Opinion
19 August 2017 4746 comments
Mark Mark
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So far, it all seems pretty simple.

Manchester United are walking through teams and all we have to do as Fantasy managers is back them and count the points.

Romelu Lukaku – while wholly unconvincing throughout against Swansea City – again managed to earn his 53.5% of FPL managers points, with 67% of those owners backing him with the captaincy.

For all the naysaying that took place during today’s display, the fact remains that the Belgian is now three goals ahead of both Harry Kane and Gabriel Jesus – perhaps his most likely rivals for a spot in our forward lines.

Should they dare to blank in Sunday and Monday’s matches then further sales of both will follow, with Lukaku hoovering up yet more owners.

But the day truly belonged to Paul Pogba.

A 15-point haul in South Wales saw him reach new heights to follow his eight points gained in the opening weekend victory over West Ham.

A lot has been said and written on the presence of Nemanja Matic and how this has unleashed Pogba’s attacking talents. However, when we look closer, there is perhaps another individual key to Pogba’s recent boom.

In truth, Jose Mourinho’s side seemed to huff and puff through most of today’s victory, and Pogba cut a frustrated figure at times – indeed, he walked a disciplinary tightrope in the first half.

But late on, the introduction of both Marouane Fellaini and Anthony Martial seemed to galvanise matters. On their arrival, United simply eased through the gears and tore the Swans asunder, with Pogba the main benefactor.

United have now scored eight goals over two matches, with six of those strikes arriving after the 75-minute mark with Fellaini on the pitch.

When he arrives, Pogba appears unshackled to run at tired legs and spread devastation. Notably, his only points earned without Fellaini on the pitch so far has been his assist for Bailly’s opener today.

So while it’s difficult to question the thousands of FPL managers that are now flocking to Pogba, we still need to consider that, to this point, the influence of Matic has perhaps not been as significant as billed.

It’s only when Mourinho reinforces his midfield further that Pogba has proved unstoppable.

Meanwhile, Mkhitaryan quietly gained another two assists without taking control of the game or matching Pogba’s impact.

He is undoubtedly the creator to Pogba’s destroyer. The question is, are we forced to choose between them and if so, is it as straightforward as opting for the Frenchman?

Having just taken a points hit to acquire Mkhitaryan, he’s going nowhere. And with Phil Jones available for just 5.0 in a defence that’s already kept two shut-outs, this Fantasy manager can’t currently find a place for Pogba.

That’s a worry. Potentially, Pogba is transformed and, match after match, he could prove untameable for opposing defences.

But the Fellaini factor is interesting and we perhaps still need to show some caution. Leicester City in Gameweek 3 will likely provide a sterner test which may yet slow the United and Pogba juggernaut.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

4,746 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Toast
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Richarlison 6m seems to be doing very well. Goal and assist and lots of shots and chances created. Can he keep it up? Silva already doing a great job there.

  2. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    What an absolute disaster gambling on Bournemouth for the first two weeks have been.

    Never did I think for a moment the guy who tripled up on a Jose attack would be smashing our mini league.

    1. Ninjaa
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Snap

    2. HNI
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      No one relied on Bou for CS anyway...Think it was just attraction of their attacking talent. Still time go for usual suspecs from WBA/Manutd

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        I bought Ake in as part of a rotator...I was banking on him quite possibly keeping CS against the weaker sides like WBA and WAT.

        No dices sadly.

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      This

      Can't believe they've bought Defoe, Ake and Begovic (all great signings)...yet now can't score or defend to save their lives.

      It's puzzling

  3. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Done TAA > Hegazi last night.... bit of a rage transfer now thinking Fraser needs to go for hit any thoughts?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Just use your bench and then transfer Fraser out for free

    2. Jafalad
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Probably a decent s/t transfer that may carry you to your WC. Just depends on when McAuuley returns.

      1. Jøssy ⭐
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        McAuley may push Dawson back out to FB, or not at all. He is nearly 38 after all.

    3. Ninjaa
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Is he going to stay 1st choice when Mcaully returns

  4. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    No money itb, 2 greens and I need to ship out JWP and Zaha. Suggestions please lads?

