Scout Reports

Scout Report – Ander Herrera

Man United made their first foray into the transfer market under Louis Van Gaal late last week by acquiring midfielder Ander Herrera from Athletic Bilbao. After paying compensation to his former club in order to buy himself out of his contract, the 24-year-old has signed a four-year deal at Old Trafford, with the fee believed to be in the region of £29m:

Van Gaal has wasted little time in reigniting the club’s interest in Herrera after a deal to bring him to the Premier League fell through at the last minute under David Moyes, with the Scot reluctant to meet Bilbao’s asking price. With Holland’s progress in the Brazil World Cup ensuring Van Gaal is still in South America, it was left to assistant boss Ryan Giggs to face the press:

“Ander is a fantastic young player, with great energy and creativity. We believe him to be one of the brightest young prospects in Spain and I am certain he will be a big hit with the United fans. I’m delighted he has made the decision to come to Manchester and play his part in the club’s future. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action on our summer tour to America.”

The History

A product of the Real Zaragoza youth system, the Bilbao-born Herrera made his debut back in 2008-09 when the club were still mired in the Spanish Second Division. Notching twice in 19 appearances, he helped steer Zaragoza back into La Liga and quickly became a key first-team player the following year, producing two goals and an assist over 30 appearances. Herrera delivered two goals and two assists the following season before joining hometown club Bilbao in a €7.5m deal.

His first couple of seasons with Bilbao saw Herrera produce just two goals and nine assists over 63 appearances in the Spanish top-flight before he turned in the most impressive season of his career in 2013/14. Fielded in the role in “the hole” in a 4-2-3-1, the 24-year-old notched five times and teed up five assists to help his side finish fourth and secure Champions League qualification for the campaign ahead.

Yet to play for the Spanish national side, Herrera has had plenty of experience at youth level for his country. The midfielder has turned out for the Spanish U20, U21 and U23 sides on a total of 30 occasions and found the net seven times.

The Prospects

While there’s no denying Herrera is a quality addition in the centre of the park, his versatility – allied with uncertainty over Van Gaal’s preferred formation – means there are question marks over his Fantasy prospects for the season ahead.

Considering the sizeable fee involved, it’s fair to say that the new boy hasn’t rolled up to Old Trafford to fight for a first-team place, though. We can expect Herrera to be a key player as the new man in charge looks to overhaul the playing squad – Moyes’ big-money signing Marouane Fellaini may well struggle to nail down a starting berth and could be sold on in the lengthy restructuring process. A lack of European football for United next term is another positive – rest and rotation will be far less of an issue, with Van Gaal firmly focussed on clinching the Premier League crown in his first season at the helm.

The 24-year-old is adaptable enough to slot comfortably into a three-man midfield if Van Gaal opts for a 4-3-3 set-up, with his distribution from deep and eye for a killer through-ball affording the Old Trafford club a much-needed creativity in the centre. The new United boss has other tactical alternatives, though. Holland’s current 3-4-1-2 formation, designed to hit opponents on the counter, has proven effective in the World Cup so far and could see Herrera either slot into the centre of the park in a four-man midfield or be shifted into “the hole” behind a front two. If Van Gaal opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation, the Spaniard could just as easily sit in front of the back-four in a double-pivot or be utilised as a playmaker behind a lone forward, reprising his Bilbao role.

Indeed, with some Spanish-based journalists convinced that Herrera’s best position is in “the hole”, Van Gaal has decisions to make for the season ahead. The new boy’s arrival places question marks over just where Juan Mata will be utilised – a move to the flank would surely diminish his potential, though it’s intriguing to note that Herrera created 1.6 chances per appearance for Bilbao in 2013/14 – a total of 53 in 33 appearances – whilst Mata averaged 2.2 key passes per game last term, totalling 63 from 28 Premier League matches for Chelsea and United.

With further uncertainty over Van Gaal’s intentions for Wayne Rooney, it seems that, until the veteran takes the reins and the pre-season friendlies get underway, only Robin Van Persie’s role and position in the United XI looks assured, with the former Arsenal man set to lead the line regardless of formation.

