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Adam from Football Trader returns for some French-focussed scribblings for the Sorare Academy game, taking a look at what the high achievers can tell us about the scoring system.

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Today I want to talk about the top 15 French SO5/Academy game scorers over the last season. As we head towards the end of the season we have enough data available to us to be able to assess who have been the best performers in 2021/22. And by doing so, hopefully, show you more about which, or indeed, what sort of players are the most powerful on the scoring matrix.

When looking at players’ overall season-long SO5 performance I am looking at their L40 or, in full, their average SO5 scores over the last 40 games.  I will exclude players who have played a small percentage of those last 40.  

At the top of the rankings, there are no surprises. Kylian Mbappe has a spectacular average of 73 over his last 40 games. And the Academy shows that is holding up over the last five games too.

Not far behind is Karim Benzema with an average of 70. They are the two form forwards on the planet.  And importantly for their weekly scoring, while they do contribute a serious amount of goals and assists,  they also play a larger than average role (compared to lots of forwards) in their teams’ overall play.  So while decisive actions are important, their all-around game can support their scoring each game week. These two are pretty much ‘must start’ options.

The other forwards in the top 15 are also not really surprises. Players who have a high goal or assist threat but who also play for possession-heavy sides, or are their side’s attacking fulcrum, meaning they hit big (for forwards) all-around scores. Nabil Fekir (L40: 63) comes in seventh, Kingsley Coman (61) is 10th, Martin Terrier (59) slots in at 12th, and Jean-Luc Dompe (59) is next in 13th.  

Across the top 15, there are five defenders. