Scout Reports

Moving Target – Harry Maguire

Leicester City completed their first move of the summer transfer window with Thursday’s signing of Hull City defender Harry Maguire for an undisclosed fee, reportedly worth £17 million.

The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Foxes and will link up with his new team-mates in early July ahead of their pre-season training camp in Austria.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Maguire revealed that the Foxes fought off interest from a number of clubs to secure his services, while the former Sheffield United player outlined what Leicester fans can expect from their new signing:

“There were a number of clubs interested, but when I met the manager here, he pretty much swayed it into the direction of this club. He showed me the way that the club is going… With my experience in the Premier League, overall I set my sights on defending, but I can play with the ball at my feet and I’m comfortable doing so, so hopefully, I can show the fans that.”

The History

Maguire came through the ranks of his hometown club Sheffield United to make his first-team debut at the age of 18 as a substitute against Cardiff City in April 2011.

He made four further appearances for the Blades during the 2010/11 campaign, but couldn’t prevent the club from being relegated to League One.

Maguire established himself as a regular starter the following season, making 44 league appearances, which yielded one goal and four assists.

He would make a further 85 league appearances over the following two seasons, registering eight goals and three assists, playing predominantly at centre-back.

His impressive performances prompted interest from both Hull City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Tigers eventually snapping up the young defender in a deal worth £2.5 million in July 2014.

Maguire only made three Premier League appearances for Hull in 2014/15 though, with the defender sent out on loan to Championship outfit Wigan Athletic during the second half of the campaign, where he tallied one goal and an assist in 16 outings.

The Tigers were then relegated back to the Championship, but Maguire again struggled to nail down a regular starting spot in 2015/16, making just 24 league appearances.

It was only last season when Maguire established himself as a regular starter, playing 29 league matches, tallying two goals and two assists as the Tigers again suffered relegation.

Maguire made once appearance for England U21s against Northern Ireland in November 2012 but has yet to be capped at senior level.

The Prospects

Following a hugely impressive campaign – particularly once Marco Silva took charge at the KCOM Stadium – Maguire’s stock has soared rapidly.

He’ll arrive at Leicester to compete primarily with experienced duo Wes Morgan and Robert Huth – along with Yohan Benalouane – for a berth in central defence. However, he could also offer competition and cover for Danny Simpson at right-back.

After keeping 15 clean sheets in the 2015/16 title-winning campaign, the Foxes recorded just nine shut-outs last term.

Morgan struggled with back and hamstring injuries during the tail end of the season, and with the Jamaican and Huth aged 33 and 32 respectively, bolstering their centre-back options was a clear priority.

Maguire will be expected to command a regular starting role and with Morgan still the club captain at the King Power Stadium, it may be Huth who is most at risk.

Comparing the trio’s underlying statistics from last season, it was Maguire who clearly boasted a greater goal threat, averaging an attempt every 67.9 minutes, superior to both Huth (112.7) and Morgan (173.6).

Indeed, Maguire was second only to Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso for shots from inside the box among Fantasy Premier League (FPL) defenders, registering 24 over the course of the season, one less than the Blues wing-back.

His attacking strengths mark Maguire out as a rare talent at centre -back and perhaps a major target in FPL terms.

The former Sheffield United defender has produced goals and assists throughout his career; with a direct threat from dead-balls and also as a presence in the box at set-plays.

His defensive statistics are also strong in comparison with his new Leicester team-mates.

Despite making four Premier League starts at right-back, Maguire bettered Morgan for minutes per clearance, block and interception (CBI). He registered a CBI every 9.78 minutes, compared with 10.80 for Morgan, while Huth produced a CBI every 9.51 minutes.

The gap is even wider when it comes to tackles won.

Maguire’s spell at full-back gives him an advantage here but, even so, the comparison is stark. He produced a successful tackle every 59.2 minutes last season, with Morgan and Huth winning a challenge every 173.6 and 133.1 minutes respectively.

In both cases, this could and should give Maguire a clear advantage in the Bonus Points System (BPS). Morgan failed to produce a single bonus point last season, with Huth mustering just one, whereas Maguire totalled five.