The recently-released Premier League fixture list certainly bodes well for Herrera’s prospects – Van Gaal’s side have the kindest opening schedule of any side over the opening eight Gameweeks, according to our fixture ticker. Home games against Swansea, QPR, West Ham and Everton, allied with Sunderland, Burnley, Leicester and West Brom suggest the Red Devils could be quick out the blocks, with investment in their key assets looking vital for Fantasy managers. If a more advanced role is on the cards, Herrera would be a welcome option for Fantasy managers having been deprived of a legitimate United midfield option for at least the past couple of seasons.

Further Reference

Ander Herrera Wikipedia

Ander Herrera Transfermarkt page

Ander Herrera 2013/14 You Tube Highlights

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

686 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Beavis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Have we established whether it will be Miller or Acosta in Duarte's place? Lots were saying Miller, Demi said Acosta I believe...

    Open Controls
    1. LOCO ABREU
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      miller is injured i heard

      Open Controls
      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Ah right, just saw that thanks.

        Link for anyone who wants it: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=miller-injury-doubt-for-costa-rica-2390645.html

        Open Controls
    2. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Acosta I believe

      Open Controls
  2. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Top 4 prediction?

    Chelsea
    City
    United
    Arsenal

    Open Controls
    1. r0nh
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      What makes you think Utd will dramatically improve from last season?

      Open Controls
      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        New manager with pedigree, summer signings and no Europe. Pretty obvious isn't it?

        Open Controls
        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Pedigree means feck all for managers, he might not work at United, nobody knows until he starts.

          I think United will improve but I don't think their squad is top 4 standard yet.

          Open Controls
          1. Beavis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            I didn't see it will work, I just said it's pretty obvious why anyone would think United would do well this season. We dropped from champions to 7th in a season where we had an incompetent manager and everybody under-performed. There's no reason not to believe that we won't see improvement.

            Open Controls
            1. Beavis
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              say*

              Open Controls
            2. Irish Madridista ⭐
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Yep that's fair! 🙂
              Looking forward to LVG vs Mourinho 😎

              Open Controls
        2. r0nh
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          My arse!!

          Open Controls
    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Impossible to tell until all of the transfers are made, one player could make a HUGE difference.

      As it stands though..

      1-Chelsea
      2-City
      3-Arsenal
      4-Liverpool
      5-United

      Open Controls
    3. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Same 4 as you although I couldn't possibly predict the order yet.

      Open Controls
    4. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      United (No CL will help them in this cause)
      Chelsea
      City (If Yaya Leaves)
      Arsenal/Tottenham

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        No chance of United winning the league.

        RVP can't last a full season and their backup is Rooney and Welbeck. Sums it up.

        Open Controls
        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Rooney performed well last season...Welbeck is a doubt but may improve under LVG..

          Open Controls
        2. Demí
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          RVP can't last a full season is a myth. Surely he's done enough now to erase the injury prone tag

          Open Controls
          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            By getting injured last season again?

            Open Controls
            1. Beavis
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Moyes' training regimes. 😉

              Open Controls
            2. Moin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Under LVG he will be more dangerous..

              Open Controls
              1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                True, he's a great striker, but he IS injury prone imo.

                Open Controls
            3. Demí
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Not sure that means he's injury prone again. Every player gets injuries. He lasted a full season in Arsenal's last one, and played pretty much every game in United's first season.

              Van Persie's appearances in the last 3 years: 57, 53 and 36

              Open Controls
              1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                2 good seasons in 10 though, I think it's a justified label, especially now that he's getting older and played in a world cup this summer.

                Open Controls
                1. Demí
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 9 months ago

                  Won't be in Europe this year, so he'll rarely play twice a week, therefore making injuries less likely

                  Open Controls
                  1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                    • 13 Years
                    9 years, 9 months ago

                    Ah that's a good point actually, hopefully that helps him a bit! Hate to see the best players out injured, just feels like such a waste.

                    Open Controls
                2. pundit of punts
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 9 months ago

                  The WC is a major factor. And Holland going deep into the tournament doesn't help either.

                  Open Controls
          2. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Hope you're right. Good competition between the top teams is always good to watch.

            But I highly doubt it. RVP is not getting any younger after all.

