Awards

Defender of the Year Alexander-Arnold could break Robertson record

The first defender to make it into our Team of the Season is Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.8m).

The 20-year-old right-back set a new Premier League record for assists by a defender in 2018/19, registering thirteen.

That helped him on his way to finishing the campaign as the third highest points-scoring defender in the game behind his Liverpool teammates Andrew Robertson (£6.7m) and Virgil van Dijk (£6.7m).

Alexander-Arnold came out on top in our end-of-season poll for Defender’s of the Year, getting 25.25% of the vote. He just about pipped team-mate Robertson (24.92%) just like he did in the race for most assists this season.

Player Number of votes Share of vote
Trent Alexander-Arnold 970 25.25%
Andrew Robertson 957 24.92%
Matt Doherty 492 12.81%
Aymeric Laporte 484 12.6%
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 420 10.93%
Virgil van Dijk 370 9.63%
Lucas Digne 127 3.31%
David Luiz 21 0.55%

THE STATISTICS

Alexander-Arnold was part of a very successful Liverpool defence this season

Looking at the numbers for his season, it really is no surprise that Alexander-Arnold has topped our poll.

Despite missing nine league matches, he racked up a total of 185 points over the course of the campaign, eight more than Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m) who played 596 more minutes than the Englishman.

How many points would he have scored had he been fully fit for the entire season?

Alexander-Arnold averaged 6.4 points per game, which would have seen him score a whopping 243 points had he played in every Gameweek. Robertson’s new record for a defender (213) would have been blown out of the water.

On top of his 13 assists, Alexander-Arnold was on the pitch for 16 of Liverpool’s 21 clean sheets. He scored just one goal but made up for it in bonus points, accumulating 25 – only Robertson (29) finished the season with more among defenders.

Alexander-Arnold ranked third for crosses among defenders with a total of 201 behind Everton’s Lucas Digne (£5.4m) and Watford’s Jose Holebas (£4.8m).

In terms of expected assists (xA) for the season, the England international ranked number one among defenders with a figure of 6.60.

SEASON RECAP

Alexander-Arnold did cause some problems for Fantasy managers in the early part of the campaign

The first three matches of the 2018/19 season were frustrating for Alexander-Arnold owners. He got three clean sheets but also got booked in all three which meant he missed out on bonus points, while Robertson was hoovering them up for his Fantasy supporters.

Amazingly, by Gameweek 27, he had registered just three assists, then came his best performance of the season, providing three of them in the 5-0 win over Watford in Gameweek 28.

Naturally, Alexander-Arnold picked up all three bonus points in that match for a total of 18 points, one of his nine double-digit hauls.

Injury disrupted his season a few times, particularly in the middle part of the campaign. From Gameweek’s 15 to 27, he completed ninety minutes on just four occasions, registering just one assist during that period.

This section of the campaign was also plagued with some uncertainty over the extent of Alexander-Arnold’s injury, with media reporting he was out for a lot longer than Jurgen Klopp later indicated.

This led to a tricky spell for his owners as many sold him thinking he would be out for longer than he eventually was.

However, Alexander-Arnold finished the season very strongly scoring 54 points in the last five matches. That was underpinned by six assists, four clean sheets and 11 bonus points.

Let’s hope he can carry that end-of-season form into the opening weeks of next season.

OWNERSHIP

Alexander-Arnold’s popularity increased towards the end of the season

Priced at just £5.0m in Gameweek 1, Alexander-Arnold was a popular pick amongst FPL managers. He was in 787,168 teams when Liverpool faced West Ham in their opening game.

His habit of collecting yellow cards in those first few games would have put quite a few people off investing in him at that point.

Despite that, the youngster’s ownership figures crossed the one million mark for the first time in Gameweek 7 after he registered his first assist of 2018/19 in the 3-0 win over Southampton in the previous Gameweek.

After picking up an injury against Burnley in Gameweek 15, Alexander-Arnold was sold by almost 750,000 managers between Gameweek’s 17 and 19.

His ownership was at it’s lowest in Gameweek 26 (782,481), just below his Gameweek 1 figure of 787,168.

Once he got the three assists against Watford in Gameweek 28, his ownership and price rose steadily for the rest of the season. From Gameweek’s 28 to 38, his price jumped from £5.2m to £5.8m.

