Season Review

Team of the Season – Gylfi Sigurdsson

Swansea’s capture of 22-year-old Gylfi Sigurdsson from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim was a January move that attracted little interest. While the media shone their spotlight elsewhere, the Icelandic playmaker arrived in Wales with little fanfare. Brendan Rodgers, having worked with Sigurdsson at Reading, knew different.

The signing of Sigurdsson proved a masterstroke. While Swansea had struggled for a cutting edge, Rodgers had introduced a player who handed his side a real threat from midfield.

Deployed in a central role, playing in support of a lone striker, Sigurdsson was given license to roam and deal damage. His long-range shooting, graceful stride and the ability to raid the penalty box with purpose were all in evidence from day one. Having suffered frustration at Hoffenheim, Sigurdsson took little time in adjusting to Swansea’s classy brand of football, announcing himself in the English top flight as Fantasy managers quickly began to take notice.

The Statistics

Sigurdsson’s impact at the Liberty was almost immediate. An appearance from the bench brought him an assist in a 3-2 win over Arsenal, which was followed by two more assists and a goal in the next three matches. The 13-point haul at West Brom in Gameweek 24 signaled the start of an extraordinary run of goals away from home as the Icelander hit a brace at both Wigan and Fulham in March, whilst also notching in a 3-1 defeat at Spurs.

Six goals in his first ten starts demonstrated his goal threat, couple that with four assists and it was clear that Sigurdsson offered real value for money in Fantasy terms: by Gameweek 31, his modest initial price tag of 5.0 in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game had risen by 0.4.

Ironically, while his ownership and price continued to increase, this interest was to signal a comparatively lean spell for the Swansea man. Sigurdsson closed the season with just a single goal and two assists from Gameweek 32 onwards. Nevertheless, his value to the Swans as a mid-price Fantasy asset was obvious. Seven goals, five assists and 11 FPL bonus points was an outstanding return for a 5.0 midfield option; an average of 5.7 points per game was better than any midfielder in the game, edging Clint Dempsey’s 5.6.

The Prospects

Before the new blood is introduced, Brendan Rodgers has made keeping Sigurdsson at the club a priority. From the news last night, it appears that he may have got his wish. Sky have reported that a fee for Sigurdsson had been agreed with Hoffenheim and it looks as though he’ll be within their squad and on our wishlists for next season.

That has to be the best outcome for all concerned, although we now have to brace ourselves for a major hike in Sigurdsson’s Fantasy valuation.

He’s likely to move up the midfield brackets in dramatic style, perhaps even edging out of the mid-price to share a ballpark with the likes of Theo Walcott and Antonio Valencia. With such a low price this season, we can perhaps hope for something around the 7.0 – 7.5 mark in the FPL, although that could well be optimistic given Sigurdsson’s rate of returns.

Should he demand 8.0 or more, it remains to be seen if Sigurdsson would attract interest. With heavy-hitting forwards likely to remain the priority next term, we’re set to be scratching around for budget midfield talent, whilst looking to one or two expensive and secure assets. Suddenly Sigurdsson would keep illustrious company and would need to maintain a strong rate of returns to gain suitors.

Sigurdsson’s price tag will be one of the first to be scanned when the player lists are published: it seems set to make or break his potential as a Fantasy asset next season.

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

697 Comments Post a Comment
  1. IamZlatan
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    somebody tell me how to play this game! I've played Fantasy Premier League, but for this one I have no clue....atleast tell me the site

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    1. IamZlatan
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      http://www.fantasyleague.com/ProEuro/

      Real money or virtual money?

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    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Both.

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      1. IamZlatan
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        thanks mate

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  2. emperikal
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    After plenty and plenty of altering with my squad I think I'm getting closer to something I like. Go ahead and critique the hell out of it please 🙂 Plan to wildcard after GW1.