            Open Controls
        3. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Atm giroud's back up is Sanogo. Sturridge's back up is Lambert. Costa's back up is Torres

          Open Controls
          1. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            That's why I kept City at the top.

            Aguero's replacement is Dzeko and Dzeko's replacement is Negredo. 😉

            Open Controls
          2. Somalion
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            To be fair, this is a good point. City still favourites for me.

            Open Controls
        4. Heydudes13
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Rooney back up. Gotta deal with the hand dealt to ya I suppose. :/

          Open Controls
          1. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            He's no more than a backup these days. Will be more so under LVG where everything will be RVP centric.

            Open Controls
            1. Heydudes13
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Don't think you quite understood the phrase. 🙂

              Open Controls
    5. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      City (if Mangals/Benatia signs and Yaya stays)
      Chelsea
      Arsenal
      United

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        *Mangala

        Open Controls
    6. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Chelsea
      City
      Arsenal
      United

      Open Controls
  3. Mr Sarcastic
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Putting my team to two pieces, shoot it down if you find major flaws there!
    Plan to play 5-3-2 or 5-4-1.

    Defence
    Merte, Sakho, Fernandez, DVB, Zapata (+ DeVrij, Gonzalez)

    Mid + Forward
    JRod, Cuadrado, Valbuena, Lahm, Messi (+ Mascherano, Tejeda, Robben)

    No Muller, no Neymar, but just doing my maths and I think this could be the "easiest" way to get ten 8+ scores to my team (Cillesen will get something..).

    Open Controls
    1. Mr Sarcastic
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      okay, I understand, you all just copied it 😕

      Open Controls
  4. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Hey lads! RMTfortheQF
    Playing a world cup fantasy game in Norway, similar to the Mirror one. 🙂
    Important points:
    3 points extra for a player who wins a game.
    We have 6 transfers for the quarter finals (already used 5 transfers to get the team down under)
    No baps or recovered balls

    Team atm:
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    Cillessen
    Blind ¤ Garay ¤ De Vrij
    JRod ¤ Di Maria ¤ Muller ¤ Valbuena
    Messi ¤ Robben(C) ¤ RVP
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    Bench: Neuer - Cuadrado - Hummels - Rojo
    ------------------------------------------------------------------

    1FT remaining, should I just leave it? (it does not get saved though)
    Thanks! 🙂

    Open Controls
  5. PKB
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Predictions on where Sanchez could land up?
    Arsenal
    Liverpool
    ManUtd
    Barcelona

    Also, is he justified for the 35m+ tag?

    Open Controls
    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Arsenal for 30m. Think he's worth that.

      Open Controls
      1. PKB
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        What are the odds on that? I fear Pool could swap him plus cash for Luis, and Barcelona wouldn't mind that.

        Open Controls
        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Pool has Lallana and Sterling who can play that position..Don't think that will happen and more than that..I don't think Sanchez would want to join Liverpool..

          Open Controls
        2. Beavis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          See Somalion's post on the previous page. Apparently Suarez deal will be cash only and then Liverpool are free to fight Arsenal, Juve and whoever else for Sanchez.

          Open Controls
          1. PKB
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Ah. There it goes. Wenger never puts into these sort of fights 🙁

            Open Controls
    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Arsenal most prob..but Wenger won't pay much for him..

      Open Controls
      1. PKB
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        It wouldn't solve our striker problem though. He isn't specifically a No.9 that we need. But has pace.

        Open Controls
        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          I agree..Arsenal desperately needs a World Class striker..

          Open Controls
    3. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Shirley Liverpool if Suarez goes the other way to Barca.

      Open Controls
    4. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Can't see Barca forcing him out too viciously and he wants to stay at Barca so... Unless Arsenal come in big for him, I don't see him moving anywhere.

      Open Controls
      1. Heydudes13
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I thought the same about Fabregas...

        Open Controls
        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Fabregas didn't want to stay at Barca though, he was asking to leave, Alexis wants to stay apparently

          Open Controls
      2. PKB
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I dont think he loves that Barcelona bench so much!

        Open Controls
  6. LOCO ABREU
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Aguero back in training!

    Open Controls
    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Think they should try Maxi Rodriguez/Palacio next. Aguero, Higuain and Lavezzi have all flopped so far.