Alexander-Arnold finished the season as the third most-owned defender in the game with an ownership percentage of 26.9%, behind teammates van Dijk (32.3%) and Robertson (33%).

THE PROSPECTS

What happens elsewhere in the Liverpool defence, perhaps concerning Andrew Robertson (left) might dictate Alexander-Arnold’s potential next season

Given his heroics this season, Alexander-Arnold is set to get a significant price rise ahead of next season.

We can expect to see him priced at £6.5m or possibly even £7.0m. It will be very interesting to see if they price both full backs the same or if Alexander-Arnold will be £0.5m less than the more ‘nailed-on’ Robertson.

With Joe Gomez (£4.8m) fit again, will we see him competing with Alexander-Arnold for the right-back berth or will he be van Dijk’s partner in central defence?

The hope for us Fantasy managers is that Klopp uses Gomez at centre-back and continues with Alexander-Arnold as the first choice at right-back.

That said, there could be even more competition at centre-back next season if reports of Liverpool’s interest in Ajax’s Matthijs de Ligt hold truth.

One thing is for sure though, Alexander-Arnold is going to be a very popular pick again for Gameweek 1 next season, regardless of what his price is.

He is the ideal Fantasy defender, he can score goals, racks up assists, takes corners and some set pieces and plays in the best defence in the league who keep lots of clean sheets.

The only worry is his fitness which plagued him in 2018/19. Hopefully, a summer with no major tournament to worry about will give him the chance to rest up and come back fitter than ever before for the new year.

If he can avoid injury next season, he will have his sights set on breaking Robertson’s record.

140 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    A friendly warning to all the Liverpool fans.The PM and the opposition leader of Greece support Liv @ the CL final.....Bad omen for you lads.

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Mitsotakis, the jinxed!

  2. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Even stronger clean sheet potential if Klopp and Van Dijk persuade Matthias De Ligt!

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Can’t see him going there.

      Man City more likely imo

      1. Tshelby
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Isn't he going to go to Barcalona?

        1. ZaZaZu
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Well they have to pay for Frenkie De Jong and Griezmann. The question is do they have the money for De Ligt whose price will haven risen significantly more in the past month

    2. Miniboss
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Guy goes to Barca.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, really think this is what'll happen

        1. ZaZaZu
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          If they can afford it!? Remember, a couple of expensive players already on there way to Barca. May have to shift Coutinho or Rakitic

    3. DavidMunday815
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yes, De Ligt signing would be incredible for Liverpool defence overall but could affect TAA with Gomez having more competition. Be interesting to see where he ends up!

    4. Fire Chief Moe
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      He's choosing between Barca, Bayern and Juve according to Ballegue. Barca seems almost certain imo.

  3. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    TAA is great option but always a risk for me when gomez is fit

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      That’s what people said last season

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yep. Kept being said, especially during last wildcard. Those that held strong were rewarded with one the greatest streaks I’ve ever seen a defender go on. A true tear.

        Like the city assets, he’s worth any “risk” to him.. if that even exists

        1. DavidMunday815
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Gomez is why I never went for TAA on the Wildcard and held onto Robertson. As much as Robbo continued to deliver, had I ignored the risk of Gomez and gone with the in-form option I'd have enjoyed a lot more points! Only thing I think is that Gomez will be a lot fresher in the new campaign compared to second half of 2018/19. All eyes on Liverpool's pre-season and the Community Shield final!

          1. Miniboss
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Same for me. Rival chose double Pool defence (with TAA of course) early on and I was punished every week. I finally gave up at gw34 and got TAA to pair Robbo.

    2. Miniboss
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I'm not so sure anymore, that kid played phenomenal season. Maybe an odd rest here and there but that goes for likes of Sterling and Kun as well.

      I'm sure Pool will get someone decent to back up Robbo as well for next season, he was getting a bit fatigued towards the end. We might see rotation threat there as well then.

      1. DavidMunday815
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Was thinking this the other day. Surely near the top of Klopp's list is to replace Moreno. Once there is stiff competition for both TAA and Robbo we could find ourselves in an even trickier dilemma!

        1. Miniboss
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          I hope "new doherty" will arise from Sheffield or some other budget defence. It will be too much to bear if I see my 7m defender on bench every other gameweek.