    1. Ninjaa
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Freebs not greens*

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Ince and tadic? Unsure of price falls and rises but both used to add to 12.5

  5. dashdriver
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    I don't see why Salah to Pogba would be such a dumb transfer. It's not about not wanting Salah in my team, but about wanting Pogba more from what I've seen so far (form/fixtures/price rice etc.). It also frees up funds to strengthen other places, and if you have other transfer targets in mind, that can only be a good thing, even though it means Salah will no longer be in your team.

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
      8 years, 11 months ago

      It's not a terrible transfer but I still feel Man Utd have just been a tad lucky. Time will tell

    2. Kuqi Monster
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      If you're happy with your transfer why do you care what other people think?

    3. Toast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Funny how last week we all wanted Salah. I still think he will get plenty of goals. I was surprised to see Firmino keep his place. Perhaps Salah needs a bit more time to adjust

      1. Hot Fuzz
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Hi Toast ..nah i don't think is about adjustment... more about rotation for CL they all played midweek against hoffenheim
        and then couple of days later in PL ... i could actually see klopps mind going.. giving salah rest now and let sturrige and others have a go or let the top 3 play up front for 60 min and then give the others a run around?.... well it nearly didnt work out..right looked terrible until salah came on and then the was firmino and mane in places i havnt seen them... i think klopp now knows first the top guns.....Mane, salah and firmino the everyone else...

    4. bojack
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I'd have kept Salah.

    5. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I'd have kept Salah.

      A counterpart to Mane, in that free-scoring attack, but 0.5 cheaper, smashing it in pre-season...yes please!

      The probable loss of Coutinho and the Lallana injury dents in appeal of their attack a bit...but not enough to convince me to jump ship yet.

      Give it time.

  6. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Decent?

    Foster
    Kolasinac/Stephens/Lowe
    KDB/Pogba/Miki/RLC
    Kane(c)/Kaku/Firmino

    Elliot/Carroll/Suttner/

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      game week not even over yet, so touch premature

      but yes

      1. Atimis
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Aye aye! But thanks

  7. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    25 points from a hideous 8 (of which Valencia, Foster, Lukaku got me 18)

    My Harry Kane hail Mary captain needs to land. Big style...

    1. Toast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I hope so too otherwise we may have a Kane fire sale!

      1. Kuqi Monster
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Before BUR? That would be great.

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
          8 years, 11 months ago

          It's crazy but if he blanks he will probably drop in price before Burnley at home

          1. The Hindu Monkey
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 11 months ago

            he certainly will yes

            he has to bring it

            1. Kuqi Monster
              • 15 Years
              8 years, 11 months ago

              Less owners for when he scores a hatty against BUR

    2. Coot
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Sounds familiar although I scored a little less as had Captain Salah.

      What a wonderful GW so far. Not much left to rescue my week. KDB, Alonso, Ritchie and Elliot.

  8. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Got two free transfers.

    Would you use a transfer or just keep this team for one more week?

    Foster (Elliot)
    Bertrand, Cedric, Daniels (Hunemeier, Rangel)
    Alli, De Bruyne, Willian, Loftus-Cheek (Carroll)
    Firmino, Kane, Lukaku

    1. Jøssy ⭐
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I'd be looking seriously at Daniels if you have 2FT. You don't have a backup defender at all 😯

      1. Gudjohnsen
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. I just got rid of Daniels. Am just doing that transfer for now. Want to have two free transfers after international break.

  9. HNI
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Is this good team for GW3?
    Will replace Jrod with Mounie if he doesnt score vs Stoke

    Foster
    Bertrand Suttner Hegazi
    Pogba Mikhi KDB Ramsey
    Lukaku Kane Jrod

    1. Toast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Yes gtg

    2. JaydenLFC87
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Nice team

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I personally feel that's too much trust invested in Utd and it could backfire big time.

      1. HNI
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        I agre..Only till GW7 when they have good fixtures and obviously form...after that ist WC time to bring Sanchez/Hazard/any this years King

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Playing the fixtures, good luck. I have 3 Utd but 1 of them is a defender so even if they don't score and it's a 0-0 I get something. If they lose 1-0 it could be a very painful week

  10. JaydenLFC87
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Fab > Jese for free anyone??

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Stoke have awful fixtures don't they

      1. JaydenLFC87
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        At home but as you can see from yday..

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
          8 years, 11 months ago

          That's more Arsenal being Arsenal but if you back Jesé go for it

    2. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I'd prefer someone like Antonio or Richarlison

  11. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    any chance Danilo starts gw3?

