Bolton Wanderers are rarely a source of reliable Fantasy talent and yet when Owen Coyle clinched the signing of Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov from affluent neighbours Man City, he handed us all an instant target for our mid-price midfield funds.
Petrov arrived at the Reebok having turned down an extension to his contract at Eastlands to sign a three-year deal with the Trotters. He departed City under a cloud; frustrated by a catalogue of injuries, chiefly to his troublesome knee and seemingly disgruntled by his treatment at the club.
“The only person I want to thank at Manchester City is the physio and not the other guys. I want to make that clear.”
He was right to thank the City medical team; they have been regular acquaintances during his three-year stay. Petrov’s injuries have blighted his career in England and his propensity to find himself in the company of the physio will be the one major caveat when considering him as a Fantasy option this term…
The Statistics
Opinion…
Jon Reeson
“I honestly think he could be ‘Fantasy Gold’ again at Bolton this season and I was hoping he might go unnoticed by most.
With Lee on the right wing and Petrov on the left, Bolton could catch the eye and maybe Kevin Davies could benefit from some Petrov assists too.
His first 3 games are Fulham (H), West Ham (A) and Birmingham (H), so we should get a chance to see his likely form straight away, if he’s on fire, you can expect a return on your investment of just 6.0m when everyone else jumps on the bandwagon and his value increases.”
Having proved his worth at Wolfsburg and Athletico Madrid, Petrov arrived in Manchester in 2007 and made an instant impact. He became a crucial component in Sven’s revolution and was handed 34 starts in the campaign which returned an impressive 5 goals and 11 assists. The Fantasy Premier League bonus points duly followed with a healthy return of 21 points that season.
From that point on Petrov’s returns are crippled by recurring knee problems and stifled relations with his bosses. The 2008/09 season was a right-off with just 4 starts and 5 sub appearances restricting his output. Injuries played their part but in truth he never looked in favour with Mark Hughes and subsequently failed to hold down a starting role even when fit.
As further expensive talent flooded in at Eastlands, even Roberto Mancini’s appointment failed to prompt a change in fortunes. Petrov, again haunted by knee problems, made just 8 starts with 8 sub appearances last term. A return of 4 goals and 3 assists appeared to play Petrov back in the reckoning but his knee got the better of him again in April to end his season and ultimately his stay at City.
The Potential
Memories of that first Premier League season under Sven live long in the memory. Petrov tore into the West Ham defence on the opening day and went on to cement his reputation as a flyer; a winger blessed with an explosive turn of pace and direct style that can terrorise full-backs.
Not surprisingly there’s much excitement surrounding his arrival at Bolton then. Petrov’s own words have fuelled that, offering clear indication that he will play a vital part in a more attacking side next term…
“Bolton is a good team in England, it’s not one of the big names but I came here because I spoke with the manager and he told me he wants to play football, to play with wingers and to score more goals – that’s very important for me.”
The combination of the pacey Petrov from the left and the trickery of Chung-Yong Lee on the right look potent threats and, as local legend Nathan Blake has pointed out, the service they can provide could well be vital not least to the returns of stalwart battering ram Kevin Davies…
“Now they’ve got Petrov and I’m sure Kevin Davies will be delighted and the prospect of having him and Chung-Yong Lee creating chances from wide positions. I know I would. If they can get quality balls into him, he’ll score a lot more goals than he has been doing.”
Opinion…
Granville
“Since arriving on these shores Petrov at times has looked the real deal but unfortunately has been dogged by injuries and not really fulfilled his promise.
His scoring output of a goal every 4.5 games is reflected in his price but if Bolton can get bodies in the box and that’s a big if, his probing runs down the left flank could make him a big assister.
On a more positive note he will have had a summer rest and a starting role with Bolton is assured.”
A lot more goals? What like 20? Kevin Davies? Steady on there Nathan…
“I think Kevin should be setting himself a target of 12 goals as a bare minimum next season.”
Ahh..that’s more like it.
A more attacking Bolton does look assured. Owen Coyle’s side struggled for goals on his arrival at the club and the move for Petrov looks to be a clear sign of intent. The only doubt surrounds the Bulgarian’s ability to avoid the treatment room. Petrov has quickly stepped in to assure his new fans on that front…
“My knee is fine now…If my knee was not good, I don’t think Bolton would have signed me. I’ve spoken with the doctor and physio from Bolton, and have made a special programme for my knee to build up my muscle.”
Reassuring perhaps although, having not played since February, the threat of further problems will hang over him. Will that concern be enough to perturb Fantasy suitors? It’s looks unlikely. He’ll be mid-price across the various Fantasy games and already his valuation of 6.0 in the Fantasy Premier League game has roused the attention of many.
Should Petrov match his first season at City for starts then double figures in assists with a sprinkling of goals and FPL bonus looks set to come his way. Thirty plus starts may well be a big ask but a decent trio of fixtures to open the season appears to provide the perfect platform for Petrov to prove his worth and stake a claim for our squad funds early on.