          1. DavidMunday815
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            I hope so too! Even at this early stage, I am quite cautious about going big on Liverpool's defence next year. As you say, they've got to be nailed on every Gameweek to make the £7.0m worth paying.

            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Depends on fixtures but 1 player a must IMO.Robbo will be 7 and TAA 6.5. The gap will close. This until the inevitable midfield bargain comes along.

              1. Miniboss
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Yeah I'll start with one defender from Pool for sure. This season started with Robertson and he didn't leave my team once.

            2. POLSKA GOLA
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              I’ll probably go VVD again, he’s served me well this season after switching from Robbo

          2. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Digne and that range seems way to go but I would pay 7 mil for a defender who score 175pts plus.

        2. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Fabinho and Milner are not bad cover.
          For me, they need a "little bit of magic player"
          I see a group of players improving, the better Klopp gets to know them. Wilners, Hedo Lepzig boy, Fabinho coming too the party. He found Milner 1st year and other took a little longer.
          Gomez will make a huge difference in terms of team versatility.

    3. James H
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Personally think it's pretty clear Gomez is first choice alongside van Dijk when fully fit, which he should be providing he gets a full pre-season.

      Even if they win the CL and play in the UEFA Super Cup, don't think there will be much/any rotation for TAA and Robertson prior to the first international break, so that's four FPL Gameweeks.

      So as long as they don't have a really difficult start, would be very surprised if I don't start with a LIV defender.

      Initially thought TAA would be £0.5m cheaper than Robertson, but his form over the final few weeks of the season makes me think that would lead to too easy a choice between the two. So edging towards them being the same price now.

  4. kalmoffit
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I held TAA for 22gwks, bench twice, score 85pts. I know there was a late season surge, for 7m, you'd hope the surge continues

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      He came in my team for first time ever in gw 34 WC.
      Rest as they say, is history 😛

  5. Liverpool: what's needed for next season?
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    After doing a Hot Topic on City yesterday, what do Liverpool need to do in the transfer market this summer to be ready for next season?

    It seems obvious that de Ligt would improve their defence - should that be their priority?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      An irony, if Pool were given a transfer ban, they would probably handle it better than anyone.
      De Ligt improve? 50/50 . The devils he already he knows aren't bad at all.
      Don't laugh but a creative mid such as Coutinho who would play more central.

    2. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      After wing back cover I’d look up front. Sturridge Origi and Shaq are all pretty marginal imo if one of the big 3 go down. It doesn’t really match the cover City have in the attacking third - that’s the benchmark presumably.

      1. asquishypotato
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        That’s a really good way of putting it - it’s just about keeping essentially a second string of players happy when they are good enough to start for 90% of others.

    3. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      No, del ligit can be a great asset but Gomez is excellent next to vvd. First half of the season when they played together the defence was rock solid. Only matip came in he had a really slow start and that costs the league now, last 2 months matip is being excellent but he took him a long way to adapt.
      Gk ok
      Defence ok
      Midfielders Ox is like a new sign, keita showed some signs of his class in the last two months and fabinho as well.
      The need for a striker or winger is a necessity, those 3 guys up front they played all games those 2 years. They are exhausted.
      When they are out who's coming in? Origi? Nah l, not good enough.

      The only problem with klopps substitution policy is that he never rotates the front three. Shaq came to the team showing excellent skills, helped the team, scored but he was benched even when the team needed fresh legs.
      This can put off a few players by joining the team as soon as even shaq being so good didn't make it more than 10 mins per game.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        I wonder about someone like Wilson as an option. He’s probably less tactically flexible than Firmino but then again he hasn’t played for Klopp. I’d certainly take him over Origi as the 0-0 let’s try something different sub.

        1. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Not sure if Wilson wants to sit on the bench. If Utd Chelsea or Spurs show interest, I think, he will go in one of those teams. Big teams , potential to play more and possibly make it to the English squad.
          Above all it's the European cup this year so I am assuming he wants to be in the squad so he has to play regularly

          1. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            True

            But if my calculations are correct Bournemouth will start to need offloading sooner or later. And well Liverpool would be a huge step up.

            In the same way Stones and Delph went to City and Barkley to Chelsea I can see ego/self-confidence and the pay swinging things.

