Scout Reports

Scout Report – Bernardo Silva

Manchester City made the first marquee signing of the summer last Friday afternoon, beating off a number of suitors to acquire the highly-rated Bernardo Silva from Monaco for a reported fee of £43m.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the 22-year-old insisted that the lure of playing under Pep Guardiola was key to his decision of signing a five-year deal at the Etihad:

“If he is not the best coach in the world, he is one of the best. Of course, when you have the opportunity of being trained by Guardiola, you don’t say no. As we all know, what he did with Barcelona and Bayern Munich was amazing and we expect also here that he will win titles. It’s great to have the chance to work with him and to have this opportunity. Nowadays if you don’t work hard, even if you’re one of the best you don’t succeed. It’s not only defenders who have to defend or attackers who have to attack. It’s a team and we all have to do everything.”

The History

A product of the Benfica youth system, Silva was handed his debut for the club’s B team in August 2013.

Netting seven times in 38 appearances, he was voted the Segunda Liga Player of the Year that season and also made his debut for the senior side, thanks to a 10-minute sub appearance in the Portuguese Cup.

Yet that was to be his only outing in a Benfica shirt. Initially farmed out to Monaco on loan in August 2014, Silva made the deal permanent just five months later in a campaign that produced nine goals and three assists in 36 Ligue 1 appearances.

Last season, the Portugal international was instrumental in steering Monaco to the French title – playing predominantly as an inverted winger on the right of a 4-4-2 formation, he supplied eight goals and nine assists over 37 outings.

Meanwhile, his performances in the Champions League also caught the eye, netting away to Spurs and providing an assist against Manchester City as Leonardo Jardim’s side claimed a place in the semi-finals.

On the international stage, Silva steered Portugal to the semi-finals of the 2013 UEFA European U19 Championships and was subsequently named among the top 10 talents in Europe by reporters.

Handed his senior debut in March 2015, he has since played 12 times for his country and found the net on one occasion, though injury forced him to miss last summer’s Euro 2016 competition.

The Prospects

Watching him in action, it’s easy to see just why the new boy is regarded as a carbon copy of namesake David Silva.

Standing five foot eight, the Portuguese international is far from physically imposing but boasts an ability to almost dance his way past opponents with the ball, remaining calm under pressure and keeping possession in the tightest of situations – vital ingredients to succeed in a Guardiola side, where ball retention is fundamental.

Silva’s versatility could be key to claiming regular starts – although he’s mainly shone from the right flank, he offers an option on the left or also in a central support role. Indeed, given Guardiola’s penchant for player reinvention, there’s even an argument that the new arrival has the qualities to succeed in central midfield in a 4-3-3 set-up, similar to the likes of Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta.

Should Guardiola continue to alternate with the 4-1-4-1/4-2-3-1 formations – preferred towards the end of the season – then there’s no shortage of options at his disposal for those four or five attacking positions. The likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling will all be jostling for starting berths.

Arguably, Sterling’s minutes are the most in question, particularly after Jesus underlined his own versatility to deliver a goal and assist against both West Brom and Watford from a role on the right flank in City’s final two league fixtures.

In terms of underlying statistics, Silva’s averages of 46.7 minutes per shot and key pass weren’t overly eye-catching in a Monaco side that scored 107 times on their way to last year’s Ligue 1 crown.

Indeed, furthering those comparisons with David Silva, the new boy does have a reputation for dictating matters on the pitch only to provide a number of “pre-assists” or “key contributions”, ie laying on the pass before the final pass prior to a goal. Nonetheless, only De Bruyne (29.3 minutes) and Silva (35.4) exceed that frequency of chances created among City players last season.

Encouragingly for Guardiola, the 22-year old’s 13.3% goal conversion rate in Ligue 1 last term – while not overly clinical – still exceeded the likes of De Bruyne (7%), Silva (8.3%) and Sterling (10.9%) in a season where City had more shots inside the penalty area (395) than any side, but claimed only third for both shots on target (211) and goals (80) and fourth for goal conversion (12.6%).

Expected to come in around the 8.5 to 9.5 mark in Fantasy Premier League, Silva’s arrival looks likely to improve City’s attacking prospects as Guardiola goes for the title in his second year at the helm.