    GK: Isaksson - Given

    DEF: Zhirkov - Anyukov - Kadlec - K Papa - Strinic

    MID: Ozil - Sneijder - Blasz - Mandzukic - Yarmolenko

    FWD: Lewandowski - Robben - Ibra

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    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Double Poland and Holland attack. Double Russian defense.

      Go big or go home I guess...

      I wouldn't put that many eggs in the same baskets, maybe one of those punts, but even two at this early stage is probably pushing it.

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      1. emperikal
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Its only a one game punt though. Very comfortable with the double on Holland. Poles will come out huge I think being the home team and I feel comfortable in Lew and Blasz as they're in pretty great form and coming off their Cup win. Russian defense is surely one of the best in the tournament and they're arguably in the best group. Was going to do Akinfeev + Zhirokov but for an extra 0.5M I get another attack threat in Anyukov.

        A lot of risks but for one week think it could fair well.

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        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          Fair enough. If this is your one week punt, you could do worse. I'd advise someone other than K. Papa then if you're going for this since you have double Polish attack.

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  3. Demí
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Malafeev ; Anyukov, A Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Zhirkov ; Denisov, Zyryanov, Shirokov, Izmailov, Arshavin, Pogrebnyak

    Muslera, Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Cacereres, Perez, Rios, Alvaro Pereira, Cavani, Forlan, Suarez

    Think Dzagoev still struggling with that injury Jk, should be ok by the time Euros come around. No idea about Akinfeev's status now.

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    1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Anyukov is very attacking. Is this on TV?

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      1. Demí
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Dont think so.... I'll stream it.

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      2. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        isn't Zhirkov as well?

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        1. Conrad.
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          yea, it'd be nice to know which Russian defender is most attacking threat...anyone have a definitive answer?

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      ok will keep Dzagoev for now. Malafeev creates a major conundrum. Hopefully Russia coach (is it still Dick Advocaat?) will give some indication if he is gonna stick with Malafeev or if he plans on giving both keepers a run out before the tourny.

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      1. Conrad.
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        we can hope so.

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    3. Conrad.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Pogreb over Kerza? or does he have a niggle keeping him out?

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        if you want a Russian striker, just get Arshavin and save the hassle.

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        1. Conrad.
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          playing ESPN game, where Arsha is a mid...

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          1. beric
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Even more reason to have Arshavin

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          2. Conrad.
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            of course. im just weighing options of a Russian F too.

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    4. emperikal
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Malafeev starting. Definite big question mark with Akinfeev.

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  4. rohan
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Here's my team...

    Akinfeev Rui Patricio

    M.kadlec Piszczek Strnic Criscito M.olsson

    Ozil Srna Sneijder Iniesta Andrews

    Kuyt Ibra Llorente..

    Could do Patricio >> Tzorvas which allows me to do Srna >> Nasri

    P.s- Cheers JK for the reply.. Much appreciated

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    1. rohan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      And AJAY

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  5. beric
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    I just noticed its the Copa del Rey final tonight, should be good!

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    1. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      i will get drunk if Barca finissh year without 1 single thropy

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      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, I'd like to see the Spanish Sunderland win.

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        1. FORCA INTER
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          well it's friday and i am going to drunk anyways 😀

          i just dont like barca cause they are divers

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          1. beric
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            Have fun buddy 😀

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    2. Conrad.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      im a huge Barca supporter, and I just noticed it was today, too! 😆

      Euro 12 prep and Barca losing 2 of 3 trophies has taken my interest elsewhere it seems!

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    3. Hate that rotation
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Plus Peps last game.

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  6. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    for GW1 only

    Arshavin and Kron-Dhaeli/Duff

    or

    Shevchenko and Shirokov/Dzagoev?

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I'm going to have 2 Russians in defence, I reckon they have the best chance of a CS.

      If its between those options then Shev + Dzag

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        not doubling up on any defence.

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        1. beric
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          Fair enough. Currently I have Akinfeev and Ignashevic, I guess that might change though.