            1. Peter Ouch
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              I think with stones things were a bit different. He was the big name when he signed for city, he signed for 50m if I am right and he was the next Bobby Moore (yeah I know stop giggling).
              I don't know what went wrong in his case, maybe a city fan can tell us more

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      CM
      Back up winger

      Pool are One of the best squads in PL & can be great after above two imo

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Ohh and a backup LB if Moreno leaves

    5. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Matthijs de Ligt would be incredible, a new left back who can step in when Robertson needs a rest, Julian Brandt and Timo Werner would also be awesome.

    6. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      If we weren't up against statistically the best team in PL history, then I would've been happy with 1 or 2 squad fillers and would've been confident we'd challenge / win the title. That's not the case as we saw this season and I expect City to strengthen further - so it's imperative we make signings too.

      CB - Lovren needs to be moved on imo. Extremely error prone, hasn't played more than 8 matches in a row for a while and is going to be 30 before the season starts. While we'd all love de Ligt, I can't see that happening so would be more than happy with a Gomez-VVD partnership with Matip as back up. We would need one more back up though, perhaps someone with a bit of experience but with room to improve.

      LB - Moreno's contract is up in the summer meaning that Robertson is our only left back. There was talk of Lloyd Kelly (Paul Joyce wrote an article on our interest) but he's signed for Bournemouth. I would like someone young with potential - perhaps Ruben Vinagre? I wouldn't be surprised if we had an interest in Ryan Sessegnon as he could cover an attacking position too, another position we need to strenghten.

      AM - We're yet to 'replace' Coutinho and it showed in parts of the season just gone by - LEI, whu, mun, eve. We were after Fekir last summer and after his move fell through, I don't recall us going after another player. There's been links to Brandt, Ziyech and Havertz. Chamberlain is back though so perhaps Klopp may not even see this as a priority.

      Attacker - An absolute must. We've been quite fortunate that neither Salah, Firmino nor Mane have been injured for long period of time. While Shaqiri, Origi and Sturridge have gained us a fair few points this season, there's a significant drop off in quality. City have Mahrez - Jesus - Sane as a backup 3 and that's the level we're competing with. There's been links to Depay and Werner.

      I’d also like to see us promote 2 youth players in Ki-Jana Hoever (RB/CB) and Rhian Brewster (CF) into the first team setup. It’s all well and good signing players, but when you’ve got fantastic players in the academy, you have to bring them through as we have done with Trent. Marko Grujic is out on loan and he’s been mighty impressive (according to reports), it would be nice to have him as a midfield option too because I think (I’m not entirely sure) that Milner’s contract expires this summer.

      GK – Alisson, Mignolet (if he stays)
      RB – Trent, Hoever
      CB – van Dijk, Gomez, Matip + XXX
      LB – Robertson + XXX
      CM – Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keita, Grujic
      AM – Ox + XXX
      FWD – Salah, Mane, Shaqiri + XXX
      CF – Firmino, Origi, Brewster

      Liverpool are very smart recruiters, I'm confident that whoever we do sign, would be the right fit. My only concern is that we may not sign enough - I think City sign a CB, LB, DM and attacker so we need to keep an eye on their business too. I think the above squad is more than good enough to challenge City again, but we’re going to need to target a 100 point season to be champions.

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Huge detail, nice post.

        I agree Lovren needs to go. He can show up but he's not consistent enough. Sessegnon is a really interesting one - I guess Vinagre would be good too, shouldn't be hugely expensive.

        Havertz would be great.. would you welcome Coutinho back?

        That last bit you wrote is key for me - you not only need to sign a player or two to match the City squad they already have, but they'll be making big signings in the summer so you have to aim at having a better squad than they did this year, not just the same. KDB was missing for most of the season as well, and he'll be back next year

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          I personally wouldn't want Coutinho back because it sets the wrong precedent to the other players. He downed tools, faked injuries and allowed his agent to lie about his relationship with Klopp. I know players have done the same to join us but that's business for you, there's plenty of other players we could target.

          Aye, City had KDB out for virtually the whole season. I expect them to get circa 100 points again - we have to monitor their transfer business as it's one of their biggest influences in their success.

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Upvoted.
        Good post.
        Agree with all except the comment on best Defender in the world 😛

      3. asquishypotato
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Well written, similar to what most would say.

    7. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      It’s a shame that city pipped, as Berb has stated if Liverpool had won, then a bit of depth would be the only real ask.

      Goalkeeper is sorted, pending Mignolet as a backup, may need to dip or look at the academy if not.

