it wasn't a french striker from ligue 1

      2. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        He has 2 more full years of winding up Arsenal fans to look forward to

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      Just the guy the fans wanted...

      1. KingNidge
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        LOL

        1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 5 hours ago

          Hey Nidge.
          Did I not say we would win EL!

          1. KingNidge
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 5 hours ago

            Easy mate 🙂

            1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 5 hours ago

              Next year we'll win CL 😉

              First time I've been to such a big game since 92's Euros.

              1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
                • 13 Years
                7 years, 5 hours ago

                * on Championship Manager

                1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 5 hours ago

                  I'll take it!

                  Is that game still around?

              2. KingNidge
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 5 hours ago

                Baby steps mate i'm just over the moon to be back in the mix and out of that season ruining EL tbh but Mourinho won't have us there just to make up numbers that's for sure 🙂

    4. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      All Hail Henry!

    5. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      I'd say Mourhino choked on his Ovaltine at the news!

    6. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      It begins.......

    7. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Brilliant! Exactly what we need 😎

  7. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 6 hours ago

    How do you think Pep would do if he took over at Huddersfield for some reason?

    1. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      They would concede even more

      1. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 hours ago

        Loool

        1. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 6 hours ago

          Shite that was meant for the above Arsenal signing post

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      He would improve their goal difference

    3. Sims
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 hours ago

      They'd be the first club to finish bottom with a positive goal difference

    4. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      If you rate Pep he would do well if you don't rate Pep he would get them relegated into the Conference .

      1. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        Way to ruin the fun Westy 🙁

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 5 hours ago

          Any more back chat and I will lock this thread

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        Good to see you back, Breadbin.

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 5 hours ago

          😯 we pronounce and spell our user names differently ?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 5 hours ago

            Well, nobody has ever seen you 2 in the same room together. 😉

            1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 5 hours ago

              Fight club theory confirmed 😯

    5. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Eee by gum...I reckon 'eed fettle just gradeley.

  8. When did the season light up FFS?
    Johqvist
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 hours ago

    When during the season do you think the FFS was the most lit up? When King announced his injury 30 minutes before deadline? When Aguero scored in his first DGW? Anyone else?

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      This post right now

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Sanchez scoring from beyond the grave in DGW

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      What does lit up mean fam? Mans not down with these words blud. Y'understand?

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        Sims knows what you are saying

      2. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        Get down with the kids you miserable old git 😉

      3. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        😆

      4. Johqvist
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        Sorry man. I'm just a swedish guy trying to make it look like I know a lot of cool words.

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 5 hours ago

          Is that you Zlatan

          1. Johqvist
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 5 hours ago

            No, but I know him.

            1. Syd.
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 5 hours ago

              But do you know any talented Swedes? Like Abba

    4. Sims
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Sanchez goal vs boro

    5. Sims
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Actually no Sanchez getting injured then scoring 2 mons later vs Stoke. That was gold

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        Dial up 😉

    6. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      When Lulaku went mad....

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        All those goals in injury time 😎

    7. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Kaku getting his haul when I went without.

      1. Mark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        7 years, 4 hours ago

        Aye, the Bournemouth haul was a big one.

        Must have been some more teamsheet related ones....

    8. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 years, 4 hours ago

      Alonso haul at Leicester was quite big - lots of posters on board for that.

      Surely the Aguero red card was big - I was offline that afternoon so not sure.

    9. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 hours ago

      I suppose before the gw 38 deadline even before the King news broke pages were flying by it was crazy

      But there were some other times in the season that there were a tidal wave of comments like when Ake was recalled pages and pages of lame Ake jokes and postulations it was funny i can remember laughing while reading some of the stuff that was posted then

      When Costa was dropped by Conte on foot of a proposed move to China things also got pretty hot in here too

      Not to mention Ruthgate

    10. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 hours ago

      Regaining 0.1 on deRoon selling value when he went from 4.3 back to 4.4 stood out for me.
      Nobody else noticed.

    11. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 hours ago

      Alonso haul, Sanchez scores on one leg, King injury, Sergi Roberto's goal vs P$G

    12. Urchin
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 months ago

      The Kane four-fer....Most lasting memory from season gone by for me, also was a lot of traffic that time here...
      especially chuffed coz captained him 🙂

    13. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 12 months ago

      Aguero red triggered wildcard mania.

    14. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 months ago

      The day FPL Virgin started posting here.

    15. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 12 months ago

      Honestly don't think it ever was. There wasn't anything worth getting excited about.

    16. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 12 months ago

      That late Sanchez penalty against Burnley? It was captaincy fail at that point.
      Or Ibra flopping against Bournemouth with Kane firing in the same GW?

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 12 months ago

        How about when Aguero was benched against Burnley on return from his ban?

    17. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 12 months ago

      Haha, suffering from peak-end rule there dude (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peak%E2%80%93end_rule), remembering the very end and then something illuminating in the beginning 😉

      Erm, I have a few
      a) Alonso brace v Leicester
      b) Kaku double brace v Bournemouth
      c) Sanchez, dgw
      d) Ibra scoring in GW1 (scenes)
      e) Controversy about Ruth having 2 FPL teams
      f) Arsenal 1-2 Watford in GW23

  9. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 hours ago

    Arsenal will win the league next season. Bookmark this.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      How do you book mark an electronic post?

      1. DGW blindness is for Kinnea…
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        Print page.
        Take to the shop and get it bound.
        Buy bookmark whilst you're there.
        Place bookmark in book.
        Bob's you're uncle

    2. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      good one, wont even get top 4

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      *giggles*

    4. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Europa League presumably ...

    5. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      I hope so.

    6. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Arsenal Ladies?

    7. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      7 years, 4 hours ago

      I say that every season according to Granville.

    8. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 hours ago

      Dam you got there before me 🙁

  10. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 hours ago

    Arturo Vidal after arriving today to Chile: "I told Alexis that this is his chance to be in a big team. If he wants to compare itself with the best he needs to go to the best team in the world."

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Huddersfield?

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Makes sense with Douglas Costa reportedly joining Juventus.

    3. Sims
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Shame he had no such words for pogba

    4. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Is he being linked with Real or what?

    5. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 hours ago

      Barcelona Oh wait

  11. Sterling is £11Mill..…
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 hours ago

    whos going to sing Mahrez then? Arsenal?

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Monaco maybe.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 hours ago

        Decent choir?

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 hours ago

      Grizz up top, Riyad and Alexis on the wings.

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 hours ago

      West Ham

  12. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 hours ago

    Daily Man United transfer news from the rumour mill.

    Man United are definitely, definitely, definitely in talks with Morata, Keane, Bale and Rodriguez.....

    New list tomorrow.....

    1. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 hours ago

      No different to any other summer Wakey..All a bit tiresome especially as a fan but no one sells papers and gets the clicks online like Manchester United