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
    6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months 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
        6 years, 10 months ago

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

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Post below would look more correct.

          1. Egyptian Giza
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            pardon? I don't understand

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

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

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe this:

      Salah Firmino Mane
      Coutinho Can Wij

    3. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months 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
        6 years, 10 months 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
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah didn't see much game time for whatever reason

    4. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Sarah & Mane. Nightmare for defenders!

      1. makaveli123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Salah 🙂

      2. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sounds like a sex tape.

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

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

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Loool

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        😀

      3. Clifford☯
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        🙂

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

            Their fs

          2. Sims
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Doubt wenger will use senior players in Europa like mourinho

            1. KingNidge
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 10 months 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
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Any exciting transfer that I have missed?

    1. Matamatics
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Big begovic to Bournemouth

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Good signing

        Boruc makes Bravo look good

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      City signed me.

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Are you sure?

        They usually run things like that past me

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          You normally deal with Tea Lady recruitment?

          1. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Have you seen the City tea lady??

            She is no Mrs Doyle

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        😆

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

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

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Could be £5 m

    2. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No

    3. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      My guess is 5.0

    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If he moves to Hudds.

  5. dhamphiir
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months 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
    6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months ago

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

    2. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Hahahaha Wenger is on the wind up at this stage

      1. Sims
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

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

      2. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

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

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

      Just the guy the fans wanted...

      1. KingNidge
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        LOL

        1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

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

          1. KingNidge
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Easy mate 🙂

            1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 10 months 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
                6 years, 10 months ago

                * on Championship Manager

                1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
                  • 10 Years
                  6 years, 10 months ago

                  I'll take it!

                  Is that game still around?

              2. KingNidge
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months ago

      All Hail Henry!

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

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

    6. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      It begins.......

    7. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Brilliant! Exactly what we need 😎

  7. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

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

    1. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      They would concede even more

      1. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Loool

        1. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Shite that was meant for the above Arsenal signing post

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He would improve their goal difference

    3. Sims
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

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

    4. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months 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
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Way to ruin the fun Westy 🙁

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Any more back chat and I will lock this thread

      2. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Good to see you back, Breadbin.

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          😯 we pronounce and spell our user names differently ?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

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

            1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Fight club theory confirmed 😯

    5. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

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

  8. When did the season light up FFS?
    Johqvist
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months ago

      This post right now

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Sanchez scoring from beyond the grave in DGW

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

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

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sims knows what you are saying

      2. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Get down with the kids you miserable old git 😉

      3. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        😆

      4. Johqvist
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months 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
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Is that you Zlatan

          1. Johqvist
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            No, but I know him.

            1. Syd.
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              But do you know any talented Swedes? Like Abba

    4. Sims
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Sanchez goal vs boro

    5. Sims
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

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

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Dial up 😉

    6. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      When Lulaku went mad....

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        All those goals in injury time 😎

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

      Kaku getting his haul when I went without.

      1. Mark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months ago

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

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

      Aguero red triggered wildcard mania.

    14. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      The day FPL Virgin started posting here.

    15. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

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

    16. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 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, 10 months ago

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

    17. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 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. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Arsenal will win the league next season. Bookmark this.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      How do you book mark an electronic post?

      1. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months ago

      good one, wont even get top 4

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      *giggles*

    4. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Europa League presumably ...

    5. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I hope so.

    6. Sánchez
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Arsenal Ladies?

    7. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I say that every season according to Granville.

    8. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Dam you got there before me 🙁

  10. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Huddersfield?

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Makes sense with Douglas Costa reportedly joining Juventus.

    3. Sims
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Shame he had no such words for pogba

    4. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Is he being linked with Real or what?

    5. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Barcelona Oh wait

  11. Sterling is £11Mill..…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    whos going to sing Mahrez then? Arsenal?

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Monaco maybe.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Decent choir?

    2. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Grizz up top, Riyad and Alexis on the wings.

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      West Ham

  12. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months 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
      6 years, 10 months 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