As the player himself indicates, it’s fair to say that Maguire is far more comfortable on the ball than the current crop of Leicester centre-backs – he attempted 39 dribbles, completing 29; Morgan attempted eight, with Huth daring to dribble the ball just once all season.

Maguire has the confidence and ability to bring the ball out of defence to distribute passes.

He completed 76.2% of his passes last term, again stronger than both Huth (71.4) and Morgan (67.7). That created 11 chances for team-mates, with the Leicester pair generating six and four respectively.

Maguire’s presence could change the dynamic in central areas for Leicester and bring some extra quality in possession.

This may allow Craig Shakespeare to tweak his side’s tactics somewhat, relying less on the counter-attack and perhaps beginning to build from the back and through midfield with more regularity.

Coming off their title-winning season, both Morgan and Huth were priced at 5.0 in FPL last season, and that looks the likely price point for Maguire this time around.

That could well represent value during 2017/18, but Leicester’s tough opening schedule (ars, BRT, mun, CHE, hud, LIV) means that Maguire is unlikely to attract initial investment.

That testing start will allow Fantasy managers to sit back and analyse Shakespeare’s team selection and tactics to assess Maguire’s prospects when Leicester’s fixtures improve from Gameweek 7.

With just five clean sheets with Hull last season, Maguire should deliver stronger defensive returns this time around.

There is also clear evidence that he has the tools to dominate his centre-back team-mates to rival left-back Christian Fuchs in the shake-up for bonus points.

Add his considerable attacking threat, and it’s clear that Maguire could be one of the leading options available in the mid-price bracket should Leicester build on the momentum gained under Shakespeare.

Further Reference

Harry Maguire Wikipedia

Harry Maguire Transfer Markt Page

Harry Maguire You Tube

525 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FPL price manipulators are …
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    FPL did not open

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      And now y'all can suffer with this as top of the page whilst I'm fast asleep. And no I will not apologise

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Great Hobby .

      1. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I can't sleep. I should've been asleep an hour ago

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          It's not going to be a good Monday in the UK - the overnight temperature has been 19/20º and most of the workforce will be crotchety today.

          1. meerlight
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Actually, today I have the welcome relief of air conditioning -- maligned for most of the year, just every so often, it becomes a godsend.

      2. FPL price manipulators are …
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Don't pretend like you don't check at 4am whether it opened

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

          from the 10th of July yes, but until then it is a pointless exercise given that we have already been informed that FPL won't be open until that date.

  2. fedolefan
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    "Leicester City completed their first move of the summer transfer window with Thursday’s signing of Hull City defender Harry Maguire for an undisclosed fee, reportedly worth £17 million."

    Just curious, why are some fees undisclosed and especially if they are relatively smaller amounts? Does this mean, all disclosed fees have actually been leaked out? Surely, the undisclosed fees would be reserved for high-profile transfers like Pogba's 89m transfer or the VVD 60m figure. If clubs have a choice, then why aren't all transfer fees undisclosed? Not that they need the money, but United could do with a few undisclosed fee transfers seeing as they're quoted ridiculous prices for every transfer.

  3. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Ronaldo has reportedly asked his agent, Pedro Mendes, to do "everything possible" to get him back at United.
    https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/3828402/cristiano-ronaldo-jorge-mendes-manchester-united-plea/

    You know you're getting overly excited for the new season when you end up reading Sun articles 😆

    *hides face in shame*

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Would be a great story if he returns to United and helps them win the title.
      He's won every trophy possible with Madrid and broken all records.

    2. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Agent's invoice:

      ----
      Services: rang up Man Utd and said you want £500k a week. They accepted.

      Bill: £50m + VAT

    3. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Won't be good for FPL,will have insane ownership ,with everybody captaining him each week.

      1. JackJack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Another way to look at it is greater rewards for those who take on risk by captaining elsewhere. Especially if there is a Ron blank. Bring it on I say.

      2. Yome
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        This, would be great to have him back in the PL. But FPL wise it would be boring, a must have and captain every week like Suarez a few seasons ago.

    4. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Imagine being silly and vile enough to read/post links from that rag.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        +1.

      2. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        And those fools can't even get the name of his agent correct.

          1. Dreams
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Sorry. My bad. I thought you posted the link directly and it was written by the paper guys. Just loathe the sun.