      Lovren needs to go, so a young centre half or a good backup would be useful, as good as Matip is, I’d prefer Gomez and VVD alongside. De Ligt is a pipe dream, he’s off to Barca surely.

      I actually think a pure right back could be a bit of a coup - TAA is a midfielder at heart and could push further upfield, removing the need for reinforcements there if Lallana leaves. That said, an attacking midfielder of Brandt or Haiverts potential and quality wouldn’t go amiss.

      A left back as backup for Robertson is a must. How he got through this season without tearing a muscle is impressive considering his work rate.

      Up front, a goal scoring winger of proven quality would assist - competition up front, rotation, no drop in quality, plus the players would still get game time. A natural centre forward wouldn’t be turned down as well, like Werner, although the wide players work so well because of Bobby.

      1. asquishypotato
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        None of this helps fantasy however, unless TAA plays in midfield and is still classed as a defender!

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          It'd be awesome !!
          First name on everyone's team sheets

    8. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Just as Berbs said
      De ligt / koulibaly, AM and an attacker would be more than good but i'm pretty sure we won't sign a defender so i'd expect
      Someone like Ryan Sessegnon and Depay/Werner.. Hopefully

  6. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Who do we think might move on from bottom half sides? I’m particularly curious about Brighton and Bournemouth who both spent heaps last time around.

    Most of the Brighton cash was misspent and perhaps Potter has been brought in with an eye to the cut price job he did at Swansea - systems over players. Gross seems a possible there. Not sure how attractive others are. Knockaert?

    Bournemouth bought better of course but they’re getting to the point where escalating wage bills of renegotiated contracts hit. They made a loss last time around I believe before those transfers. Solanke is an enormously pricy reserve for them. Mepham too didn’t feature much. Lerma was also in and out. Might someone be in for Wilson?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I think some of those Brighton signings could thrive under Potter – Jahanbakhsh, Izquierdo and Bissouma are all good players, and will be better suited to a more ambitious tactical approach.

      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Tbh I haven’t really seen enough of them to have an opinion. But Potter is a fascinating appointment. In any event he’s unlikely to get much cash to spend given recent outgoings

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Agreed, think he said in his press conference he wasn't expecting a massive amount of activity, its more about working with these players he's inherited.

  7. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    What's the price you think Trippier will be?

    1. Saint Steve-O (@EliteFPL)
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Probably still the high of 6.0

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      5.5

    3. TRIPPIER'S DAD
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      He's off to Napoli pal

      1. Azathoth
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Didn't know that he is a wise guy.....

    4. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Should be 5.5
      Will be 6

  8. TRIPPIER'S DAD
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    wan bissaka or Doherty in a Spurs shirt next season, probably the former

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

    I agree that Taa was something else in last 5/6 gw's but, neglecting Robbo for him as Defender of the season is not for me.
    I agree Taa missed a few matches, BUT staying fit throughout the season + being 100% nailed are the plus points for Robbo.

    Taa might miss a few matches next year too due to tough games & him being not great at defensive side of the game.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Having said that unless both are 8.0m next season, Robbo + Taa will be in my team from start having seen the effect of defensive double up from gw 34-38 this season.

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      True, consistency should be awarded.
      And from an fpl perspective is better to have points week in and out rather than up and downs.
      Robbo first pick to avoid the frustration

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yep 🙂

  10. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Sacking Sarri after finishing 3rd and reaching the Europa League final is extremely harsh. Let's see how Lampard does in comparison, if Di Marzio's story is proven to be true.

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Hello mate 🙂
      Re your post, i think i read somewhere Sarri pressurized Chelsea to take the decision ASAP as Juventus are looking at him.
      Anyways, it's ridiculous to sack manager after first season & good finish (may still win Europa league too)
      I can't say that though as United also playing the sacking game recently. Players with big ego are like causing this are virus to football imo

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        If he could go to Juventus he should! I'd never want to be a manager at Chelsea

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah. Constant job insecurity 😮
          I think Juventus would snap him up because of his success in Italy previously.

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            I'd love to see both Sarri and Mourinho in Italy

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Yeah. Mou could be gunning to prove everyone wrong. Will be interesting to see what happens

        2. Chelsea Rangers Loyal
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah. All that money and all those trophies. Who needs it eh?