Yet with Jesus near certain to offer a cheaper option to Aguero for our three-man frontlines, our priorities among Guardiola’s regulars are destined to lie elsewhere.

Even in the City midfield, Silva could initially face a tough task to convince those looking to double up on the Etihad outfit for 2017/18.

De Bruyne served up 21 assists last season and hit the woodwork eight times – if the Belgian could find an end product, he could easily better his fifth-placed finish from 2016/17.

Sane is another to monitor, too. After starting four of the first 21 Gameweeks, the German international was named in the first XI in 16 of the final 17 league matches – during that period, he sat first for touches in the box (125) among FPL midfielders and joint-fifth for shots in the box, with 26.

While there are no doubts over the new boy’s abilities, with many Fantasy managers considering a Jesus-Harry Kane partnership up top, it remains to be seen whether Silva can emerge as a popular source of City coverage and cement his place as an FPL big hitter from the off.

Indeed, with City also being heavily linked with a move for Alexis Sanchez, Guardiola’s summer shopping spree could have a significant impact on our assessment of the Fantasy landscape by the season kick-off.

Further Reference

Bernardo Silva Wikipedia

Bernardo Silva TransferMarkt

Bernardo Silva YouTube 2016/17 Highlights

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

648 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Darren Fletcher > Stoke looking like a goer... http://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/Premier+League/West+Brom/Midfielders/Darren+Fletcher

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

      4.5m midfielder sorted then. I forget Stoke are even in the PL these days

      1. Heels_Over_Head
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sparky rotates too much for a nailed 2 pointer.

      2. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        What would we do on cold, wet Monday nights without Stoke?

        1. Heels_Over_Head
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Yorkshire pie in Huddersfield?

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Those big Yorkshire puddings filled with sliced beef & gravy 😮

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

          True. They're only function in the PL is to provide cold wet windy away games on a Tuesday

          1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            *Their

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

              Thank you

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

      nudge nudge

  2. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    City got to be favourites in the league for me , next season. Their first team looks so strong. Only issue will be depth in defence. Esp at full back position. If Costa stays, i cant see him maintaining last seasons form with more games to play

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

      Arsenal blud

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Serious fam?

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

          Don't listen to him. Mans a ham roll.

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

            Dis season we're gonna do our ting fam

    2. Licky
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I think so too, though I think Chelsea and United will be in with a shout, it all depends on their defense for me. Should genuinely be a very interesting season.

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

    Pep Reina looks like he could sign for Newcastle. The amount of man love I have for the guy is unreal.

    1. Tansey
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Elliot Darlow Selz Reina - I know he's an upgrade but how many do they need

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

        Don't forget Tim Krul. Pep likes to play with 11 Midifielders. Rafa wants 11 GKs. Tactical genius

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          😀

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

      This years Heaton!

      1. Heels_Over_Head
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        can't see him coming in at less than 5.0 with FPL looking at his last 3 seasons in the Prem

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

          You're probably right. Might just aswell get Heaton at 5.0 then.

  4. Gubbins94.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A second plug for this while it's slow, me rambling on about United's prospective summer activity;

    https://onekeano.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/jose-mourinhos-summer-agenda/

    And while I'm here, this little anecdotal type thing by Dani Alves is a really good read https://www.theplayerstribune.com/dani-alves-juventus-o-segredo/

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      read this yesterday. Well written

      1. Gubbins94.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers mate

    2. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      this is a really, really nice read. congrats!

    3. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I enjoyed that.

      1. Gubbins94.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers lads

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

      Great read. Made me laugh.

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

      Dude, DDG haircut is really worst in the league

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

      Great Read ! Thanks.

  5. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Bernardo Silva has been told he'll be playing on the right or in the middle.

    I'm going to make a quiet bet right now:
    Sanchez-Aguero-Jesus
    Silva-De Bruyne-Bernardo

    Wouldn't put it past Pep to do something like this

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

      KDB in Busquets role?

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        *Burlesque

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      #JeSuisSterling

    3. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A quiet wish*

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

      No Sane?