  4. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    It's winter here in Northern Australia and today is a cool 31c with a slight breeze. My work colleagues all have long pants on. For the month of June the lowest it has been during the day was 27.2c........ Winter!

    "Britons strip off and flock outside as ‘heatwave’ grips nation, bringing temperatures of 32c"............ That's cute, Great Britain.

    1. JackJack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      23 in Brissy today. I like to wear long pants during the winter as it's genuinely the only small window when it's somewhat practical!

    2. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I love it when my girlfriend's relatives come over from Argentina and wear big thick coats and gloves when it's about 21 degrees.

  5. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    "Sandro, who has seven caps for Brazil, was formerly at Porto, with Conte having earmarked him early as a potential upgrade on Marcos Alonso at left wing-back."

    Frustrating news. Alonso was the first name on my team sheet for the new season.

    Has anyone else's plans changed?

    How many premium defenders will you be treating yourself to? Is the template still 1 premium defender and 4 cheap ones?

    1. Desertbug
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      How can one begin to answer that question without seeing prices?

      And how can your plans change over a player who hasn't yet signed?

    2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Starting to edge towards those mid priced defenders with attacking intent [in rotation] with one bench fodder ... quite a bit of uncertainty over the few premium wingbacks

      1. Desertbug
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Again, I understand boredom, but sheer folly and waste of time to do anything towards selection until you know prices and until clubs get more of their wheeling and dealing done. Go ahead if you don't have anything better to do with your time, but I seriously don't get the point of it.

        1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          These posts don't bother me as I'm constantly tinkering away with my team...fruitless or otherwise, it's the most fun part for me.

          1. Desertbug
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            But without prices, how do you even do that? Knock yourself out, I guess.

            1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Educated guesses will at least allow a roughly accurate team ... as I say I don't really care, it's just fun building the squad and no doubt dismantling it when the prices come out !

              1. Desertbug
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                OK, have fun!

    3. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Just wait and see who actually gets signed before you start to speculate on where players will lineup.

      +1 to Desertbug also.

      1. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        This. All planning will go out of the window once the prices are around. Posting things like this once is itself a tedious process for me. Tired of the reposts.

        1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Whose the babe; fantasy women's cricket ?

          1. Dreams
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            She's Ellyse Perry. The only person who makes me regret not being an Australian.

            1. nonprophet
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              You haven't seen Russell coight

              1. Dreams
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                I'm not a woman.

                1. nonprophet
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 9 months ago

                  I gathered. Don't worry

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      As good as Alonso was for me last season I was expecting a few more signings for Chelsea in that area and with the likely price hike to 7m in fpl I will be definitely approaching the Chelsea WB situation with caution. Cahill may be safest bet

      1. nonprophet
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah if I didn't get alonso at 5.8 or 5.9 I probably wouldn't of got him at 6.5, 7 and I would find value elsewhere

    5. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Why the hell would Juventus sell one of the best left (wing) backs in football right now? I just can't see that happening ...

      All I know is there will be 4.0 bench fodder and at least one 4.5 defender. Not worth tinkering before we see the prices and who actually is available for selection.

  6. nonprophet
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    When is the fpl site tipped to re open? I imagine not til next month?

    1. Desertbug
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Week of July 10

    2. Yome
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      3 weeks from today

    3. nonprophet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers. Can't wait

      1. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Oh it's you. The change in grav confused me a bit.

  7. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Daily Mirror reporting that United will offer Real Madrid £175 million plus David De Gea for a 32 year old

    Please let this be true

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Why? Would destroy the game we all love as he'd be like 16m yet everyone would have to have him...

  8. Would a Ronaldo return help or hinder FPL?
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    If Ronaldo (and it's a big if at this stage) re-joined Manchester United would it harm or hinder FPL.

    With the Portuguese likely to command a 14m price tag and be the most popular captain choice each week would that make the game boring. Surely a 60-70% ownership would be inevitable.

    But would it play into the hands of FPL veterans, whose knowledge of differentials would see them scoop up the better bargains needed to secure the Real Madrid man.

    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I like the prospect of him returning - and yet again I stress its a big if that he does. When Ronaldo was last in the game he was highly owned but I remember the veterans on this site did much better as they had the extra knowledge to get in quality differentials. For me I welcome a return but can see why others don't.

