Awards

Vote for the best FPL midfielders of 2019/20

After discussing the runners and riders between the posts and in defence, our end-of-season Fantasy Premier League awards series continues with a look at the midfielders up for nomination.

Overall score, points per match and value are all factors to consider as we invite you to vote on the candidates listed below.

FPL has been something of a midfielder’s game for the last few years, with the last six highest-scoring Fantasy assets all being classified in this position.

The three players with the most FPL points in 2019/20 were midfielders, as were the top six players with the best points-per-match averages.

We might have even more to choose from next season, with Pierre-Emerick Aubayemang and Marcus Rashford possible candidates for reclassification.

2018/19 Team of the Season Review – Midfielders

  • Goalkeeper: Alisson
  • Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson, Matt Doherty
  • Midfielders: Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, Raheem Sterling, Ryan Fraser, Eden Hazard
  • Forwards: Raúl Jiménez, Sergio Aguero

Three of last year’s Team of the Season are up for nomination again, with Raheem Sterling, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane all matching their achievements in 2018/19 by cracking the 200-point mark.

We’ll discuss their credentials in detail below.

With regards to the other two, their follow-up acts have been rather less celebrated.

Eden Hazard has long since ceased to be an FPL asset, of course, with the former Chelsea winger moving to Real Madrid last summer.

The Belgian has scored only one La Liga goal in what has been a stop-start, injury-ravaged campaign.

As for Ryan Fraser, the fact that his FPL price dropped £0.7m over the course of 2019/20 pretty much tells its own story.

The Scotland international managed less than a third of the attacking returns he had delivered in the previous campaign, registering just one goal and five assists en route to his lowest points tally in four years of being a Premier League player.

His time at Bournemouth ended in acrimonious circumstances, too, with the winger having refused to sign a contract extension beyond June 30 and thus playing no part in the Cherries’ ill-fated attempt to beat the drop.

Now a free agent, it’ll be interesting to see where the Scot ends up in 2020/21 and how much his starting price falls – which seems inevitable – in FPL.

2019/20 CANDIDATES

KEVIN DE BRUYNE

 1

While there is plenty of debate elsewhere, it’s difficult to imagine Kevin De Bruyne not making our end-of-season XI.

The Belgian was the highest-scoring FPL asset in any position in 2019/20, racking up 251 points and finishing some distance ahead of Mohamed Salah thanks to his final-day haul.

Starting the season off at a now-unthinkable £9.5m, De Bruyne’s ownership had almost quintupled by the season’s end (he finished the campaign as the most popular asset in the game) as he broke Salah’s two-year hold on top spot in the overall points table.

The City midfielder had a torrid time with injuries in his previous campaign (hence the price drop) but missed only two league matches for fitness reasons this time around, starting 32 of the 36 fixtures he was available for.

This included an unbroken run of starts from Gameweeks 9 to 27, with rotation only really affecting him when City were faced with a glut of dead rubbers following the mid-June resumption.

De Bruyne began the season with attacking returns in each of his first six starts, returning three double-digit hauls over that run.

There were a pleasingly symmetric 10 returns of 10+ points over the course of the campaign, with his hauls in Gameweeks 17+ and 38+ representing high points.

Only two midfielders – both of whom were at the budget end of the scale – represented better value for money than De Bruyne (23.7) based on points per million, despite his end price of £10.6m.

And only Bruno Fernandes (9.0) averaged more points per match than the Belgium international (7.2) in 2019/20.

MOHAMED SALAH

If 233 FPL points represents a ‘poor’ season in some people’s eyes, then you must be a special player.

Mohamed Salah‘s total of 29 attacking returns was his lowest since moving to Merseyside in 2017 but only De Bruyne outscored him on the points front this season and even then, the Belgian only pulled clear in Gameweek 38+.

There were parallels with 2018/19, with a decent start giving way to more middling returns in the autumn and then an explosion of points around Christmas.

After registering just two double-digit hauls in the first 15 Gameweeks, Salah then delivered five such points bonanzas in his next ten appearances – one of which came in Double Gameweek 24.

As had been the case against Huddersfield the previous season, the Egyptian saved one final massive score for the run-in, registering 18 points against Brighton in Gameweek 34+.

Salah enjoyed home comforts more than most and he was a reliable pick for the captaincy when at Anfield, with 15 of his 19 goals arriving on Merseyside.

In only four of his 18 home appearances did he blank.

Salah began the season at £12.5m and ended it there, and he’ll surely be in a similar bracket next season.

Whether he’s as widely owned, given the wealth of premium midfield options that are set to be available, is another question.

SADIO MANE

Finishing only 12 points behind his Liverpool teammate above, Sadio Mane ended up as the third-highest-scoring FPL asset of the season.

There was only one fewer attacking return than Salah, too, with the Senegal international supplying 18 goals and 10 assists despite playing over 100 fewer minutes than his fellow premium midfielder.

Removing penalties (and any bonus that came from it) from the equation, Mane actually outscored Salah in terms of attacking returns and FPL points – although we Fantasy managers care little for how our hauls arrive.

Mane turned out to be the better-value pick based on starting prices (£11.5m v £12.5m) but, ending the season less than half a million behind his teammate, there was little to separate the pair come Gameweek 38+.

The Senegalese winger racked up eight double-digit hauls in all, just two of which came this calendar year.

From an underlying stats perspective, there were similarities to 2018/19 with Salah dominating the shot count (over 50 more than Mane this season) but his goal conversion rate being significantly inferior.

In four of Mane’s last five seasons has he hit at least 20 attacking returns and he’ll surely be priced around the £11.5m-£12.0m mark again next season.

