Awards

Team of the Season – Harry Kane

Harry Kane is the penultimate player in our 2017/18 Team of the Season after winning the recent forwards poll.

The Spurs frontman earned over 33% of the votes to claim first spot, mirroring his place as the top-scoring striker in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

A total of 217 points was 34 clear of Jamie Vardy, his nearest rival up top, though trailed Mohamed Salah (303 points) and Raheem Sterling (229) overall.

That place at the summit was in spite of another dry August – Kane has now played 13 times in the first month of the season and failed to find the net.

Although he followed that up with four double-digit hauls in the next six, Kane’s potential as an explosive provider of points then slowed considerably.

The Spurs striker managed just five more 10+ points returns in the subsequent 29 fixtures, with his captaincy appeal diminished by Salah’s relentless output at Liverpool.

A temporary move to Wembley also played a big factor in Kane’s season as he struggled against teams in the lower half of the table.

At home, he fired just seven goals against bottom-ten sides, with five of those coming against Stoke and Southampton.

Kane bagged a single goal in each of his Wembley meetings with Watford and West Brom but was unable to score against Swansea, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Ham or Huddersfield.

Nonetheless, he was the top player for shots (111) and efforts on target (48) at home, sitting second only to Salah for efforts in the box (70 to 71) and big chances (21 to 25).

Meanwhile an average of 15.2 minutes per attempt was quicker than the season beforehand (18.7) at White Hart Lane.

Kane was also the number one player overall for goal threat, with more shots (184), efforts in the box (122) and attempts on target (75) than any other player.

His underlying numbers were all an improvement on the previous campaign, with Kane ultimately undone by a marked drop-off in goal conversion.

Having found the net with 26.4% of his efforts in 2016/17, the Spurs frontman slipped to 16.3% last season.

The Prospects

Kane started last season at £12.5m in FPL and a similar cost looks very likely as the priciest forward on offer once again.

Nailed on under Mauricio Pochettino, he also has spot-kick duties to strengthen his potential. Kane was also the top player for bonus points in 2017/18, claiming a total of 31.

If a return to White Hart Lane can improve that patchy home record, there’s no doubt he can still be worth the outlay.

However, according to local reports, it seems likely that Spurs’ first few fixtures of 2018/19 will be played away from home to allow for the completion of their new stadium.

That, allied with Kane’s record in August, could convince some to steer clear initially.

Indeed, that was a tactic used by last year’s FPL winner, Yusuf Sheikh, who avoided him altogether until a Gameweek 8 Wildcard.

It says everything about our expectations from Kane that, for some, last season was a disappointment.

Regardless, he remains one of the most prolific forwards around and has now scored 20+ goals in four successive Premier League seasons.

In terms of captaincy, Salah seems again likely to be the big rival, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s average of 6.7 points per match (to Kane’s 5.9) suggests he will be a big factor in our forward lines next time around.

Barring injury, Kane, as always, will be among the frontrunners come the end of the campaign. But it’s when to make that move for him that could be season-defining.

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

101 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    GTG?

    Lukaku - Lewandowski - Werner
    Neymar - Isco - Paulinho
    Marcelo - Kimmich - Meunier - Trippier
    Lloris

    No bench.

    Thanks!

    1. 420king
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Without knowing all the options you have it's impossible to tell if this is prefect but it damn sure looks GTG.

    2. juggos
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      why are so many into paulinho? also no chance trippier is making it in my team. Lacks argentina, france (apart from lloris) and uruguay cover

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Very attacking role for Brazil, 6 goals in qualifying (same as Neymar).

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        They probably just read the article. Erikssen and James are much better options

  2. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Matias Vecino will reportedly be Chelseas first signing if Sarri takes over as per SS Italia.

  3. A.T
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Liverpool, Everton and Roma interested in Shaqiri apparently. £12m release clause makes him a decent price for a squad player I suppose.

    1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Staying fit for any length of time seems to be his problem but I think he could easily hold a first team position in any of those options, particularly the blues midfield ...

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

        I'm hoping for something better tbh but he'd certainly get in the current Efc team.

        1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Think he'd be a great fpl option at Eve especially with Silva in charge ... price dependant oc.

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

            There's probably a few potential bargains depending on who is still around come the start of the season. I've been doing a bit if reading up on the history of Silva teams and it seems the number 10 role is pivotal. I remember even the likes of Cleverly and Hughes were much improved playing that role under him. All bodes well for Siggy.

            1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Like it ... good intel.

            2. Mark
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 17 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Yeah Siggy could be revived if Everton show up with goal threat - which they should under Silva. Where would Shaqiri fit in though? On the left over Bolasie? He surely won’t get in over Wally?

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

                This is why I wouldn't want him tbh. Wally should be nailed. I wouldn't be suprised if Bolasie leaves. Hopefully Lookman returns ,he's got potential for sure. It's definitely a position that needs strengthening.