    1. HNI
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Not worth the risk especially at 5.5mn

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        I already have him. Have fraser to sort out too thus

  12. FootballManiac
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Have we seen any 4m defenders starting??

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Mbemba or someone like this from Newcastle should be a starter for now

    2. Hot Fuzz
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Mmemba from watford... not bad player either....

  13. Patty
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Was Gross really as bad as the stats are saying?
    0 shots and 0 key passes

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I think whole this team is horrorshow

    2. bojack
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Brighton haven't had a kick yet!

    3. HNI
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Better to go for their defence at best as they concede just 1 or 2 big chances at most in a game

    4. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Judge him on his next game, two awful fixtures

    5. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Heard he was the worst player on the pitch. I think they might have to find him a different role than a second striker.

  14. BarkKnight
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    thoughts on Stephens to Phil Jones? I already have Bertrand.

    1. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Would pull the trigger

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      yes

    3. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I'd do Bertrand to Jones.

    4. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Not worth a free transfer unless you have 2 saved up and nothing else to do

  15. Bialystrzelec
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Trying to get United coverage. Who you think should I pick?

    A Miki
    B Pogba

    Both of them seem to be essentials for Mourinho and have identical price tag. Do you know if Pogba is to take penalties?

    1. bojack
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Mkhi for me as it stands.

      The penalties question is an interesting one. If it turns out to be Pogba, that'd change my view of him and Lukaku.

    2. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Kaku should be on pens
      I just think Mkhi is better for points
      But Pogba more nailed

    3. Jøssy ⭐
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I lean towards Mkhi

  16. Bob_the_builder
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    The other day I read a few comments that Chicarito is a win for casuals.A proven goal scorer in PL that doesn't rely much on quality service but more on poaching instincts.Always going to score 15+ goals barring injury.

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      + Antonio and Lanzini behind him

      1. Bob_the_builder
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        On paper he is got a good support cast but the good thing is he isn't much reliant on them.Comes alive when the ball gets into the box.

        1. ChelseaGuy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Yea..might try to get him or Antonio in

  17. FootballManiac
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Best 4.5m defender to get other than hegazi??

    1. Football Weekender
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Like the look of Britos and Watford in general personally.

    2. HNI
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Hegazi is sadly 4.6mn now :/
      I like looks of Mee,Suttner, Britos

    3. Je suis le chat
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Watford defender for their home games.

  18. Football Weekender
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Kolasinac owners, what are we doing with him?

    Doesn't seem to be moving out to LWB any time soon and hooked yesterday after an hour. Not ideal.

    1. Deus
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Keeping until WC

    2. Bob_the_builder
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Waiting for Kos's return to make the final call.If that doesn't move to lwb then will have to consider moving him out

      1. Football Weekender
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        I'm considering downgrading him this week to free up cash for Pogba.

        Just can't afford to have £6m tied up in a defender in a team not keeping clean sheets.

        1. Bob_the_builder
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Valid point.But it was his potential attacking returns that swayed me but yes the game against LIV will probably provide a clear picture.

          1. Football Weekender
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 11 months ago

            Same, it was the potential attacking returns which initially appealed to me but with him being shackled at centreback it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify his inclusion.

    3. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      He should keep his place and I will probably keep him one week longer then Trippier in

  19. Deus
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Jese as the 4th mid?

    1. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Waiting for the fixtures to clear up
      Could be the new Michu

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        You could be right!

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Looking into it. Had a good game

  20. conners88
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    De Bruyne & Lejeune > Pogba & Hegazi 1.8M ITB

    2 FT for Week3, now or wait until after Monday night? what to get on any further price rises.

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      I have never quite got my mind around selling premium players in a game week before they have actually played their game ?

      1. conners88
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        agreed, but sometimes price rises dictate

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Pogba rose last night though and I doubt he will rise again this week, never mind today ?

          1. Business Cat
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 11 months ago

            I think you'll get a 0.2 rise out of Pogba this week.