  6. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Total points:
    1. Firmino 180
    2. Coutinho 171
    3. Mane 156

    Points per Game
    1. Mane 5.8
    2. Coutinho 5.5
    3. Firmino 5.3

    So when he starts, Mane is the best option. But Firmino won the 3-way battle due to security of starts and not having legs made of glass.

    If all were equally priced, who would you favour?

    1. Eden Hazardous
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If classed as midfielder , Firmino. Mane otherwise.

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I reckon Mane will be 0.5m more than the other two who will be priced the same.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, probably. 9.0m and 9.5. Could be decent options.

        Who would you favour?

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Will start with the most expensive, so can easily downgrade if required.

          Much easier than trying to upgrade, especially if say Firmino or Coutinho's price drops in week 1 after a poor performance.

          So Mane.

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

            Mane for me as well

    3. Parm
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Mane(pure goal threat) then Firmino(goal + assist threat as a false 9) then Coutinho(reliance on long range shots for goals)

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

      Same opinion as start of last season. Mane easily followed by Firmino then Coutinho pourmoi.

    5. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Is Firm being reclassified an actual possibility? As an 8.5 striker he'd be of more interest than in midfield, purely for consistency against alternative options.

    6. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Exactly how they are listed, points per game order. All three got double-digits 7 times but Firmino played 800 minutes more. I think Mane's role stays consistent regardless of striker/formation, so I'd pick him.

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

      Coutinho in the 8 >>

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

      I like Mané from the three both to watch and from an FPL perspective.

    9. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      coutinho at 9 would surely be a steal whenever he's fit.

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

        I reckon it will be Coutinho - 10, Mane and Firmino 9.5.

        1. Coaly
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          No chance Cout is more than Mane imo

        2. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Ouch. So Alli and Eriksen would be around 11.0?

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

      It's out of Coutinho and Mane. Firmino just doesn't do it for me for some reason.

      I'd probably go with Coutinho but I'd want to see some early season data and I really don't think I'd settle on one for the season.

      As folk know, I have a soft spot for Mane.

  7. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone believe their is any truth in the rumours about Sanchez and Ozil going to move because they changed their bio on instagram?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I seriously doubt it 😆 😆

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Fanpage of Arsenal was making a big fuss about it

    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Sanchez deserves to play in CL and so does Ozil, won't be surprised if they do move

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sanchez moving to a PL team will cause chaos.

        If he does leave, reckon I might start without an Arse.

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

          I thought you always did.

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            😉

    3. Licky
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      It wouldn't surprise me if they were off. Either or both.

  8. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Lots of mention of Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea & Arsenal doing/planning business.

    A bit worried we're got get left behind if we don't get busy in the transfer market soon.

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

      Partick Thistle?

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Aye, not see us mentioned yet.

        Well there was something about the janitor retiring, but no clue who'll replace him.

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

          After a long search the club will ask the janitor to come out of retirement for the 6th time

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            ...and play up front again.

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

      Who are we?

  9. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I love it when people do hit analysis on the top 50/100/1k and tell you to take less hits.

    Of course these players take less hits, they're at the top because they make the right decisions first time(with FTs) and play very safe. You have to take hits when you're behind to correct mistakes and try and chase back the points lost.

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

      Exactly!

    2. money face bandwagon
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      but you cannot always make the correct first time moves..while patience might see your moves pay off eventually, making an early hit to remedy your mistakes could be more crucial to get a better rank

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah so true. The advantage some teams get for luckily picking a good team at the start is massively unfair.

      Every season I start GW2 around the 3m and spend the whole year clawing my way through ghost ships and dead casuals.

      1. money face bandwagon
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        picking a flexible team will reduce the impact when you got stuck at 3m rank in gw2

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah, I always aim to get a mid table rank (~1.5m) by playing the ownership game for GW1. Normally works out okay.

          Anything else is gravy.

      2. Parm
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I'm building a purely GW1-2 team next season. GW3 WC.

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Or BB in GW1 just to get into the top third, much easier to stay there than climb there.

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

      I'm not sure it's true though - Ronka took fewer hits and struggled.

      I felt last season, hits in moderation, we're pretty much unavoidable to compete.

    5. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Exactly! (Just seen Moin said the same a lot earlier - he's right)

  10. money face bandwagon
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    in short- minefield

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Aaargh! Where? Everyone stay perfectly still.

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        😀

  11. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Will espadrilles make a comeback this summer?

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

      I doubt it

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Not even for casual wear?

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

          I doubt it, people still prefer Loafers
          whereas I personally prefer Flip Flops

          1. Parm
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Flip flops and a male romper.

          2. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            But what about Miami Vice? Surely we're due a retro throw back sooner or later?

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      The hot trend this summer is to wear just one. Try it out! Everyone will think you are the coolest kid in town.

    3. Geriatric Unathletic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Nah, career ending injury 🙂

  12. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Cricket is such an easy sport. Half the players are overweight as no strenuous activity or real talent required.

    Enjoying the fantasy though to pass the time 🙂

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

      You should have become a cricketer. Would have earned a lot of money.

      1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        How much do they earn on average?

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

          If you are an Indian cricketer, average pay would be1-2 million.
          So is the case with some Australian and South Africans.
          English lads didn't used to earn so much but now they will earn more as they have started playing in the IPL.

          1. Parm
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            If you're ginger you'd fit right into this England team too.

          2. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Not bad at all for just swinging a bat around. Could probably learn how to play in a few weeks.

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

              Waiting to see you represent your country in world cup 2019.

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      It requires talent - far more important than weight, although fitness is an increasingly important factor.

  13. Jambot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Fletcher to stoke Pulis will be upset west brom messed up new contract negotiations I can see him leaving soon

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

      Where does Pulis go next? He running out of Mid table teams.

      1. Licky
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        First club to sack their manager after finding themselves dangerously near the drop zone.

      2. Tansey
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Restabilise Palace? Scott Dann in a Pulis team, gimme that

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

          He could work his debt off he owes them a few mill right?

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

            Ha no chance he goes back to Palace

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

      Will Hughes rub it in when he announces Fletcher? Surely he can't resist that chance?

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

        Tony can just ask how many Saido has scored so far in return 🙂

  14. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Will climate change affect Drinkwater's performance next season?

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      It will, but Barry Chokesondust will be in his element.

      He's not a real player. I made him up. Just then.

        1. Make Arrows Green Again
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Ha! I love Philomena.

          "No one likes Christmas pudding, but we have to respect it"

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Her & Barry Sh1tpeas, along with Doug Stanhope, first names on my team sheet.

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

      Muslims in Ramadan Kante Drinkwater

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

    Upvotes boost the ego like nothing else

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

      And lols irritate like nothing else.

    2. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Bring back downvotes!!

      1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        -1

      2. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        The only solution is the ironic upvote. You will know what you meant and that's all that matters.

  16. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Why is it that during every summer we gain a troll or two?

    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Climate change.

      1. Chucky
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        😀

      2. Parm
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        ...is a myth. Just like the earth being round. A myth.

    2. Licky
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe they're always there its just with nothing to do but speculate and... well not much else we start to notice them? That and the young ones are off school.

    3. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Why is it that during every summer we gain another Optimus account or two?

      FTFY

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

      Brexit could be the latest reason. Don't know about the old ones.

    5. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Heat drives them out from under bridges?? 😀

    6. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Covfefe.

  17. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Mo Salah actually any good? Didn't get much of a chance at Chelski but now tearing it up albeit in a tinpot league

    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Nah he's the jizz.

    2. Licky
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He didn't settle or something, he's a good player but I'm not sure about him.

    3. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He seemed decent, maybe just another one of those that JM didn't fancy for whatever reason!

    4. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'll preface this with that I'm usually quite unbiased, that can probably be seen by my constant bashing of Firmino this season! 😛

      I actually really rate him - even when he was at Chelsea. I haven't looked into it but I just recall Mourinho only ever subbing him on late in the games to try and hold onto a lead and he had to perform a defensive role whilst trying to attack on the counter or in games that didn't really matter. I could be totally mis-remembering this though! 😛

      I rate him a lot higher than most it seems, would be a good signing imo.

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

        He barely played at Chelsea and hardly set the world alight from what I can remember.