      1. My Name Is Prince
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I have to confess that my best season in FPL was that Suarez's last season, when I capped him week, in week out... So yeah, maybe it plays into the hands of good FPL players after all 🙂

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          My best season was that one too - 13/14...but not because of Suarez - because I also doubled up with Sturridge, which not many did.

          It was also Puncheon's best season - so shows that getting unusual differentials is also key to success.

          Yes Suarez gave a base for a good score - but there are 10 other players needed to do well.

          1. My Name Is Prince
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah, but there are 11 players that need to do well in FPL every season! With a big player in the game that everyone has, especially Ronaldo who's probably the best footballer at the moment in the world, it would just be a 10 player game instead of 11 player game...

            1. J0E
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              6 years, 9 months ago

              Yes it becomes an 10 not 11 player game- but there is far less cash for those remaining 10...which I think makes it harder. Ronaldo will be 3m more than Kane or Lukaku were last season....that means for the remaining 10 players we have far less money and therefore more skill will be required.

    2. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Of course it would hinder FPL! Everyone would have to have him, and captain him every week... Like when Suarez was around, just more expensive...

      It would play into the hands of those who would just boringly cap him every week. It depends how many good bargains there really would be, and this could also increase the element of luck in FPL because the bargain players are so unpredictable, unless they are like Mahrez, Vardy, or Ighalo, in which case everyone has them anyway...

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        But if everyone owns and captains him then surely FPL success will then come down to how wisely a manager uses their remaining budget.

        Getting in top players like ronaldo, Kane, Alli, Hazard etc is the easy part - spotting a top 7m midfielder or 5m striker who will help you speed up your mini-leagues - that's the tricky part.

        1. My Name Is Prince
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Or defensive rotation, and goalkeeper rotation, etc. Yeah, that's true... But wouldn't that be true anyway? Like last season, there was a certain amount of big-hitters that you could afford, so you had to pick a combination of those, and then use the remaining budget wisely. There's always the element of "using the remaining budget wisely" in FPL, with Ronaldo it would go from "11 man game" into a "10 man game" I would fear, plus it would kind of take a captain element of the game away too, as you would not have to pick the right one anymore...

        2. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          This. The veterans do best when the budget is stretched thin. Forcing people to gamble on unproven players would be great for FPL.

          In past seasons we've had super bargains like Kane and Mahrez that have just killed the game as everyone could afford the top performing players and had similar teams.

          Really hoping he returns! 🙂

    3. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      It'll not hinder FPL IMO. Without proper competition from players from other teams, he'll most likely be in every team. But getting the captain correct is not everything. Other players should also be properly picked.
      As for the fpl veterans, I don't think experience matters too much in this game considering the amount of information available to everyone.

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

      The veterans, I've long been of the opinion that scrapping price tags altogether or/and allowing unlimited transfers each GW would work in their favor as well. The vast majority would have sides full of the same big name and inform players every week , giving the more knowledgeable players the opportunity to spot the differentials needed to out score the masses.

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        That is a really interesting notion.

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

          I'd love it if the new unknown feature for next season is the option to do this. It would be interesting to see who it would pan out in reality.

      2. Qubit
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        The whole point of FPL is strategy/tactics used to achieve your team to score the most points. Take that away and its not half as interesting tbh.

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

          The strategy/tactics element would still be there, with the emphasis on spotting the differential and who to drop to bring them in, rather than to spot those who are likely to outperform their price tags.

          1. Qubit
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            That's not what i meant. It would totally bypass the team management aspect within the framework of a limited budget and transfers. This would reduce the game massively, for me at least, and i think many others. (its really the part of this game i enjoy the most).

            Otherwise its just simply a pick the players you think will do best each week. I think it would further increase the luck element. Of course i could be wrong 🙂

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

              I don't disagree or think it will ever happen, just feel it would favor the veterans who have in an depth knowledge of the game. 2FT's a GW would be a happy compromise IMO, that would favour the veterans with an eye for a differential.

              1. Qubit
                • 14 Years
                6 years, 9 months ago

                Id like to see a limited pool of transfers - say 50 for the season and that's it - and management of those would be key.