      Open Controls
      1. LOCO ABREU
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        yep and aguero from the bench could be key vs belgium

        Open Controls
    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Just in time to limp off again. The man's a nightmare.

      Open Controls
  7. elkunaguero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    How's everybody foing in overall rank for the McD game? I'm currently 1003
    Is the number one overall still within our ranks?

    Open Controls
    1. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Numbers 4 and 5 are from here I think.

      Open Controls
      1. elkunaguero
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        are they still in the FFS Cup?

        Open Controls
        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Roscola is. The other 2 are out.

          Open Controls
      2. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        And 6

        Open Controls
        1. Beavis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          5th is joint-tied. 😉

          Open Controls
          1. Billy Gilmore
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Touche

            Open Controls
    2. chicrah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      46th here.. 21 points off the top..

      Open Controls
    3. Mr Sarcastic
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      251

      Open Controls
    4. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      27

      Open Controls
    5. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Around the 9000 mark here 🙂

      Open Controls
  8. PKB
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Sky Sports Football ‏@SkyFootball

    Liverpool are holding out for a fee of around £80m for Luis Suarez, as talks with Barcelona continued on Thursday.
    Thats a hell lot of money!! They could go and place a bid for Hames. He should love the PL! 😉

    Open Controls
    1. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Hamezzzzzz said he prefered Spain over the more phyisical Premier League

      Open Controls
      1. MITHRRANDIRR
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        To be more actual he said he preferred the club with 10 UCL titles.

        Open Controls
    2. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Shame they need to sort their yearly £50 million deficit before FFP hammer them 😉

      Open Controls
  9. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    60 years ago Elvis made his first recording. We will never see his like again.

    http://youtu.be/0VKwnt34wts

    Open Controls
    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I really couldn't get into the Beatles or Elvis, which is weird because I listen to a lot of the older stuff, but I don't like either of the two "best"...

      (21 year old here, so Elvis was sliiiightly before my time)

      Open Controls
      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Stones were better than the Beatles anyway. Double your age and add 3 !

        Open Controls
        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Yup I much prefer Stones to the Beatles.. Although Come Together is a fantastic song.

          Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin transcend all though 😉

          Open Controls
      2. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        22 and know exactly what you mean. Liked the Stones alot though. Daft Punk are my all time greats.

        Open Controls
        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          As well as Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits & Neil Young

          Open Controls
          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Haha Jeff Buckley, Tom Waits, Neil Young aaaaand.... Daft Punk 😆 all brilliant but just not what I expected 😉

            'Jeff Buckley - Grace' is one of my favourite songs 😮

            Open Controls
            1. Somalion
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Great time, Lover you should have come over is my favourite.

              Open Controls
    2. NapalmDeath (Northern Chaos…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      There is only one UK band...

      Open Controls
      1. GreennRed
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Smiths 😉

        Open Controls
  10. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    If you had to dress up as one American who would it be?

    Open Controls
    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Clint Dempsey or Tim Howard

      Open Controls
    2. FortunesAlwaysHiding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Prince

      Open Controls
    3. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Becks, if I had the dreads.

      Open Controls
    4. chicrah
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      The Undertaker

      Open Controls
    5. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Any american or football playing american?

      Barney Stinson is a quarter canadian but he still counts 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Barney Stinson. Now theres an idea.

        Open Controls
    6. NapalmDeath (Northern Chaos…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Brad Pitt. For obvious reasons...

      Open Controls
    7. Dier Straits
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Ryan Gosling

      Open Controls
      1. Dier Straits
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Wait, he's Canadian. Johnny Depp then.

        Open Controls
  11. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Help picking 5 to play as QF picks fellas:-

    A) Howedes
    B) Van Buyten
    C) Sakho
    D) Garay
    E) Boateng
    F) Marcelo

    Its for a draught league based on the Fox game. Cheers for help.

    Open Controls
    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      All except Sakho

      Open Controls
      1. FortunesAlwaysHiding
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks. Way I was heading too.

        Open Controls
  12. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    You should have taken Tevez with you, you fools!

    Open Controls
    1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      leaving behind the problem players has worked well for other teams though i.e. France/Mexico

      I they were right to focus on getting messi playing at his best like barca did when they got rid of ibra.