BRUNO FERNANDES

The inclusion of any January transfer window signings in an end-of-season poll will be greeted with derision in some quarters but late arrivals have forced their way into contention in the past, with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Papiss Demba Cisse having previously made our team of the year.

And few mid-season captures have quite made the impact that Bruno Fernandes has.

No FPL asset in any position averaged more points per match than the Manchester United midfielder (8.4) this season and while that mean would surely have dropped had he played the entirety of the campaign, 14 appearances is no tiny sample size.

Fernandes scored more points (117) from his Gameweek 25+ debut onwards than the likes of Diogo Jota, Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Pepe did all season, with only three blanks arriving in his 14 starts.

Six double-digit hauls were registered in that time, too, a total that no other Manchester United asset could beat across the whole of 2019/20.

Half of his goals came from the penalty spot but there was plenty to like besides that, with assists arriving from all quarters and his mere presence galvanising the rest of the Red Devils’ attack.

Fernandes’ ownership increased by 2000% following his arrival and his price ballooned from £8.0m to a high of £9.1m; it’d be a major surprise to see him priced up below £10.0m in 2020/21.

ANTHONY MARTIAL

Gameweek 32+ Scout Picks focus on Arsenal, Wolves and Man United

This season will almost certainly have been Anthony Martial‘s swansong as an FPL midfielder, with a positional reclassification looking very likely this summer.

While Manchester United’s attack is one of the more fluid in the division, the Frenchman played ‘out of position’ as a central striker for much of 2019/20 as FPL forward Marcus Rashford took up a role out wide.

This was by some distance Martial’s best-ever FPL season, with the 24-year-old striker racking up 17 goals, nine assists and 200 points and finishing a clear fifth among FPL midfielders in the overall points table.

The arrival of Fernandes and later return to fitness of Rashford and Pogba seemed to invigorate him, with 15 of his 26 attacking returns coming in the final 13 Gameweeks.

Martial averaged 8.0 FPL points per match over this period, which elevated his season mean to 6.2 – the joint-fifth-best in the division.

Having previously had something of a reputation as being injury-prone, he also became a reliable starter after an early-season spell on the sidelines, missing only one of United’s final 29 league matches.

The imminent rebrand will come at a cost: he would have scored 31 fewer goal/clean sheet points as a forward this season, although would have admittedly recouped a handful of those due to the quirks of the Bonus Points System.

RAHEEM STERLING

andys-pp-article 3

Also finishing on 6.2 points per match was Raheem Sterling, who endured a rollercoaster 2019/20.

No FPL midfielder scored as many goals as the Manchester City winger (20) and yet for large chunks of the season, he was persona non grata with Fantasy managers.

Having started the season with a hat-trick against West Ham and goals in his next two outings, the returns started to dry up.

Between Gameweeks 4 and 29, Sterling recorded just six goals and two assists and averaged a fairly dismal 3.95 points per match.

The enforced break from March to June seemed to work in Sterling’s favour, however.

Five of his nine double-digit hauls for the season came from Gameweek 30+ onwards, with Sterling racking up 86 points in the run-in despite beginning three of City’s final ten league fixtures on the bench.

A total of 206 points was his lowest in three seasons – a lack of assists accounting for that – but he nevertheless passed the 200-mark for the third straight year.

That end-of-season flurry may have put paid to any hopes of a price drop in the coming campaign (he started and finished 2019/20 at £12.0m) but he significantly underachieved based on expected assist data – suggesting his teammates’ poor finishing hampered his returns – and there is every chance of an even better year in 2020/21.

JACK GREALISH

A poor 2020 from an FPL perspective blotted Jack Grealish‘s copybook, with the Aston Villa talisman registering only two attacking returns in his final 15 appearances.

It shouldn’t be forgotten how impressive he was before that point, however.

Grealish racked up seven goals, six assists and 14 bonus points in the first 23 Gameweeks of the campaign, averaging a very respectable 5.0 points per match over this period.

Double-digit hauls against Brighton (twice) and Burnley were individual highlights, with Dean Smith’s decision to move him into a front three in Gameweek 7 sparking a real purple patch.

Despite the barren run in the final third of the campaign, Grealish still finished first for overall score (149) and points per match (4.1) among sub-£7.0m midfielders.

Crucially, given the different criteria we’re assessing in this piece, he was also the best-value midfielder of the season based on FPL’s points-per-million metric.

Only De Bruyne created more chances than Grealish in 2019/20 and, with a better finisher than the limited Wesley, Mbwana Samatta and Keinan Davis on the end of his crosses and passes, there would have been more points to show for his efforts.

TODD CANTWELL

For Grealish, see Todd Cantwell.

After netting against Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day, Cantwell didn’t manage anything other than a blank in the remaining 17 Gameweeks of the season as the Canaries struggled for goals.

Despite that shortage of points in 2020, Cantwell still finished as the highest-scoring sub-£5.0m midfielder of the season.

Grealish was the only midfielder who provided better value based on points per million, meanwhile.

His early-season exploits led to a price rise of half a million, with attacking returns arriving against Newcastle, Chelsea and Manchester City in the first five Gameweeks.

Originally selected by little more than 20,000 FPL managers, Cantwell featuerd in over 1.8 million squads by Gameweek 7 and four more goals followed between then and Gameweek 21.

The drought that followed has tarnished his legacy but he was the go-to fifth midfielder for many of us in the first half of the season and is deserving of an honourable mention at the very least.

RIYAD MAHREZ

Finishing as the sixth-highest-scoring FPL midfielder but a damn sight cheaper than all bar Martial above him, Riyad Mahrez made big strides following a slightly underwhelming debut campaign at Manchester City.

Mahrez’s total of 25 attacking returns was the same he recorded in his final season at Leicester City but he managed it in over 1,000 fewer minutes, having started only 21 of the Citizens’ 38 league fixtures.

While the Algerian did make a further 12 appearances off the bench in 2019/20, his achievements were all the more commendable given how relatively little pitch-time he was afforded: Sterling, for example, managed just one more attacking return than Mahrez despite racking up over 700 more minutes.

Only Fernandes and De Bruyne averaged more attacking returns per 90 minutes than Mahrez among FPL midfielders this season.

Three of his six double-digit scores arrived in the first seven matches of the campaign, with a 17-point haul against Aston Villa in January representing his zenith in a single Gameweek.

It was his contribution in Double Gameweek 30+ that really stood out, however, with the Algeria international scoring 21 points across City’s games against Burnley and Arsenal.

On the negative side, there were 12 scores of exactly one point, with Pep Guardiola’s in-game rotation affecting Mahrez more than most.

SON HEUNG-MIN

Son’s tally of 24 attacking returns was his best ever since moving to the Premier League and he would have gone close to his 2017/18 total of 178 points had he not missed a penalty and been dismissed twice.

His exploits merit special praise as he sat out eight Spurs games through injury or suspension.

Half of Son’s six double-digit hauls arrived in Jose Mourinho’s first four matches in charge in north London.

Under the Special One, the South Korea international’s points-per-match average rose from to 5.1 to 5.9.

While there are more explosive players out there, Son was remarkably consistent throughout 2019/20: on only one occasion did he make more than two consecutive appearances without registering a goal or assist.

ADAMA TRAORE

is-vardy-really-out-of-form 8

One of the most infuriating players to own in the final third of the season due to Nuno Espirito Santo’s propensity to change shape and personnel in attack, Adama Traore was nevertheless one of the best value-for-money assets in FPL up until Gameweek 25.

Indeed, he finished the season as the fifth-highest-scoring midfielder – behind Grealish, Cantwell, De Bruyne and Martial – based on points per million.

It’s easy to forget that Traore began the season as a £5.0m bargain buy.

No midfielder with a starting price of less than £6.0m racked up more FPL points than Traore, who ended the campaign with four goals and nine assists to his name.

From Gameweeks 4 to 25, the winger started all but one of Wolves’ Premier League matches.

Whether many of his owners enjoyed his hauls is another question, given his ‘benchable’ price: his two highest scores of the season both came against Manchester City, with another double-digit return arriving away at Spurs.

From Gameweeks 6 to 24, he averaged a very creditable 5.0 points per match.

HARVEY BARNES

andy-bench-boost-article 4

Like a number of the cut-price midfielders listed above, Harvey Barnes‘ season petered out somewhat towards the end.

Eight blanks in nine post-restart fixtures (five of which were as a substitute) slightly tarnished his earlier work, with the Leicester City winger finishing the season on six goals and 10 assists.

No FPL midfielder priced up at less than £7.0m registered as many attacking returns (16) as Barnes this season.

His 19-point haul against Aston Villa was a real stand-out moment, with his pre-lockdown form (he averaged 8.5 points per match between Gameweeks 24 and 29) representing his best spell of the campaign.

Five assists across four matches in the autumn was another high point.

Game-time was a bit of a problem, it should be said: he made only 24 starts across the whole of 2019/20 and was substituted off in 20 of them.

NOT QUITE MAKING THE CUT

 1

We’ve limited the number of midfielders up for nomination to 12 in this piece, with the heavy hitters (De Bruyne, Salah, Mane, Sterling, Son) accompanied by slightly cheaper alternatives (Martial, Fernandes, Mahrez) and some budget assets (Barnes, Grealish, Cantwell, Traore) thrown in for good measure.

There were others who had strong cases for inclusion, however.

Richarlison finished only four points behind Son after another 13-goal campaign, while only two midfielders scored more bonus points than Willian this season.

Chelsea assets are perhaps a little hard done by in this piece, with Mason Mount another contender from the £6.0m bracket but ultimately finishing with fewer attacking returns than both Barnes and Grealish in the same price point.

Many of you may be wondering where Christian Pulisic is, too.

The American had a superb end to the campaign, with nine attacking returns in as many post-restart fixtures, but that more than doubled his total for the rest of the season.

Pulisic had started just 12 league matches before his late-season flurry from Gameweek 30+ onwards.

Similarly, Michail Antonio ended 2019/20 on a real high note and made a late push for nomination.

From Gameweeks 1-27, however, the West Ham United attacker had registered just three attacking returns in what had been an injury-ravaged campaign.

Don’t Forget to Vote

587 Comments Post a Comment
  1. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Is it possible we’ll see a rash of moves for developing European talent this window?

    There must be at least some danger that a hard Brexit will/would make it much harder to stock up on players below international level or with minimal caps.

    Completely random example: Liverpool signed a young Dutch defender in the last 12 months who may develop but would also be tricky to justify on work permit rules if he didn’t have the Euro exemption

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I spent a large portion of last night watching YouTube highlights reels of Havertz & Sancho - I feel I’m practically qualified as a big 6 football scout at this stage lol

      How does Brexit actually impact things - are the work permit rules going to include some sort of greyness/vagueness for “exceptional” cases that mega rich football clubs can just pay a few hundred grand in legal fees to navigate for example?

      1. LegendMoon
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        What would you say to doucoure and Saar arriving from Watford , could do worse and strengthen the squad for not a lot of outlay

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Hmmm... I’m not sure - both have bags of ability for sure...

          But Europe is teaming with players with ability - its ability *plus* mentality that’s needed - and the showing Watford put in this season smacks of really poor mentality

          Managerial changes etc obviously didn’t help - but I wouldn’t be queuing up to get either to be honest - rightly or wrongly

          1. LegendMoon
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Fair point I may take a punt on Saar though, can be a match winner on his day

        2. hornetjb
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Watford fan - Sarr is potentially a huge talent, but needs to play regularly, so maybe one more move before a transfer to a big 4 club would be advisable. Could see him at Arsenal or somewhere like that. Attitude was good, even when we were struggling he created chances. Doucouré is not as good as he thinks he is - flatters to deceive, frustratingly inconsistent. Probably Palace would be his true level, but he thinks he is much better than that.

          1. jtreble
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Interesting but the one I find the most interesting is Deulofeu. Any idea what’s going on there?

            1. hornetjb
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Sadly he’s off too. Agent currently exploring options according to press reports. Could well go abroad. Would be a great signing - can be frustrating and inconsistent, but if he is up for it on the day, he is a match winner and game changer.

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The Football Manager 2020 edition gamed all this in their last iteration. They have a randomised variety of Brexit scenarios including just such a hard Brexit.

      1. POLSKA GOLA
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        It doesn’t matter if it’s a hard or soft Brexit. These negotiations focus on transfer of goods and services, not on labour laws, work permits etc. Free movement is ending in all scenarios. Great times ahead for the richest clubs who can afford full internationals

    3. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      As an Arsenal fan the benefit of Brexit will definitely be that PL clubs with less money (outside of top 7 richest clubs) will no longer have access to a pool of good EU-based players. We can afford full internationals, so we get a competitive advantage.
      As long as Tory right wing extremists are in power there won’t be exceptions for EU nationals over any other nationality.
      It’s enough to say Leicester wouldn’t be able to bring N’golo Kante to Premier League in the first place if it weren’t for the EU free movement. Great times ahead for the richest teams

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Even for the richest teams, it will kill off Chelsea's habit of hoovering up all the good teenagers in Europe and never playing them.

        1. POLSKA GOLA
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          True that

        2. POLSKA GOLA
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Although they could still sign them and send out on loan to an EU-based league until they developed into full internationals

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Really? So can still trawl the lot of them on the cheap and sell the few who rise to the top for a killing? Glad I'm not a fan of Chelski (or Brexit).

  2. Who to sign and who to sell
    Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Who do each PL team need to sign for next season?

    I'll start with Chelsea, as it's the team I support.

    The addition of Ziyech and Werner is absolutely huge and they both offer something sorely needed at Chelsea (line breaking penetration and creativity from Ziyech and serious goal scoring ability from Werner). Adding Havertz would be the cherry on top, however even if we don't sign him we'll be in a fairly comfortable position with multiple players like Mount and RLC available to cover.

    The big issue for us is defence obviously. Alonso is not strong enough defensively to play in a back 4 for us, which will be our long term formation. Azpi is good, but not a long term solution there. Whilst Chilwell is the name most likely to sign, I prefer Tagliafico as he would cost likely a quarter of the price and (arguably) is just as good a fit. Additionally, signing Tagliafico (who's older) would allow Chelsea to develop Ian Maatsen in the style of Azpi / Reece James, rather than blocking his route to the first team as Chilwell would.

    A GK who can save a shot is increasingly becoming important for us to sign with Kepa looking dreadful. Oblak would obviously be a huge signing, but he'd cost a ton and Atletico are confident we can't afford it.

    Onana from Ajax might be the answer then, at a kinder price tag the young keeper looks a great talent and would certainly be a big improvement.

    A world class CB who can lead the defence and control the air would be nice, but not essential given the number of good young CBs already at the club

    Team: Chelsea
    Positions needed: GK, LB (maybe CB)
    Possible signings: Oblak, Onana (GK), Tagliafico, Chilwell (LB), Havertz (CAM)
    Players to sell: Drinkwater, Bakayoko, Emerson, Batshuayi, Zappacosta, Kepa

    Would be interested to hear who you think the other clubs need to buy or sell.

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Team: Man Utd
      Positions needed: Centre Back, RWF
      Possible CB signings: Koulibaly, Skriniar, this “Gabriel” character
      Possible RWF signings: Name rhymes with Padon Bancho 🙂
      Players to sell: Alexis, Rojo, Smalling, Jones, maybe even DDG

      I’m exempting both fullback slots from further investment (AWB, Dalot, Shaw, Baby Williams & TFM is also there) as well as CM (Pogba, Matic, Fred, McTominay) because I’d much rather see them focus on quality over quantity

      Arguably another Centre forward would be needed Jiminez would be a great signing for Utd, but a bad signing for FPL) - but I can see merits in letting Greenwood be understudy to Martial up top as well

      Henderson for DDG would also be an acceptable move for many folks I’d imagine, particularly if someone in La Liga wanted to shell out for DDG

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        What really encourages me is the league table “BB” (Before Bruno) and “AB” (After Bruno)

        Won’t go into all the details - but headline news is

        - top of that mini-league table of 14 games
        - which included 6 games against top 10 opposition
        - including the team directly above them (City)
        - and the 4 teams directly below them (Chelsea, Leciester, Wolves, Spurs)
        - 30 goals scored, only 7 conceded
        - unbeaten

        The Bruno effect has been truly spectacular & so optimistic about next season - title challenge is obviously too soon - but massive improvement looks on the cards

        1. LegendMoon
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          See my comment above re. Docoure and saar

      2. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah definitely agree with that. United feel like they're at that stage where your first XI is good enough that only a serious world class player would have a noticeable impact.

        CB definitely the weak point, but could also see someone like Willian being useful as backup? Perhaps he's a bit too good to be pure backup for you, but someone of that quality to allow James to play as backup to Rashford would be good imo.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Wouldn't want William if they got Sancho, but even Sancho is a no-go, will United give Willian a 3-year contract? I think they emphasise youth these days. He'd be better than James, mind.

      3. LegendMoon
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If we can find a buyer for dog I think it’s time, we need to play Henderson or he’ll be off

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          The only potential Silver Linings to getting Hendo back out to Sheffield for a year might be:

          (A) It (almost) guarantees 6 points from the two Sheffield games
          (B) It puts a brick wall in front of the other 18 teams coming up against SHU in the other 36 games of the season

          That could be quite a large net points swing

          DDG’s lapses in the last 2 years are baffling - and worrying - he’ll make saves he has absolutely no right to, then let in what are frankly match-fixing level errors

          Long term I don’t think he really has a future if he doesn’t sort that nonsense out

    2. ZimZalabim
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I think Chelsea need a Keeper and a CB more than any other position even LB, they conceded 54 goals this season and I dont need to get into Kepa stats everyone knows he has been very very poor. Onana could be a decent shout but if Oblak is the long term target there are a lot of stop gap options that arent at Oblak level but far ahead of Kepa like some of the options in the league - Pope being the first one I would look at, but there are a lot on the continent as well back up keepers at big clubs or mid level keepers that can be brought in for a season or 2 before they can splash out on Oblak.

      As for CB, why aren't Chelsea or any of the big clubs going for Vertonghen on a free I would have expected Chelsea and Arsenal to be trying to get him in as a priority. But apart from him I think Chelsea should be looking at CBs as a much higher priority than LB. 12 defeats in the league is pretty shocking tbh.

      1. LegendMoon
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        If Chelsea sort out defence they could be real challengers next year

    3. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Team: Manchester City
      Positions needed: CB, backup GK
      Possible signings: Koulibaly, Diego Carlos, Skriniar, Jack Steffen
      Players to sell: Otamendi, Stones

      City fan, our team is still brimming with quality and lacks any holes other than defense. Torres has been signed as a Sane replacement, Ake is almost here as a very capable backup CB. Laporte's injury derailed our season, but with Ake a more capable stand-in than Stones/Otamendi - liabilities, Laporte's injury shouldn't have hurt us as much as it did - we should be in much better shape should a similar situation occur again. All reports say that we're looking for a world class CB to partner Laporte, the most significant of which is Koulibaly. Napoli's owner is willing to let him leave for 90 million, whether we'll break out transfer record for him shall be seen.

      Considering our attack was still world class last season, bringing up the defense to that level with a statement signing would improve the squad massively!

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I said earlier in the week - I don’t even want to think of Man City with Laporte fit for a season& Koulibaly alongside him - that’s an extra bazillion points in the league straight away

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Agreed, I believe - though I'm biased! - we'd easily be the best team in the world if we got a player like Koulibaly. Phenomenal attack backed up by a just as amazing defense. Sadly, Pep roulette will always continue!

      2. LegendMoon
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Napoli will look to recoup some cash now after their latest big transfer so could be fairly likely soon, however everyone will want him so the price could rocket

      3. SweepaKeepa
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I thought striker priority there.

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Jesus and Aguero can work for another year, possibly longer if Aguero signs an extension. If we get the chance to sign a top striker I'm sure we'll take it, but for now it isn't necessary at all.

          1. SweepaKeepa
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Flair comment if Aguero’s hamstrings hold out and Jesus’ efficiency improves. I think that’s two too many ifs for the City board.

            1. Flair
              • 3 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Agreed, though Aguero's injuries have lessened in recent seasons. We'll see next season when Aguero's contract runs out, but this season we'll almost certainly go with Jesus + Aguero.

      4. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        You're a City fan but included Steffen on the list? 😆

        1. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          My bad, I blame lack of sleep haha

    4. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Team: Arsenal
      Positions needed: Defensive centre mid, Attacking centre mid
      Possible signings: Roca (Xhaka can pass and Torreira can tackle, but Roca is two for one), Nkunku
      Players to sell: Ozil’s wages can be invested more efficiently elsewhere

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Will be good to see your full backs fully fit and how that impacts your performances.

        Keeping hold of the young players like Saka is really good, but middle of the park is a definite weakness.

        Are your center backs good enough? Don't know a huge amount about Saliba and Mari

        1. SweepaKeepa
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I have high hopes for Saliba. Marì could turn out to be a good partner. Malang Sarr on a free would be good business, but similar profile to Marì, so probably pointless. Then Luiz, Holding can still contribute. Ideally, we give Umtiti a hug and a new knee and get him firing again, but not priority 1.

    5. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Team: Liverpool

      Positions needed: CB, LB, CM, FWD

      Possible signings:
      Ben White/Ozan Kabak (CB)
      Jamal Lewis (LB)
      Thiago Alcantara (CM)
      Adama Traore (FWD, almost impossible deal)

      Players to sell:
      Dejan Lovren (sold)
      Marko Grujic
      Harry Wilson
      Xherdan Shaqiri
      Divock Origi

      1. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Origi out?

        Always thought was a bit of a cult hero who is a decent backup - would it be only if Traore signed?

        Think most teams would love Traore as an impact sub tbf, could certainly see him offering Liverpool something different off the bench. No Origi means no big target man to bring on late in games... Do you think you need one?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Origi has given us big moments but is actually a pretty poor player. He doesn't fit our system, and he isn't a viable alternative as a Giroud would be for example.

          I think Origi would only leave if it meant it funds another upgrade to come in. Traore is my preference but Sarr is linked, as posted below.

          Shaqiri and Origi stick out like a sore thumb as back up attackers. Minamino only been here a few months so harsh to come to any conclusion yet.

      2. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Adama Traore is my personal preference as opposed to someone linked. The only links I've seen are to Ismaila Sarr, albeit tentative.

        I think Liverpool are in for yet another quiet summer. And I'm concerned!

      3. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        One thing about Origi. Outside of Giroud, is there anybody pool can get that can equal Origi and be OK sitting on the bench. The only realistic situation for me would be a 33/34 year old who has proven himself. Apart from the bucks it is probably the Reason Werner never went to Pool. An unsettled group of players can be horrible for a club.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Yep, absolutely fair point.

          And because of that, it's why I'd take Giroud from Chelsea. To go with that, he'd be the perfect player off the bench. His build up play is fantastic and would score a lot from TAA/Robbo crosses.

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Having a Giroud at 33 on your bench at high wages or a retirement package not such a great idea.

            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              An absolute critical position. just think of the costs relating to the downside; team morale the main one. Giroud at 100k a week? Ozil at 350k a week? There is wasting money and there is wasting money.

              1. FOO FIGHTER
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Yes and LFC wasted a sh*te loads of money in the past singing players for the fun of it.

                Klopp knows what he wants and wont just bring in players unless he knows they will contribute. Shaqiri was a bad signing though. These are mistakes Klopp will not want to repeat.

                We do not need any passangers in a squad which just one the League.

                1. Eze Really?
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Every team does. I must say though, I thought Shaq was a weird one. Never rated him. To be fair I was quite impressed when he got a run out. What I can say, is he did the post league celebrations with a big smile.

                  1. FOO FIGHTER
                    • 4 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Cleary something has happened as Shaqiri was a like a ghost this season and clearly not in Klopp's plans.

                    1. Supersonic Marv'
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      He wound up at Stoke in his mid 20's. That doesn't happen to top players.

                      1. Eze Really?
                        • 9 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        This. But I was shocked by his performances at Pool. (Last season not this)

                    2. Eze Really?
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      True. He seems like a guy who lives on the edge of trouble too. I can't imagine him being silent when he is not getting game time. Origi a different animal though.

                      1. FOO FIGHTER
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        Origi is backup, that is all. He will never be a regular starter is another but he is ok as backup.

                        Wouldn't mind if we bring in another talented young forward to learn from Firmino.

                        Case made for Brewster 🙂

                      2. Eze Really?
                        • 9 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        I certainly don't question your comments. There have been a lot of nearly made it type of . Brewster could do it. Shame Ings could not for instance. Injury is a big issue with players we supporters sometimes don't grasp.

          2. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Could not agree more bud. and I am a toffee

        2. Greek Freak
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          How do City manage to have so many top quality backups that are apparently happy to be rotated and sit on the bench for extended periods of time? Is it just the money?

          1. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Citeh have Pep. Players want to play for him and the Pep rotates anyway, KDB got good gametime. Most others shared their time.

            1. Greek Freak
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              But that's what I mean - there's Aguero, Jesus, Sterling, Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Sane (in the past) and Ferran Torres (from this coming season) all fighting for the same three places. Now, obviously some of these players are better than others but they're all of much higher calibre than the likes of Shaqiri, Origi etc.

              1. Greek Freak
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                And all (or most at least) seemingly happy to just share time on the bench.

              2. jtreble
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                ... Gündogan, Foden ...

              3. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                I hear you. Catalan Freak; not Greek

    6. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Re LFC

      Not going to suggest which players we should bring in but where we require changes.

      Replacement for Lovren.
      Replacement for Milner if he leaves.
      Try sell Shaqiri and replace him with another wide forward.
      Try sell Origi and replace him with a another false 9 Firmino type player.

      There is not much LFC can do to be honest. We cannot replace Mane or Salah and fact is, finding quality players willing to sit ond the bench and play second fiddle is extremely difficult.

      Brewster is an interesting one. He needs another loan spell to develop playing regular 1st team football. If no loan then I really hope Klopp gives him a decent run from the bench.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Milner a fantastic servant and like Henderson a true professional teams can't do without.

        1. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Still one of the fittest in the squad they reckon. Takes the piss in the bleep tests etc.

      2. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        I thought Minamino was basically Shaqiri's replacement.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I think he got a shock too.

    7. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Abt Chelsea - rotation would be mean for us FPL managers, dont you think?

      Mount will keep getting mins (from Pulisic, Havertz or Ziyech). Werner seems to me like the most nailed on anyway.

    8. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Manchester United:
      RW/CB/CDM/CM
      A. Genuine Right Winger (ahem ahem Sancho ??

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        B. CDM (Matic is old & McTomnay needs a competition, maybe an upgrade too. Ndidi/Doucoure/Verrati hopefully)
        C. CB (less I talk about Maguire Lindelof as a pair better. Not expecting a big name signing here. Will get a unknown giant CB from la Liga i guess)
        D. Finally if Pogba leaves use his ££ to buy Jack Grealish or Savic or Madison. All of these would cost fortune. So only happening if Pogba leaves.

        Can't see many big money transfers overall this summer with global economy taking a battering thanks to COVID19

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Players to sell:
          Sanchez/Lingard/Periera/Joel Periera/Jones/Rojo(?)/Smallling (left already)

        2. amitmishr
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I think CDM position can wait for a year. Matic did relatively ok. Ndidi is a good bet, even kante. But there are too many fires.

          Sancho won't come below 100, Woodward either should pay now or let this be. No point dragging it to 2023 and then cough up the money

          Agree on premium RW and CAM position. This is urgent.

          I might go for a central defender, an additional CAM and a competent striker as well.

          1. amitmishr
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I might pick grealish, skirniar, Cavani, perisic, James Rodriguez

            And sell all you pointed, plus mata

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I think if we can keep hold of Pogba a CAM won't be needed. A box to box one like savic can be a brilliant addition to the squad/team though yes.

              Maybe you're right Matic, but he's too slow and if United are looking to challenge need a better CDM. Ndidi would be a dream one tbh !! Can't see him coming less than 50m though sadly ...

              I have different opinion about Mata. I think he can be a great squad player for boring Cup games to rest Bruno. He's old yes but skillful as anything to break deep lying defenses.

              1. amitmishr
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Hmmm move mata back in the middle. He has been mostly played on right, me thinks. But yes, he can be a squad player, unless they want to blood someone young.

                Ndidi is a dream signing, and a good one at 50, if he comes at that price, but I think budget constraints will let them pass that position this year.

                Too many close games this year and they need 2 quality player to rotate with pogba and bruno. I think James should be one at 30mn or so. Rabiot or veratti or Savic or grealish probably the second one. Don't know where rabiot and veratti have got lost

                Someone unappreciated from juve or Spanish giants could be cheap

                1. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  I seriously doubt Ed Woodward & teams ability to find such players. Although Bruno has hit the ground running straight away, miss ratio is far bigger after SAF era ... So I'm keeping my expectations low tbh 🙂

                  1. amitmishr
                    • 8 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    All such discussions end up with the mention of Woodward.. 🙁

                    We should give inter smalling, Woodward and alexis for perisic. A damn good deal, plus we can throw Jones too for free

                    1. Amey
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      LOL
                      I bit too much
                      But i take that 😀

    9. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Liverpool.
      We need a left back to cover Robertson and also a better back up attacker as Origi and Minamino atent really good enough to replace one of the front 3 if there is a long term injury.
      Centre back for lovren would be nice as well.
      Players on the way out: Lallana, Lovren, Lonergan already gone. Shaqiri likely to follow

    10. Cak Juris
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Team: Spurs

      Positions needed: CB, RB, DM, Left Foot RW, Back Up ST
      Possible signings: Kim-min Jae; Castagne; Hojbjerg; Brooks; Muriqi/Wilson/Niang
      Players to sell: Vertonghen (Free); Foyth; Rose; KWP; Lamela
      Players to loan: Skipp; Clarke; Parrott

    11. asquishypotato
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Team Liverpool:

      Positions needed: Centre half, creative midfield, left back, maybe another natural ‘wide player’.

      Possible signings - Kabak, Vertonghen, Harvey Barnes, Thiago.

      Outgoings - Shaq hasn’t featured this year and may want to leave for game time/a pay day. Origi may go although as mentioned, he does a job when on the pitch and is something different, and seemingly happy to sit on the bench. Harry Wilson did well in a poor side but I’m not sure how he fits the system.

      As above, difficult to get someone into the starting 11, although I’d like to see a wide player come in that can give Mane and Salah a break/push them on, or rotate with without losing quality (see City with Mahrez, Sterling, Sane, Silva etc).

      A creative midfielder would be nice - despite the dominance, it’s been pretty clear that missing a Coutinho type of player in games where teams low block could be a game changer (I still think I’d have him back). Thiago fits the mould of box to box and good on the ball.

      Another centre half will be a priority, interesting to see who as VVD and Gomez/Matip likely to be the pairing. I like Vertonghen as he can play on the left as well.

      Left back would also be useful, as good as Milner has been there, we do lose that creativity with him playing there, which affects mane up the pitch.

    12. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Saints needs

      Matty Cash - right back (Valery no good as starter)

      Walker peters left back

      Mohammed Salisu cb is a stunning deal if we can get over the line. Could be VVD levels of greatness in a few years

      Weston mckennie would also be very good as we need an upgrade in CM. Strong links but seems a little too good for us.

      Get these deals done and critical issues resolved. A quality winger would be great and maybe a striker but happy to give Che Adams another season. If he gets 10-15 goals then mission accomplished.

      Very optimistic for a push on Europe this season

      1. TomSaints
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        If Sarr doesn’t go to Liverpool. Join us for 2-3 season and then follow that we’ll worn path...

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

    Where's the fresh content?

    How am I meant to feed my FPL addiction when there are no new articles?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It’s the calm before the pre-season storm Virg

      Drink in the idyllic tranquility while it lasts 🙂

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Had enough of that during lockdown.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Then drink something stronger than idyllic tranquility & slip off into the blissful abyss for a while 🙂

    2. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You're the fresh content.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        And also the one who knocks.

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Lol take my upvote 🙂

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      FFS doesn't have the writers for the type of fresh content you want.

      Someone like Peter Blake would be an ideal hire for FFS, IMO. You could give him the big data (3/4/5+ seasons worth) and he could write articles on (i) what factors influence the best (c) choice, (ii) when hauls are most likely to occur, (iii) improve FFS' expected points model, (iv) defensive rotations - are they any good?, (v) comparing the (c) poll with actual results.

      The guy is a data analyst and uses proper statistical techniques.

      https://mathematicallysafe.wordpress.com/

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Peter Blake would indeed be an interesting hire. I'd rather my membership fees pay his salary rather than pro pundits who have a lot of YouTube subscribers but don't necessarily understand complex stats like shooting goals added.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Get Tifo on.

    4. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Do you ever stop moaning?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Do you ever stop fishing for up votes?

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          That’s a good one ya spud.

          All you do is constantly moan for more content when there’s new articles every day.

          Just gets a bit tiresome listening to your drivel.

          So pipe down ya little freak.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Listen m8, if we were ever to both attend a FFS meet up and see each other in real life, only one of us would be hiding in the bogs.

            That's right. It would be ME. 😐

          2. Eze Really?
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            A bit harsh mate. Take a breather, be nice to each other. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              It's just bantz. FG is one of the good guys, really.

              1. Eze Really?
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Fair enough bud. Glad to hear. Sorry if I got the wrong end of the stick.

          3. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            The lunatics have finally taken over the ayslum FG, well done FFS. 😉

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Oh look who has made an appearance.

              Mr. ELEVEN.

              Mr. Big Kahuna's 😉

              1. Gnu
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                I thoroughly enjoyed the first 7 years....funny that.

                1. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  😀

    5. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Make your own article. I would read it. A good subject would be transfer deadlines and team news. I know it has been discussed, but not properly in my view.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Planning on submitting one next week. Hopefully people will enjoy it. 🙂

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          That is the way to go. I hope others do it too. It is not always the Journos that do the best pieces.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Do look out for it. I would love your take on it.

            1. Eze Really?
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              For sure!

  4. rokonto
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    When do we think the new game will be up??? I'm itching to make my new squad

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Couple of weeks from now

    2. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Approx. Aug 19 imho.

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

      4 AM, could be any day though.

    4. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Fan Team is open. Just signed up having never played before. Fairly similar to FPL apart from it being pay to play.

      Prices won't be far off what FPL go for. KDB and Salah 12.5, Bruno 11. Martial and Rash both 10m(ish) forwards, Auba 11m forward, Sterling 11m, Mane 12m.... to name a few.

      1. rokonto
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for that I'm looking at it now but I can't see see how players score points

  5. Supersonic Marv'
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Where's the natural sound option for the Aberdeen vs Rangers game?

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I always go for the "metallic pea" audio option.

  6. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    Mason Greenwood has an xG of just 2.91 this season and yet he has scored TEN goals.

    Discuss.

    1. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Lots of goals from outside the box? Although my understanding of xG isn't great.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        xG is just a measurement of the quality of the chance. When you shout at the telly "He should of buried that!!!" it is a high xG chance.

        A tap in on the goal line has an xG of close to 1.00 for example. A shot from the halfway line would have an xG closer to 0.01.

        1. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          So Greenwood scoring a few long range goals could explain it. Either way he's a bloody good player.

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Nah, it's more to do with how well he hits the ball and how good he is at finishing. He strikes the ball so well he scores low quality chances.

    2. Nanoelektronicar
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What was the xG on target?

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        5.2.

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He is a better than average finisher who went on a hot-streak and has now come back down off of it.

      Plus he is a 'newbie' in that opposition teams don't know much about him. The newbie effect wears off after a season.

      1. Supersonic Marv'
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Dunno mate I think you're underestimating him a bit. He looks a cracking player in the making.

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Won't be as easy for him to score goals when he is given more defensive attention by the opposition. Above average finisher (like Kane) so will always outscore his xG. But to score 10 off xG from 3 is a hot-streak. His normal goalscoring would probably be something like 5 or 6 off an xG of 3.

          1. Supersonic Marv'
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            This lad's 18 don't forget.

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Yep similar discussion yesterday

      Out of interest, why do you think XG, big chances, or shots on target will lead, rather than his Goals (or assists?)

      For me the guy exists to do one thing - damage the opposition - and he (looks like) he (similar to Liam Neeson) has a very particular skills to enable him to do keep doing exactly that (two footnedness, pace, strength and most importantly THAT first touch)

      Whether he gets there via progression in his XG, maintenance of his current XG delta (which you have identified by clicking sort on a stats table), or a bit of both - does it really matter?

      I think anyone who has watched him has sat up in their chairs a bit - lots of young talent has came & went before, especially at Man Utd (machida anyone?) - but he looks like he’s a bit of a special talent imo

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        *macheda

        1. Supersonic Marv'
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I shudder whenever I hear that name. Please don't mention it again.

          1. Mr. O'Connell
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            David Bellion > Macheda

          2. amitmishr
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            He gave us a league title, or atleast played a major part at the fag end... So no hard feelings for him

            1. Supersonic Marv'
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              I'm a Liverpool fan. His equaliser against us put a pin in our title aspirations.

    5. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Will be interesting who would want to bring him in with an increased price and Sancho seemingly joining UTD. Bench duty.

    6. Goonsquad245
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Bit of a non-discussion really. Some people will tell you he’s massively over performing and will regress, some will tell you he’s the best finisher that’s ever lived and he’ll keep it up. Jury is still out because the sample is laughable at present.

      Personally, he won’t be anywhere near my team given his expected price hike until he starts showing a bit more in terms of chance volume etc.

  7. Chenku╰☆╮
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Who is the one player per position you will most likely include outside of Liverpool, man city, man United and aubameyang.

    My picks
    GK - Fulham GK
    Def - Leeds CB
    Mid - maybe grealish or Ritchie
    Fwd - vardy

    1. Society
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      My picks
      GK - Lloris if I can afford him
      Def - Jonny
      Mid - Richarlison if he's not moved
      Fwd - Jimenez

      1. Society
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        If they place Costa in Leeds forward line, I've made my mind up on him too.