          1. Geoff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            If they rang me up and asked me to be manager of course I would take it 😀

            But if I was an actual manager and other clubs were chasing me, I would likely want to go elsewhere. Not only because there seems to be no job security but also because of the possible transfer ban, likely loss of Hazard, and what I see as the difficulty for a manager to implement a long term strategy.

            1. Chelsea Rangers Loyal
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              So you just completely u-turned then!

            2. Chelsea Rangers Loyal
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Think there's a fat Spanish waiter joke in there somewhere!

              1. Geoff
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                I guess I wasn't speaking as precisely as I could have been 😀

      2. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Morning 🙂

        Tbf if Sarri is pushing away for a move, then there's not much Chelsea can do. In that case it wouldn't be a sacking. Think Lampard will struggle tbh.

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Yeah.
          All over Italy newsletters. Juventus & Sarri must be keywords everywhere 😀

          Re Chelsea struggling under Lampard, if the transfers ban stays i think Chelsea is in for a terrible season.
          Hazard leaving means losing half creativity too. Feel for them 😮

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            I can never feel for Chelsea if I'm honest. Losing Hazard is a big blow, he had a sensational season imo. Fancy them to fall out the top 4 if they sell him. Not that the teams under any better either.. 😛

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              Ha ha
              Onwards and upwards though 😉

            2. Geoff
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              I don't really feel for Chelsea either but I'll be sorry to see Hazard leave, I love watching him. That said, I'll also love watching him have CL success with Madrid on a team full of stars

              1. goriuanx
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Certainly going to try and tune in for some RM games, Hazard and Jovic sounds great fun!

              2. Amey
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 10 months ago

                Well, RM are bad atm too 😀
                I can't see to many stars in that team. Barcelona is a bloody good team and doing some amazing transfer business this transfer window.

                I hope Hazard gets some success at RM as he's my one of the favorite players 🙂

                1. Geoff
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 10 months ago

                  They are! But they'll have Pogba, Hazard, Eriksen, and one of Salah/Mane next season so they'll be fine 😉

                  1. Amey
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 10 months ago

                    Ha ha
                    That would be a true Galactico transfer window then 😀

        2. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          MAE 🙂

          I think he'd struggle too. He needs at least another season, and with the transfer ban possibly coming I think it's a crazy move for him

    2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Chelsea will finish below Leicester and Everton next season, mark my words

      1. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        as a chelsea fan, this would not surprise me at all

      2. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        This is the kind of thing you should bookmark and bring out in about a year 🙂

  11. Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    There's a new Community Article by FPL Virgin with proposed changes to FPL for next season:

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/05/21/4-things-i-would-change-about-fpl-for-next-season/

  12. The Rumour Mill
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Will there be a scout notes on the FA Cup final? We had an "implications for fpl" article but nothing on the game itself. For example, I thought it was highly unusual to see Aguero benched for such an important match and I haven't heard an explanation for this anywhere. Did Pep say anything on the matter? There's a big difference between it being something like a minor injury/illness, Pep wanting to give Jesus a run out as he feels bad he hasn't had more gametime this season, or it being something like Pep wanting to start with Jesus as a trial for next season where he potentially sees him being used more often again as Aguero ages. If its the latter that has a massive implication on squad structure for next season and which 3 City assets to go for, for example.

    1. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      There won't be Scout Notes, just that article you mentioned.

      I think it was just Jesus playing because he played the cup games, but I could be wrong!

      1. The Rumour Mill
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Oh right ok, thanks for replying anyway. Thats a decent hypothesis, Jesus has started every cup game when fit this season. Cheers!

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah you're right Geoff, in the build up Pep said he got us to the final so he deserves to play.

  13. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Forgot that Rondon was on loan last year. Apparently various PL teams are interested (Newcastle, Wolves, West ham). The latter also considering Mitrovic and Marega.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Rondon and Mitrovic are really good imo. Everton should be interested.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        That solves an fpl mid price striker spot right there!

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Everton & Wolves should get one each form Rondon & Mitrovic

    3. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      If West Ham and Wolves do get involved then sadly he won't be back at Newcastle, I just don't think we'll be that competitive in the wage department for a player that turns 30 in September.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        He's played for Pellers in Spain too. Might have signed him actually.

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I’ve been hoping Palace would show an interest in Rondon - imo he’d suit us down to the ground. He’d also get more minutes I suspect than he would at Everton and Wolves.