      Open Controls
    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I agree with you!

      Open Controls
    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      He will play better at a different club...where he can probably play CAM...

      Open Controls
  13. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    So how does this look?

    Neuer
    Zapata DVB De Vrij
    Kroos Cuadrado Valbuena Hazard
    Hulk Lukaku Muller

    Bench: Cillessen Vlaar Gonzalez Sniejder Ruiz

    Open Controls
    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      McD Fantasy

      Open Controls
    2. ADucksBehind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Hulk Hazard Lukaku all have been poor

      Open Controls
      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        That's why I think they will perform in the Quarters...

        Open Controls
        1. ADucksBehind
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          It's an interesting strategy Cotton

          Open Controls
          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            🙂

            Open Controls
          2. Moin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            😆

            Open Controls
    3. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Pretty awful tbh.

      Open Controls
      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I know..but Punt wise..good?

        Open Controls
        1. Heydudes13
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Needs to be more defensive. 😉

          Open Controls
          1. Moin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            lol

            Open Controls
        2. Pards Against Humanity
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          The question is will Lukaku be played as an impact sub again? And if so will he have the same impact on the Argies?

          Open Controls
          1. Moin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            If he doesn't play I'll change the formation or give Ruiz a chance...no issues..

            Open Controls
    4. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Very nice and punty.

      Open Controls
      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks! 🙂

        Open Controls
  14. PKB
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    New Grav check!

    Open Controls
      1. PKB
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Com'on, Hames is not that ugly! 😀

        Open Controls
        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          I'm just jealous is all.. Wish I was Hamez.

          Open Controls
  15. ADucksBehind
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Muller or Benzema?

    Have Lahm and Valbuena

    Open Controls
    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Mull

      Open Controls
      1. ADucksBehind
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        A very cautious call from the puntmaster!

        Open Controls
        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          haha because I believe you are not taking any punts..

          Open Controls
        2. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          and If you wanna take a punt Jackson Martinez is the way to go B)

          Open Controls
          1. ADucksBehind
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Ooooooooh

            Open Controls
  16. Van Dal
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Anybody from team Belgium here? Can you have your teams to me by 2pm today.

    Thanks

    Open Controls
    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      They're not on so i'll do it for them

      Cillessen

      Blind DVB Gonzales Zapata Basanta

      Rodriguez Valbuena Mascherano KDB Tegeda

      Robben/RVP

      plus a few fillers....

      Open Controls
      1. Arvin-ation
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        🙂

        Open Controls
      2. Van Dal
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        predictable! they will be a walk in the park :p

        Open Controls
  17. PKB
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Debuchy soon going to be an Arsenal player.
    How is he rated out here?

    Open Controls
    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      I think he's an upgrade from Sagna personally.

      Open Controls
      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        So does Deschamps.

        Open Controls
      2. PKB
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Not defensively though, atleast was pretty average for the Toons

        Open Controls
    2. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      he's French, so yes

      Open Controls
    3. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Aurier or nothing for me.

      Open Controls
  18. Saurabh A.
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    How does my team look ->

    GK - Cesar / Cillessen / xx
    DEF - Blind / Dan Van Buyten / Janmaat / Fernandez / xx
    MID - Oscar / KDB / J Rod / Mascherano / Kroos / xx
    FWD - Messi / Mueller / Neymar

    Playing 3-5-2
    who to go for in defense - Janmaat or Fernandez ??

    Open Controls
  19. Saurabh A.
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Or should I replace Mascherano with Di Maria ??

    Open Controls
    1. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Keep.

      Open Controls
    2. PKB
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah. guranteed 8-10 points. More if game goes to ET

      Open Controls
  20. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Marca says Toni Kroos have signed for Real Madrid for £20m.... PEANUTS (Herrera signed for United at £28m)

    Open Controls
    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      What were Lallana and Shaw?

      Open Controls
      1. Djerbil
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Lallana I think was 16m+add ons
        Shaw was 32m

        Open Controls
        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Mental

          Open Controls
          1. Kings of Lyon ★
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva went for around the same price

            Open Controls
            1. PKB
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              It's their fault, they are not English.