      3. RedLightning
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Scrapping price tags and allowing unlimited transfers would change FPL from a game with a gradually evolving squad to a weekly dream team - a completely different game.

        If that's what you want then you should play Sun Dream Team or Scout Picks Challenge instead.

    5. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Hope Ron comes as it would possibly reduce Kane's price. Be a fun battle between the two for top scorer.

    6. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Knowing the scouts on FPL give away all the differential information this season is set to be the most boring to date.. Will be totally down to luck as most will have pretty much the same key players... Template right from the start..

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        So to answer you Jonty veterans wont have any edge and will most likely struggle to reach 10k in the upcoming season if ronaldo switches or not switches.. bookmark this for later 😉

        1. J0E
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          So you say it'll make it tougher for veterans.....in that case surely to be welcomed as it presents us with a challenge.

          Challenge accepted 🙂

    7. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      It will not hinder FPL. The ownership will surely be very high ,but picking the remaining players will be key. There will be lots of other big hitters too. The real deal would be to pick up the differentials/cheap players correctly,and find the right combination.It's not necessary to captain Ronaldo each week,if I have another player with better potential for the week,I won't be reluctant to captain him.

    8. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      A young Ronaldo under Ferguson and the up to date one at RM is not necessarily the one we will see playing under Mourinho's stifling tactics....that said I'd probably still get him if affordable.

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        ...and 14 m is ridiculous.

    9. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I'm on the side of hindrance here, Jonty. We've had a nice era in the last couple of seasons where there hasn't been (apart from arguably, at times, Kun) someone you absolutely had to own in the meta - someone like RvP in his prime whom you had to build your squad around.

      Kane is perhaps getting there now a bit.

      However, having CR7 back would really up the ante - the clear autocaptain and I think in the early stages of the season many active managers would be compelled to follow suit, especially with those early fixtures. It'd just be too dangerous to not captain him for the majority which imo makes more a more boring game. I love the variety of captaincies we've seen overall in the season just gone - I feel like Ronnie coming back would definitely make the game less interesting from that perspective.

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        2015/6 was all about owning one or two of Vardy Mahrez...There were essentials in that season- they just weren't expensive. This made it - in my opinion - the easiest season yet in FPL - own the cheap essentials that everyone has and have money to burn for everyone else. I pretty much cruised through that season into the 5K mark be doing hardly anything about from investing in Leicester and keeping an eye on the doubles.

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

          Hi Jonty 🙂

          Yep, you're right there actually. I had in mind players in Ronnie's price bracket to be honest, but I think even if we think about Vahrez the point still stands, despite the unique meta that presented us with in that we still had plenty of dosh to go around. Don't forget that that season was also unique in that we had to navigate the chips for the first time, too.

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            Yep, even the chips was easy for veterans - we all just assumed they would work best around doubles...two seasons into chips and that has been proved correct.

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

              Haha yes, although there is a lot of analysis into the precise order we play our chips - I do wish I'd TC'd in 37 this year and played the BB elsewhere, think the net gain would've been 20 points or so.

              But tbh I couldn't resist Kun in 27, so this is just hindsight having 20/20 vision in my case.

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

      I dont think it will help, nor hinder. I for one know, that I would steer clear. He had a lot of problems early on in this season and only became himself in the last third, when Zizou got him to agree to rest almost every game (cup or league) where Real were huge favourites to win. That was unheard of with Ronnie before then and it showed, that it helped him greatly. Cant see it happening with Mou, he will want to play every game possible. He is getting old, there is no denying that. PL is also a lot more physical and will take much more stride in his muscles day in and out, which arent what they used to be anymore. Gone are the days when he wasnt injured for few seasons straight. Both his muscles and knee were a massive problem since the Euro. Not to mention, that I cant see the delivery that he had in Madrid to have the same impact in United as he had Marcelo, Dani, Luka and Kroos all feeding him the ball while he linked perfectly with Benz (which is one of the reasons why he was a 1st teamer ahead of Morata) and never had the same connection with Morata.

      All that being said, when he hits the form, he is an amazing player. He will get you your goals, but I dont think he will outscore the likes of Kane, who are going to be a few millions cheaper.