      We do tend to overpay on transfers and wages so all us not lost! One problem is finding an out for Benteke if he can’t just replace Batman

  14. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Just catching up with the rumour mill. Daniel James to Man Utd and Trippier to Napoli are very interesting ones indeed.

  15. Saint Steve-O (@EliteFPL)
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    TAA end of season returns was ludicrous, if he/Liv keep up them performances, imagine how many points lol

  16. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Which is most reliable source regarding transfers ??
    Sky ??

    Thank you in advance !!

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Sky used to be reliable but not so much nowadays.

      Btw, think James is a done deal. Good signing imo.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers bro !!
        Yeah, everyone is claiming it.
        He's fast & young. Hopefully it solves our RW woes since last few years 😮

      2. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Hopefully we stay away from Bale 😀
        Sanchez part II tbh

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      I think journalists get more info than actual outlets. It depends what clubs you're after?

      Sky are arguably the worst.. 🙂

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Thank you Berbs.
        I'm interested in United, especially as every player on earth (not named Messi, Ronaldo & Pool/City players) is linked.
        So ..

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Simon Stone and James Ducker get United info if I'm not mistaken. Fabrizio Romano usually gets some info (abroad signings) for United too iirc.

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            Bookmarked.
            Thank you 🙂

  17. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    ManCity buying titles again got me to wondering how much PL clubs have spent on transfers recently. It appears none have been as "frugal" as Spurs. Also CL final isn't too shabby for being the first club in PL history to make 0 signings two transfer windows running.

    https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/fuenfjahresvergleich/wettbewerb/GB1

    Sure hope we can at least spend Enough to keep Poch around ...forever

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Respect for Poch !!

  18. avfc82
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    I was tempted to bin this as David has already started analysing Norwich, which is excellent by the way, but it was already written so figured I may as well upload it, in the hope one or two of you find it useful.

    Following on from last week’s post about Sheffield United and their approach under Chris Wilder (linked in Hot Topics if you missed it), I’ve now had a look at Norwich City and have recorded some thoughts below.

    Norwich City’s manager is Daniel Farke, formerly of Borussia Dortmund reserves. They play a possession based 4-2-3-1 system with lots of short passes, which has seen them score an impressive 93 goals this season.

    29 of those have come via Championship Player of the Season Teemu Pukki – not bad for a free transfer from Brøndby! Having watched him a few times this season, he’s one of those players who can do a bit of everything. He can run the channels, hold the ball up and bring others into play, has a good work ethic and scores all types of goals. Many on here seem sceptical about his ability to step up to the Premier League, pointing to his poor returns at previous clubs Celtic and Schalke, but these quotes from Brentford head coach Thomas Frank, who worked with him in Denmark, are encouraging…

    "I believe in him in the Premier League. I don't think he can score 29 goals, but I'm convinced he'll score goals. He has a tremendously good ability to time deep runs, and he has a good speed, and that is crucial in the Premier League. Norwich will not dominate so many battles so his skills will come even more into play. We have a Finnish goalkeeper coach, and I told him I was sure Teemu would score over 20 goals in the Championship. He came from a good year in Brøndby, and has become mature as a player. When you have worked with Teemu, you know that it has taken him time and hard work to reach his current level, but now he has hit it. He fits perfectly into Norwich. I didn't think he would score 29 goals, but it's incredibly nice. He has had a tremendous season and I have great respect for him."

    In another interview Teemu admitted he was probably a bit lazy before, but is now a more grown up and professional individual. If the fixtures fall kindly, I could be tempted if priced at 5.5m.

    Operating on the right of the front 3 is Emiliano Buendia, Norwich’s star man who created more chances and made more final-third passes than any other player this season. Comfortable on either foot, his movement and technique have been really notable, chipping in with 8 goals and 12 assists. His defensive efforts shouldn’t go unnoticed too. It’s fair to say he’s lit up the Championship this season.

    Mario Vrancic (10 goals, 7 assists) and Marco Stiepermann (9 goals, 6 assists) should also be monitored, but my early thoughts lead me towards Emiliano Buendia as Norwich’s midfielder of choice.

    Another key area for Norwich is the full-back positions, where they use the energetic Max Aarons and Jamal Lewis. They get very high and are strong in 1 on 1 situations. My preferred pick, Young Player of the Season Max Aarons has contributed 6 assists (more than any other Championship full-back), is very strong with his distribution and is also creative. Add to that his pace and stamina and there is a lot to like here.

    My concern though, and it’s a pretty big one, is that Norwich conceded 57 goals this season, 18 more than Wolves in 2017-18.

    However, it’s also worth noting that 8 of the last 10 title winners from the Championship have gone on to retain their top-flight status. More encouraging still, is the fact that the last five teams to win the trophy – Wolves, Newcastle, Burnley, Bournemouth and Leicester – have all established themselves as Premier League clubs.

    Thanks again for reading. I’ll write something on the Play-Off winners next week, and if it’s my club Villa, expect it to be in depth!

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Great post.
      Thank you. Pukki is on everyone's minds so interested in him.
      One of Pukki & Buendia should be in out teams then since they are coming up with good last season stats

      1. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Thanks! Fixtures are key for me, if they fall kindly one of the attacking options you mentioned could be worth a punt.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks. Not in the know on Buendia and its my home city! Really hoping they do well - good philosophy and a loyal support base here.

    3. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks for taking the time to write/share this, great insight and very helpful, cheers.

    4. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Cheers mate, great work, thanks for sharing!

  19. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Was Baines once £8m or did I dream that?

    1. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Vidic started as 8.0m in 2009/10, and Baines started at 8.0m in 2011/12.
      I don't think there have been any defenders starting at more than 7.5m since then.

        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks GWM.

          1. GreenWindmill
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            No problem, just looked at the comments at exactly the right time 🙂

  20. The Gambler.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Remember when Utd fans slagged LFC for buying from Swansea and Southampton? 🙂

  21. Stevie B
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 10 months ago

    Is an overall rank of 47,353 very bad? I am really disappointed and frustrated. Last year I had an overall rank of 8,602.

    But you also need a lot of luck with this game. For example Luke Shaw seemed a good alternative for the last two games against Huddersfield and Cardiff. However he got only a single point from these two games.

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      You shouldn’t be disappointed. It’s a decent rank and better than most. Always look to improve though.
      I ended on a similar rank but more annoyingly ended on a red arrow.
      I’m looking to learn from last seasons mistakes 🙂

    2. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Humble brag?
      You asked this a couple of days ago and we answered you then.

    3. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      It's all about context, in isolation it's neither good nor bad, depends how much effort you put in, whether OR was your main focus, etc. I finished 135k which is my worst rank for 9 years so I'd snap your hand off for 47k!

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Yea you suck.

    5. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Playing for eight years... and you cannot contextualise this yourself?

      Shame

    6. JohnnyMagrinho
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Unless you finish in the top 3, your rank sucks.

        Really bad rank. Really, really poor effort.

    7. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Squeezing 3 Liverpool and 3 City players into my team at the start of next season is going to be tough 😯

      1. Ghost Gooner
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        I'm going 2 City (Sterling and Laporte) and the Pool triple up is 2 def and Mane. I will ignore Robbo if he is 8.0

    8. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      It's disgusting that Mkhi cannot play @ the EL final because of non football related reasons and it's a disgrace that UEFA didn't change the venue.

      1. FPL Pillars
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 10 months ago

        Change the venue for one player? Seems a bit excessive.

        1. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 10 months ago

          No it isnt. They should never have allowed Baku to host it.

          1. FPL Pillars
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 10 months ago

            I don’t agree Baku shouldn’t host it, why not?

            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 10 months ago

              It's not in Europe, they're brutally oppressing Armenia. Two good reasons on their own.

    9. GreenWindmill
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      New article posted: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/05/21/how-brightons-fpl-assets-could-fare-under-new-boss-graham-potter/

      You've probably only got 20/30 minutes at most before someone else spots it and gets the coveted first comment 😉

    10. aquavit
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 10 months ago

      Speaking of Liverpool, there's a great article in Wednesday's New York Times about the club's use of statistics, which heavily influences their transfers and was even responsible for their hiring Jürgen Klopp. It's here:

      https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/22/magazine/soccer-data-liverpool.html

      How this might affect our FPL planning and decisions I haven't thought about yet, but it certainly persuades me that this season's near-top finish was no accident, and I'll be backing them from the off next season with as many Liverpool players as I can afford.