        But if Klopp wants him I'll take it. Just not sure how he'd fit in, can only really be on the right wing with Coutinho, if he stays, dropping deeper

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

      Salah is awesome. I remember him playing in Europe for Basel and scaring the cr*p out of Chelsea and Spurs. That is why Chelsea signed him in the first place. If he goes to Liverpool and is priced reasonably I will definitely watch him. He is just one of many Mou never bothered with - see KDB, Lukaku, Cuadrado, Mata etc

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        *scoring. 😉

  18. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Have you seen this?
    https://youtu.be/xAmMtPb2g6c

    1. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Like he lost his leg and his dog died at the same time.

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        😆 +1

  19. Tansey
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    One has to question if he's actually being serious

  20. Tansey
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    reply fail to above

    1. Tansey
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      double reply fail ... love this site on mobile

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

        Are you using the mobile view of desktop view on mobile?

        1. Tansey
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Mobile view... might give desktop view a spin

        2. Tansey
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Nothing wrong with mobile view, my ageing phone is the problem I think

      2. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Go for the hat-trick. The goal is gaping...

  21. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Darren Fletcher to Stoke confirmed: https://twitter.com/stokecity/status/870308725973803009

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

        Tony Pulis...... Your luck is....

    1. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Destroys Cameron as a prospect then

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Brexit did that.

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

      Imagine Tony's face. Blimey.

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

      Can't believe Mark Hughes is still at that club.

    4. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lol wow, Stoke love a solid midfielder don't they? Whelan, Cameron, Adam, Fletcher... all much of a muchness in my mind!

  22. Individual
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Hi guys

    On a slow news day, just a short (and very cheeky) plug for mine and + Matamatic's blog, Who Got The Assist? (@whoassisted_FPL / fb.com/whogottheassist).

    We've two new articles out this week:
    1) The second instalment of my "future trends series" articles, which features analysis of how all of us play a part in changing people's behaviour and decisions, what I've called the meta game: http://whogottheassist.com/posts/239 (a bit of a long read, but necessarily so to some extent)
    2) Nick on five of the summer 'sleeper' stories that are worth keeping an eye on during the off season:
    http://whogottheassist.com/posts/229

    We will be recording our maiden pod on Sunday morning, which we will (as long as we don't have a big technological meltdown) be unleashed on the world on either Sunday night or Monday morning 😀

    Thanks for your time guys, any feedback either here, or via the social media channels would be greatly appreciated.

    Individual (Tom) and Matamatics (Nick)

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Looks like a great read, Individual, and that's a brilliant name for a site. I will check it out and send feedback. Cheers.

      1. Individual
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Hey Redarrows! Much appreciated mate 🙂 we were planning it for ages, just such a shame that @whogottheassist is taken on twitter by an annoyingly inactive user! But at least we got the URL 😀

        Be great to hear your thoughts and feedback!

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

      In psychology, the (highly, highly condensed) idea behind herd mentality is that emotional motivations – greed and fear – drive the need to conform.
      Great lines. Fantastic read.

      1. Individual
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks FPL Dreams 🙂 really happy to hear!

  23. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Liverpool sources said Van Dijk was a done deal. Now some are they saying it's not happening. The transfer window is not a fun time for a liverpool fan

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

      Can't wait to se the #WelcomeVirgil.

    2. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Haha Griezmann was 1000000% going to United, deal done yesterday.

      It's always like that in silly season: take it all with scepticism until it's a done deal 😀

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Griezmann was never a done deal as long as Atletico had that transfer ban. Now that it was confirmed, there's no chance he leaves Atleti.

    3. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, somehow I find it hard to feel sympathy for the fans of rich clubs piling up ridiculous sums of money to get poorer clubs' stars sit on their benches.

    4. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      It's just better to tune out of the Liverpool Twitter frenzy, almost all and probably all of these ITK accounts are just taking educated guesses about what will happen to make it look like they have the scoop or are trying to infer things from the odds.