    11. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Neither, it would just be representative of the fact that no 2 FPL seasons are the same. The job of an FPL manager is to adapt.

    12. nobwak
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Reckon he would be a forward or a midfielder?

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Forward 100%

      2. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yep, those ronaldo midfielder days are long gone, sadly.

      3. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Midfielder

    13. the Penman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Just turns FPL from a game of picking a squad of 15 for £100m to picking a squad of 14 for £86m. Perhaps that's a better, worse, harder, easier, duller, more exciting game - who knows?

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        That is very well put.

        It's fun to guess though 🙂

        1. the Penman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          It is fun. I personally might prefer it - at least (C)R7 every week will mean I avoid a sub-24-point week, and get the satisfaction of at least someone in my team producing the goods.

    14. Powell
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Very late to the party here, but I think it would ruin the game. You would HAVE to have him, which would make it very boring.

      Only way around it would be a 17m price tag.

    15. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Would make the game more boring imo.

      We would all have to captain him like 32 times out of 38

  9. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    CR7 expected FPL price tag if he joins united this summer? 🙂

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      RVP was 14m, Ronaldo has to be more than that..

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

      15m and worth every penny.

    3. Speédy
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      15m

  10. My Name Is Prince
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Think of it this way: it's either

    A) Pick Ronaldo and the best mid in the 5m-6m region...
    B) Pick the best 11m-12m striker and the best mid in the 8m-9m region

    B includes more choosing to do.

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Reply fail to the hot topic above... :s

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

      A for me, what you may or may not lose by having the 5m-6m mid will be more than made up for by Ronaldo's extra captaincy points alone IMO.

    3. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      A then 🙂

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      If you captain him every game you get two Ronaldos every week. Not bad for 7-7.5m per CR7 😉

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yup, as ever in this game it's the opportunity cost that matters though - without captaincy are Aguero/Kane/Sanchez worth the outlay? Is that a plus point? Perma-captain Ronaldo and use the rest of the budget purely to seek value and ignore raw points that come at a premium?

        I've got no idea what the answer is of course!

      2. My Name Is Prince
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Then there's the triple captain chip as well, everyone will use it on CR7... Get the price down to 5m! 😉

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

    Most UK book makers (see link below) already have Manchester United as second favorites for next seasons PL, ahead of the defending champions and at a 1/3 to a 1/4 of the odds of Spurs, Liverpool and Arsenal who all left them trailing in their wake last season.

    https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/premier-league/winner

    In your opinion are their odds justified ?

  12. A.T
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Who will Everton buy today I wonder. Celtic's Mousa Dembele and his agent were at Finch Farm yesterday apparently! 😮

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Keep dreaming Timbo. Nothing is impossible for you guys atm.

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I'm just enjoying the moment until the inevitable sales of Lukaku and Barkley, only to find we haven't spent anything after all. But for now, one can dream.

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Let's see what happens. I don't see that many people who would love to buy Barkley though.

          1. A.T
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            No me niether but someone will.

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      In other news/gossip Barcelona have activated Deulofeu's buy back clause for £10m. Sad if true but he's knackered after 20 mins so it's probably for the best 🙁

  13. boc610
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    praying that united spend 200m on a 32 year old.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      + 42.

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I thought Ronaldo and Jose didn't get on

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

      or meet the £875m release cause, bargain !

  14. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Ronaldo's knee at 15.0? Not today, thank you. 😀

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      I'd rather see Bale back tbh.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        This ^^^!

  15. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Salah to have medical this week. Once we seal the deal, we will probably focus on Van Dijk and then Naby Keita once ramadan is over. Get a left back and Aubamayang and we are good to go

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      And we'll win the title.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        *quadruple

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          High five.

  16. A.T
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Ronaldo's tax evasion story breaks. His people then brief Europe's sports media on a potential transfer away. What's everyone talking about, the transfer or the tax evasion? Mmmmm Tony Blair would have been proud of that manovoure!

    1. nobwak
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Conspiracy theorist!! 😉

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I think it was Ralph Honigstien who I heard say it. Makes sense though 😀

  17. Johqvist
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Is VVD, Keita, Auba and Mendy too much to wish for?

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Not as a Liverpool fan.

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Doubt we will pay up for Mendy. Keita and Auba unlikely too.