                1. Mark
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 17 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  Lookman had completely slipped my mind tbh. Yeah he’s a prospect. Don’t really want Shaq and Siggy sharing set plays either.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Good player on his day. Don't think his day comes often enough. Maybe that's down to playing for Stoke.

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

        Could be. I'm not a fan myself. He only turned it on when he was in the shop window, you're welcome to him 😉

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          True 🙂

          I rather have Shaqiri off the bench than Lallana, Ings etc though.

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

            I'd have lallana over him all day long myself. But I've always had a soft spot for him.

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Lallana's meh in my opinion. Very overrated, next to no end product.

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

                Could be the position he plays at Liverpool. He looked decent at Southampton playing further forward.

  4. Waynoo
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    squad player at best tbh

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

    12.5m for Kane is a good deterrent. I'll happily have Auba instead and use the spare money elsewhere.

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

      Aub and Aguero seem nailed in my team before the fixtures are out.

    2. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yep agree, especially first few matches. Fixtures will play a part I guess but those early away games will reduce his appeal.

      On a different subject hope Wakey is setting up a TDF competition again this year ... great fun last year.

  6. Pirlø's Pen
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Absolutely buzzing for the BigMac fantasy game tbh.

    Any players nailed on for you lads?

    For me, Meunier, Neymar & Lukaku.

    1. mrdrbll
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Neymar, Lukaku, Hazard

    2. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Meunier, Godin, Isco, Lukaku

    3. juggos
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      meunier, kimmich and maybe isco

      All other players are price dependent for me.

    4. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Meunier, Hazard (if mid) Lukaku

      May even grab another Belguim defender for the first two

  7. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Panama are utter shambles at the back. Just captain their opponent attackers.

    1. Tommytour
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      May try get Kane in GW2 on a transfer because of this.

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Starting with Hazard/Kdb and Lukaku looks a must.

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        My only problem with this is the captaincy question - would having James over Hazard be better value because he’s arguably got a first game as easy and you could captain him if Kaku blanked

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          That’s a good point actually.

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

    Why on earth is FFS lauding Harry Kane?

    How many captain fails in plum fixtures did he inflict on us all? More than 10? More than 12? 😡

    1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      THIS

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

      Scratch that. It's not FFS. It's the people who voted for him. People have short memories when it comes to blanks in plum fixtures.

      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Just wait until they announce the final player in the Team of the Season. A player who was outscored by Dominic Calvert-Lewin

    3. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Biggest troll of the season. Has no business in the FFS TOTY.

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

        He certainly didn't get my vote. He cost me so many captain points.

        1. Tommytour
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          He ruined my season thats for sure! Firmino no 1 forward pick without doubt, Vardy did well but was never explosive and popular. Having Lukaku at the start and Aguero for his great spell from January were key for the striker slots. Barnes deserves a mention for an end of season budget option.

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

      He failed to deliver when we needed him.

      - Triple captaincy fails vs swa, WHU & wba, NEW & MCI, bri

      - Several captaincy blanks in plum games

      - No goals in August again

      - Eats up your budget

      I don't think he was great from a FPL perspective tbh.

    5. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Top scoring striker? Back to back hatties in plum fixtures pre-Christmas. Not being completely reliable is less of an issue when you have Salah churning out a goal a game - always the option to play safe. I'd have Firmino and Aguero in over him (despite not having owned Aguero once last season) but I can see why he got the votes

      1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yep he scored the goals but so many of them where when least expected

        1. Tommytour
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Literally every week I didn't captain him he performed and I captained him 90% of the time.

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

      Good for us non-owners next year!

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        If England go a long way at the World Cup then it’ll be an easy decision to leave him out of our GW1 squads

    7. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He did very well for me.
      Watched the big game last night Berbs. So so disappointing how it all planned out.

    8. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Were you hit by a dose of Kanexit over Xmas?

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Bet he was one of those poor saps who took a -12 to mirror the almighty Jay Egersdorf

    9. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah it’s an interesting viewpoint and from my personal perspective I agree with you. However in relation to other forwards over the season he has to be in there. It highlights just how few reliable forward options we had available. In many ways 4-5-1 was perhaps a better formation for team of the season.

      I wonder now how it will influence our view on Kane for GW1 squads and how much Aub will eat into his early popularity. Fixtures will be key to that I guess and Kane’s pre season.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Looking at how Vardy usually starts the season and how good Auba was towards the tail-end of last season, those two will probably be in my GW1 team.

        Along with a cheapie like Mitrovic.

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I’m considering a heavy and two cheaps to give me instant flexibility to react to midfield bandwagons.

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Could bo gold, yeah.

            1. Fantasy Gold
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Be*

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

            I'm going 3-5-2.

            Up front one heavy hitter, one cheap striker and a 4.5.