      Only trust the likes of James Pearce (baring in mind his agenda), Dominic King(DM), Ben Smith(BBC), Tony Barrett(Joe), Paul Joyce(Times), Andy Hunter(Guardian) and even then a lot of these guys lost their unofficial earpiece when Ian Ayre left the club.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I wouldnt say King is reliable. Melissa Reddy is reliable but because the club use her as a mouth piece.

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

      What about the Southampton fans? Liverpool have done enough asset stripping there surely ? Haha!

  24. Camp No No
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Talking about Monaco, by reputation a rich money club, selling their best assets to England, this is what I mean when I say PL TV deal money is just silly: Sunderland, the dead last of the league, got almost twice as much money from TV rights of the domestic league this season as Monaco, the French champions and CL semi-finalists, and even when you count the CL TV rights in, Monaco only surpasses Sunderland by £14,5M, or by 15% of Sunderland's TV money total. That considered, it is not so surprising that Sunderland's last 3 years net transfer spending (£62M) is £144M more than AS Monaco's (-£82M, without counting the Martial bonuses).

    Obviously, a player like Silva wouldn't move to Sunderland, though, and there was never a question about City being richer club than Monaco. Also, it is a factor that the foreign TV deal for Ligue 1 is poor also compared to other big leagues, and Monaco is a relatively low visibility champion (small supporter base), so for example Juventus does get more TV money from domestic league than Sunderland - however, I have not yet seen the complete tables for Serie A TV rights money distribution for this season but Juventus is very likely the only club that surpasses Sunderland's TV rights money without added EL or CL prizes, and I haven't counted it but it seems unlikely, although possible, that either Napoli or Roma would pass Sunderland even with their CL/EL money. Just mean to show how ridiculously rich the Sky Sports TV deal has made every PL club.

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

    @DavidAmoyal Been personally told that Liverpool has made a bid for Salah but Roma rejected the offer

    Pay up and get this done. And let's announce the other one asap. Ta ra

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He is a Di Marzio soldier so through him gets some info I think. If Vvd or this doesnt happen, im going to have a massive internal error

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

        Liverpool's biggest problem is leaking everything and letting other clubs with more money have a chance to hijack deals.

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Meanwhile city just sign players on the down low. Graeme kelly hinting FSG hindering us due to paying low wages

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

            The wages issue has been a problem for a long time.

            When talking about top level PL teams, it is more so the wage than anything else. We need to be realistic, no player, despite what they say, is joining a PL side for Champions League football, because none of the really top players are that fussed about going out in the group stages/round of 16. But if you can offer them 50/100k a week more than other teams, 99 times out of 100 that's what they'll go for. FSG gotta stump up them big pay packets.

            1. Licky
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Its a weird one, we've got a lot of bang average players on big wage packets as it is (I'm not saying major money but for what those players are its really just pissing money away), we need more quality less quantity and if there is a major injury crisis bring in some of the youngsters.

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

                This is something I've said about Pool for a few seasons now, lot of players on moderate pay. If it was trimmed even a bit, with some added funds from FSG as well they could offer maybe 2/3 players the really big money deals. That's what I think is needed anyways.

      2. Licky
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I just don't get my hopes up anymore.

  26. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Yaya signs new City deal: https://t.co/Nqg1svFyVJ

    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      (no one cares)

    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Good Business by City

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

      Crazy amount of options City have in midfield and attack

  27. bojack
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Colleague: be interested to see what happens on June 8th, not long now

    Me: I thought the fixtures were coming out on the 12th?

    ...

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

      Take a bow both of you.

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      What's on June 8th?

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

        election

        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Yep just googled it. It'll be a welcome relief when it's over My Twitter is full of people telling me how amazing Jeremy Corbyn is.

  28. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Just realised my membership has gone 🙁

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

      Reach deep into your pockets.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        preseason membership still £12.50 like last year, good value IMO.

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

          Yeah it's peanuts really.

  29. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I'm currently on 622 points (position 4725) in ICC Champions Trophy Fantasy Cricket. Thanks to Root and Tamim Iqbal tons, and 75 not out from Morgan (who I captained), so mixed feeling there.

    How are you guy's doing ?

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

      658 from 5

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

      0 from 0.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        guessing you are not playing, although I wasn't particularly keen on stocking up on England and Bangladesh players.

  30. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Do City really need him?