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    2. Conrad.
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      top option, with Duff...he's likely to grab an assist.

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        think is though, I have then have 2 stikers on matchday 1. Might go with someone other than Sheva as well, have Ibra as it is on matchday 4.

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        1. FORCA INTER
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          how manny times you have changed your team so far 😀 ?

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          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            I have lost count.

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            1. FORCA INTER
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 10 months ago

              haha,i changed my team only twice and i only put jelly+strinic in when i find out that they both should be nailed on

              i dont like think much about my team cause i prolly would end up with worst team than i was orginaly wanted

              for fuc*k sake i still got walcott in my team 😀

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    3. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      i totaly forget about arshavin

      such a shame that he is classed as striker 🙁

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    4. rohan
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Arshavin and Duff

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  7. rohan
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    The very first kneejerk of the Euro fantasy, before it even begins...

    Akinfeev >> Malafeev

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      England and Ireland are both not playing the keepers they'll be playing in the tournament. I think it'll be Akinfeev.

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      1. rohan
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers Beric... yet to decide who my keeps are gonna be

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      2. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        yep,Pletikosa wont play for CRO today as well

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    2. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      he would be GK at euro 100%??

      i dont belive in friendly matches...

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  8. SaintMatt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Haven't been on here at all in ages but doing an auction with mates later on; who are the players to look out for then?

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    1. SaintMatt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      anyone? 😀

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  9. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    I've seen a few people with the likes of McGeady etc. in their teams. The only players you want from Ireland are Dunne, Given, Keane. In that order.

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      What about Andrews, if you only have 4.0 left?

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      1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        May as well if you're struggling. Don't expect goals or assists though. He is extremely deep against big teams, gets in the box a bit more against smaller countries

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        1. beric
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks, he might get some recovered ball points then I suppose.

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          1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 10 months ago

            I've no idea about the scoring system in this, just in terms of goals, assists and clean sheets.

            Ireland are like Stoke for fantasy football. (and real football)

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    2. QPR Lad 92
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      What's wrong with McGeady?

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      1. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        He's not very good at all.

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        1. QPR Lad 92
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 10 months ago

          Oh, I just wanted an midfielder from Ireland.

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    3. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      I have Given as he's a cheaper route into Irish defence than Dunne. Not many better, nailed on keepers in that price range.

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  10. rohan
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Anyone worried about Kuyt's gametime??? I reckon if the Netherlands are 2-0 or 3-0 up Kuyt might be sacrificed for any of the flair players like The Hunter or RVP or VDV... So basically will Kuyt be the first one to be taken off or does he more often than not complete the 90??

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    1. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      he shouldn't make a starting 11 in my opinin

      holland has so manny better players than him

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    2. SOM.... This is Fellaini�…
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      Not ITK here but you'd imagine a man with Kuyt's engine is a managers dream in the final few minutes of games.

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  11. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    This uncertainty over Russian has just made a decision for me. Dump Akinfeev and Pizszcek to Szczesny and Anyukov and elminate any doubt over starting places.

    Now then, for 5.5 million any better GW1 defender than Debuchy (I have Kadlec, MOlsson and A Papa.)

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 10 months ago

      You'll be gutted if Pizszcek scores.

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 10 months ago

        yeah, but it eliminates the doubt.

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  12. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    Just noticed, squads have been updated to actual announced squads, if anyone is interested Ox is 6 million.

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  13. Pinoche
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    NEW POST

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  14. Daniyal
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 10 months ago

    is it true ? its on wikipedia
    Chelsea bought him for 35 million euro and he signed a 4 year contract in 25/5/2012. Didier Drogba who is leaving Chelsea when his contract expires stated that Hulk is a quality player will fit into Chelsea very easily. Roberto Di Matteo stated that Chelsea needed a natural Right Winger and Hulk is the best at that position. He is expected to wear the #11 shirt which when Didier Drogba leaves Chelsea.

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