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        With Kane known as being a slow starter after a long break or Injury id be keeping a wide berth at the start. Especially with a prolonged rest after the WC. Not that I expect England to get past 2nd round

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I thought the August thing was a freakish coincidence but after watching Kane struggle after injury it’s clear he takes 4-5 matches to gain any momentum. It’s a bit odd. Means if he struggles in group opener England should have a fully firing Kane by the time they reach the final 😉

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            😆 I don't think the injury and Poch rushing him back has helped England's cause. He only got it back in the last game and now there is a bit of a break again ( although he's training at least )

    10. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It was a public vote...

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Oops just noticed you acknowledged that.

  9. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Will Maccy D's open at 4am or 10am tomorrow?

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Always 4am

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Open from 6am to2am in Hammersmith.

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Ohhh may be released at 2.30 once they get all the stragglers out!

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          There’s no moving me. 🙂

        2. Fantasy Gold
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Being released at 4am obvs

    3. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Appalling Brekkie selection, especially for vegetarians.

      Actually haven't touched MdDonald's in over 10 years, apart from the odd McFlurry or fries. Main reason being Filet-O-Fish is now roughly the size of a 50p.

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        You can’t beat their chicken nuggets. Or Big Macs. Or strawberry milkshakes.

        Beautiful stuff.

  10. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Berbs.
    Just catching up on all the football.
    Thoughts on the final? Watched it last night. There is absolutely no way the Ramos incident was an accident. I love Judo. My favourite grapple is an arm bar, so reliable. Against a bigger opponent it’s the ultimate weapon. Use your weight and technique to take them down is the mantra, literally in any way.
    The way Voldemort took Salah down was a clear execution.
    Even as a martial artist I would never inflict such pain on my opponent as he did. Absolutely shocking. He knew what he was doing. Literally couldn’t believe what I saw yesterday.

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

      He injured the shoulder that wasnt locked.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Common technique also.
        Take away a support system and all body weight is put on surviving shoulder. When using an opponents weight, plus you’re own, it’s an end game.
        Quite easy really.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I think he knew what he was doing - taking Salah out of the game. He did Karius over too. But it ultimately helped Madrid win.

      I thought we played well until Salah's injury but it went downhill since. Thought Mane and the back 4 played well. Just a shame about Karius' blunders.

      Real Madrid showed they win at all costs.

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      You should all be happy hopefully Salah is out of the world cup and nicely rested for next season.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Nah, that's cold. A player always deserves to represent their country at the World Cup, especially when they've single handedly taken them there.

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          But if my team had been in it id want all the best players of the other sides not playing. I get your opinion being a pool fan and wanted him to do well but I have no emotion either way invested in Salah.

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I guess we are just different types of football fans.
            I’d never want to watch that game without Ronaldo. I’d want the best v the best

            1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Once again it depends. City vs pool id like to see Kun and salah play

              City vs UTD id hope UTD's best players were unable to play. That's how I work it's not really a choice it's how I feel 🙂

        2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Not sure England could meet Egypt but if they did I'm sure most of you would be praying salah was out no?

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            No chance. I’m more than an England fan, I’m a football fan.

            1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              I'm a believer in one team only. Rest are rivals and I have no love. Obviously there are teams like more than others ( if spurs can't win prem then I hope it's City then Pool) . I'd be happy for the rivals best player to limp off with an hammy twinge. Obviously I don't wish serious injury though I'm not heartless 😆

              1. Rupert The Horse
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Honestly bud, I think we’re just a bit different, that’s all. I hold the spectacle in higher regard than my team. I guess that’s because I like almost all sport and am from only one place so like to always see the best against the best.
                Like the Ashes for example, I really hope Smith and Warner are back.

                1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                  • 14 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  We can't all think the same. It would be a boring world if we did . I'm very much a heart on sleeve type. Winning is much more than competing to me so I guess that's part of reason I see it this way

  11. Woy of the Wovers
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How much does the Team of the Season cost so far? Something like 73m on just 9 players?

    I'm not sure if there's any point to the whole exercise.

    1. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      wise words

    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      We’ve done it every season as a means of recognising the key figures and reviewing their prospects for the new campaign. I think it’s a worthwhile post season series. It’s certainly interesting to look back and I often find myself referring to the articles a year on to remind myself of a players past campaign.

      1. Woy of the Wovers
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yet it is still just a popularity contest. I'm guessing people didn't pick Vardy because of his looks and opted for Firmino for his choice of shower products.

        As for picking a player who didn't play a full season..

      2. Pirlø's Pen
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I like it Mark.

  12. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Is Isco a good shout for an outside bet for top goalscorer @50/1?

    1. FFFrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      How’s the article coming along Scotty??

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      No.

    3. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      How much money are you willing to lose?

      1. Scotty B
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        £6.87

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I’d put it on Werner, Lukaku or Lewandowski

    4. Pirlø's Pen
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      An outside bet mate, as you said.

      One of the Brazilians takes my fancy.

      1. Scotty B
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yes

    5. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Do you think he’s value ?

    6. Prøfeßör …
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Are you related to or in any way affiliated with TaiwanHC?

    7. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Do you think he'll score more than 3?

    8. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      How many goals has he scored this season?