              Open Controls
              1. Kings of Lyon ★
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                😆

                Open Controls
            2. pundit of punts
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              When you think of it now, PSG did great business for those two. Bargains for that price.

              Open Controls
              1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                At the time there were a lot of moans coming from AC Milan supporters if I recall correctly, they couldn't believe they were letting their two best players go for so cheap.. I think Milan said they needed to cut their wage bill or something.

                Open Controls
                1. pundit of punts
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 9 months ago

                  Yeah the Milan financial situation helped. But PSG were really lucky. Thiago Silva is sheer class.

                  Open Controls
        2. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Still can't get over Shaw for 32 mill...

          Open Controls
          1. PKB
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            10m was just for being English

            Open Controls
            1. Irish Madridista ⭐
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Literally. and even then, £22mill for a teenage left back is HUGELY risky.

              Open Controls
          2. pundit of punts
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Ricardo Rodriguez would have been much better. He's very young as well.

            Open Controls
    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Robben went from Madrid to Bayern for just £22m..

      Different circumstances I suppose 🙂

      Open Controls
    3. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      wages will be much more than what herrera is on though

      Open Controls
      1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        and I'm sure Kroos much preferred a Madrid move over United anyway

        Open Controls
    4. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Maybe because Kroos was coming into the last year of his contract?

      Open Controls
    5. PKB
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Which could mean Khedira to Arsenal a viable option now! 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        Would much prefer Schneiderlin. I see Khedira as more of a CM than a DM.

        Open Controls
        1. PKB
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Southampton are on a downslide. I doubt they would allow anymore players to go

          Open Controls
  21. Futboley
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Looking for punts/differential to get back up
    No way one can move up with a 90% template team). Currently in my team:

    Debuchy, Griezmann (swap to Giroud if not playing)
    Kroos, Schurrle
    Wijnaldum, DePay
    Heavy bet on Colombia (inc. Ospina, Yepes, Aguilar)
    No Brazil, no Argentina

    Who would you add to the "no template, still worth a shot" group?

    Open Controls
    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Netherlands all the way for me...no need for punts.

      Open Controls
      1. Van Dal
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        +1

        Open Controls
  22. Van Dal
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Hummels expected to start ?

    Open Controls
    1. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yes.

      Predicted lineup article has him as a starter.

      Open Controls
    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Yep..confirmed fit and trained.

      Open Controls
  23. albanianbear
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Can you guys give me some feedback on my McD's team?

    Navas

    Hummels - Mertesacker - Zapata - Sakho

    Valbuena - JRod - Cuadrado (Mascherano as a sub)

    RVP - Muller - Robben (Campbell as a sub)

    Open Controls
    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Messi for RVP.

      Open Controls
    2. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Only 4 defenders? Seems a little light at the back.

      No Messi or Neymar? I'd go with them, but obviously there's the possibility that there might be benefits to not going with them. Who knows? 🙂

      Open Controls
    3. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Nice...RVP/Robben double up looks the business...

      Open Controls
      1. albanianbear
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I might swap RVP for Messi and managed to get Boateng in defence after I made some changes. Not sure if I should start him or Zapata

        Open Controls
  24. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Some votes would be good here.

    A. di Maria
    B. Mascherano

    And yes, I'm talking about the McDaddy game.

    Open Controls
    1. Fray Bentos
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A – boring!

      B – exciting!

      Open Controls
      1. Fray Bentos
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        oops wrong way round!

        Open Controls
        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Ah, I was really confused for a second 😯

          Open Controls
    2. VougieDipond
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Monster Masch

      Open Controls
    3. PKB
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      A-chasing
      B-leading

      Open Controls
  25. Fray Bentos
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    likely german back 4?

    Open Controls
    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Lahm Hummels Mert Howdes

      Open Controls
    2. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Hoewedes.

      There are talks about Lahm returning to RB, and Boateng moving to LB (thus no Hoewedes), but not enough reason to believe that.

      Open Controls
    3. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Boateng - Mert - Hummels - Howedes

      Open Controls
  26. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    I think Arsenal fans might be overestimating Khedira a small bit..