      1. Johqvist
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah not too hopeful. I'd settle for Salah and VVD and be happy though.

    3. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Lol PR work doing wonders.

      1. Johqvist
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Dont spoil the fun.

    4. Johqvist
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Reply fail to Internal.

    5. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Would imagine if VVD went then Saints would complain and Liverpool would end up with a transfer ban. So, it's him and noone else, or not him

    6. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Auba is not pursued by Liverpool, as Klopp doesnt buy former players. And I´m not convinced he will tackle the physical demands of PL anyway

      vvd could sulk his way to LIverpool or else it´s off, and in any case i don´t see Liverpool using so much in defence, so i think if Mendy a cheaper Cb and vice versa

      Keita could be hard to get from what i´ve heard but but it´s still early so hopefully

  18. boc610
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    no rest or recouperation for ronny if he goes to united. La liga, playing in the best team against 15 teams at least that will not put up a fight is the best environment for him, with winter breaks and not even playing in the final third of away games so he can concentrate on CL

    all of that is gone when he comes to Death Race 2017 that is now the prem league

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Erm...many moons ago, Mr Ronaldo did actually play in the PL.

      He did q well too.

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        he was in his early 20s, united were dominant , along with Chelsea. there are 6 teams now who could conceivably win the title and the bottom feeders are much stronger than they were a decade ago

        1. Jafalad
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          ...and there were just as many games played.

          Quit before you sink further.

  19. GreenWindmill
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Anyway, enough about this Ronaldo nonsense - Newcastle are closing in on Florian Lejeune 😎

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      The Florian Lejeune? Wow, amazing if true 😎

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        I know right? Looks like we're taking a tilt at the title.

    2. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Lejeune (TC)?

      1. GreenWindmill
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Shhhhh!

  20. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    If Real sign Mbappe, will Benzema be for sale?

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      No. If we sign Mbappe, the plan right now is to loan him back to Monaco for a season. Even if he stays, selling Benz would mean Kylian would be the only striker in the club so no chance.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        i'd imagine if he were to sign, he would want starting assurances

        1. CloudSky
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          You would imagine, yeah.

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

      Think he'd end up staying at Monaco even if he did sign for RM. Probably not yet the space yet - but it seems a bit mad seen as Benzema would know he's going to be replaced eventually.

      Lots of moving parts though - if CR7 leaves then suddenly everything changes again!

  21. Fpl Old Guard
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Any trolls about guessing when the new fpl will start? Or has there been any confirmed time and dates yet?

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

      wc 10th July is all we have been told so far by FPL. Still a long way to go sir 🙂

  22. Individual
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Happy Monday all!

    I asked a question the other day on which new FPL asset you guys wanted looked at using our model, which simulates player performance (in whatever league they had played in) as if they were in FPL to evaluate how good a prospect they might be.
    Literally, single figures of you answered (http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/06/16/scout-report-victor-lindelof/?hc_page=2#hc_comment_15799892).

    The winner by (kind of) popular vote was Brighton's main man, Mr Anthony Knockaert.

    So, here you go. Read up about him here: http://whogottheassist.com/posts/421

    (ps FPL Dreams, we've included Snoddy and Ramirez as comparators).

    Enjoy. Any feedback greatly appreciated. 😀

    1. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Mark will try to recruit you if you keep posting stuff like this.

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

        Haha... Well either way, I hope you enjoy the article Jaf

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 9 months ago

        Or hire someone to take out the site with a cyber attack 😉

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

          Haha, I can imagine we'll start redirecting to FFS before the day is out... 😉

    2. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks for the analysis individual. More simplified and easy to understand.
      Great writing skill.

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

        Thanks dreams! I hope you liked the inclusion of the comparators here, that was your suggestion 🙂

        Matamatics is on his honeymoon so I'm posting, but he did the bulk of the work on this one, so he deserves the credit!

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 9 months ago

          Oh yeah. I really liked the fact that you included my season. A virtual Knockaert was playing in my head.

          1. Dreams
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 9 months ago

            *suggestion.

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

              Cool 😀

  23. zLaTaN@uNiTeD
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 9 months ago

    Can anyone tell me how australia and germany will line up today in confederation cup?