            This bandwagon seems stronger than Xhaka's...he got a 0.2 bump.

            1. Hotdogs for Tea
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 11 months ago

              But Pogba will not rise tonight so surely wait to sell KdB until he plays - you could get a hatty and double digit rise himself

  21. Patty
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Team is

    Foster Elliot
    Kolasinac Danilo Bertrand Daniels Suttner
    KDB Ramsey JWP Gross Carroll
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

    Should my priority transfers out be JWP and Danilo?

    1. SpaceCadet
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

  22. Dr. DOOM
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Foster
    Daniels-Stephens-Kola
    Ramsey-Ritchie-KDB-Willian
    Luka-Kane-Firmino

    Elliot. Suttner-Long-Carroll

    26 pts. Any chance I'll cross the average? 🙁

  23. The SK
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    On 26 points with Elliot, KDB, Willian and Kane to play. How is this compared to others on here?

    1. Dr. DOOM
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Wow. Same for me i guess.

      1. Dr. DOOM
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        as

        1. The SK
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          Hopefully Kane does something

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
      8 years, 11 months ago

      41 with Alli Lowe Jesus left

    3. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      On 24 points with Dann autosub 2 points and Mounie Eriksen Jesus KDB left to play bit of a disaster.... but last week I had 26 points from Saturday then got 44 from Eriksen De gea and Lukaku on Sunday so all is not lost

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
        8 years, 11 months ago

        You've got solid players left, I wouldn't worry at all

    4. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      40 with Kane KDB Danilo to come

    5. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      33 with only Elliot and Jesus left. A poor week all round

    6. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      29 with Kane, KdB and Alonso

    7. Urchin
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      35 with Kane (c) willain Davies walker to go...
      Phillips 6 points sitting on bench.... Sadly

    8. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      About the same as most.

      I've got 26 after hits.

      Kane, Mounie, Ritchie, KDB to play

    9. Pino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      37p with Danilo, KdB, Mounie and Kane to play.

    10. Dacra
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      41 with Alonso, Danilo, Alli, Willian, KdB left.

      Hoping for a good week.

      1. The SK
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Big fat green arrow

    11. Big Daddy Sam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Alright for some. I'm on 16 with Willian, Kane, Kun & Jesus to play. Captained Salah ffs

  24. Bialystrzelec
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Who is on penalties at ManUtd?

    1. Tim Canterbury
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Most likely Lukaku. Possibly Pogba

    3. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Kaku most probably
      Pogba with an outside chance

  25. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Jesus going down is so surprising.
    People doing transfers even before city play their match

    1. Sims
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Sold kdb last night

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Great thanks, a brace and assist in coming for me 😉

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      -70%

      Not close yet

  26. Sims
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Alonso to tripper (5.4) looking like an obvious transfer now

    1. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      When trippier is fit

      1. Sims
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Perfect time for him to gain full fitness. Juicy fixtures coming up

        Plus allows me to get richarlison or jese for atsu

        1. The Overthinker
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 11 months ago

          And here if I want him, I have to bring in one of atsu or Tarroll

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Indeed. No value in any defenders over 5.5 imo

      1. bojack
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Bailly says hi.

      2. Mick J
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Alonso?

    3. XabiAlonso
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      May do the same when he is starting

  27. Pino
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    West Ham getting good fixtures now. Anyone considering Chicharito? So many good "cheap" strikers I'm not sure Kane is worth it event if he starts scoring goals.

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good short term. He'll do well, but I still slightly prefer Gabbiadini

    2. ChelseaGuy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Chicharito or Antonio for me

    3. XabiAlonso
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Already got him was planning on shipping out for firmino maybe not now

  28. Patty
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Tempted by KDB, JWP, Danilo > Pogba, Antonio, Trippier -8, contingent on how KDB plays

  29. Roys Peak
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Too knee-jerky?
    KDB and Daniels---> Pogba and trippier
    also 1.6m itb.
    cheers

  30. drughi
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Who is priority to get rid of ? JWP, Jrod or daniels ?

    JWP>RLC to free up some cash
    Daniels>Dawson/Jones

    1. Roys Peak
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      daniels to dawson for me. dawson has been great

    2. XabiAlonso
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Jwp if he is dropped now