    Open Controls
    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      He is better than Wilshere, Arteta, Flamini and Diaby, and that's all I need to know.
      Never shy when you can get an upgrade.

      Open Controls
      1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        very different to wilshere. would argue jack is the more talented player

        Open Controls
        1. pundit of punts
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          This. I'd rate Wilshere much higher than Khedira.

          Open Controls
          1. Saniul
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            But then, you can't play Wilshere with Ramsey, can you? We need a better CDM than Arteta at least, will you give Khedira at least that much?

            Open Controls
        2. NapalmDeath (Northern Chaos…
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Replace 'talented' with 'overrated' 😉

          Open Controls
          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            Wilshere is massively overrated, but so is Khedira.

            Open Controls
            1. VougieDipond
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Khedira is average Wilshire is terrible

              Open Controls
              1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 9 months ago

                Haha agreed 😛

                Open Controls
          2. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            he is technically so much better. he has good touch, can dribble with the ball and shoot. khedira looks laboured in possession and clumsy when dribbling. he would be more effective in the DM position obviously but wilshere is definitely the bigger talent.

            jack just needs to stop going for stupid tackles and injuring himself. him and phil jones

            Open Controls
            1. Saniul
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Jack needs to just play good football, when was the last time he actually tried his hand at that?

              Open Controls
        3. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          I'd argue that all 4 of those players are better than Khedira with the ball at their feet, which tends to be the case with Arsenal players, what Khedira brings is an engine and physicality. He's smart enough but that's countered by being slow, clumsy, and not very good going forward at all.

          Good player, far from great player.. Should add a lot more physicality to the Arsenal midfield but he'll probably bring down the quality in possession.

          Open Controls
          1. Saniul
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 9 months ago

            No one's stopping Wilshere from staying as a backup.
            And now tell me one Arsenal player you think who will fit well with Ramsey in the double pivot? Arteta might be the answer, but he has lost the ball so many times in dangerous positions this season, that I have lost count.

            Open Controls
            1. Irish Madridista ⭐
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 9 months ago

              Hilariously, Diaby 😛

              Open Controls
        4. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          He can keep his talent to himself, we need performances.
          He has had shite seasons even after returning injury, and unlike Ramsey, he has a big mouth - too big for his own good.

          He could stay as a backup, as he had been all this season.

          Open Controls
      2. PKB
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        this

        Open Controls
    1. DHWizzo
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Can't see Hummels being 100% for Friday. Sounds like 'several' other players now have flu symptoms as well.

      Staying away from Germany myself.

      Open Controls
      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        You could just wait for the lineups, Dhwizzo. That will be the wisest thing to do.

        Open Controls
        1. DHWizzo
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          It's not who will start that I am worried about. It is the fact the squad has a bug and players who may not be 100% will be playing.

          Also have been very underwhelmed by Germany and they are finally facing a proper attack.

          Remember France out 5 past Switzerland - a side much fancied Argentina took 118 mins to sneak 1 past.

          No Germany for me, thanks.

          Open Controls
  27. VougieDipond
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Wijnaldum or Bolanos/Tejeda?

    Open Controls
    1. DHWizzo
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      Not a big fan of having a 3.5M budget midfielder who may or may not play potentially needing to come in and rescue the team on the final match of the round. I would rather downgrade to 1M and use the funds elsewhere to ensure you are in that position.

      Open Controls
      1. VougieDipond
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 9 months ago

        I thought he was nailed due to De Jong injury

        Open Controls
        1. DHWizzo
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 9 months ago

          Maybe, but Blind likely to come into midfield as well with Janmaat returning to the side.

          He may play, but even if he is nailed on is he going to save your gameweek when the rest of your side stalls?

          Open Controls
  28. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone playing The Sun game? No more transfers after this round so need to get players that are going to win their next game.. I have 2 transfers left.. Any obvious changes to make?

    Lloris
    De Vrij - Blind - Luiz - Gamboa
    Robben - Muller - Rodriguez
    Benzema - Messi - Neymar

    Thinking either Benzema -> RVP or upgrade Gamboa.. But that would involve downgrading elsewhere?

    Open Controls
    1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 9 months ago

      didn't realise that this was the opportunity for transfers!

      Open Controls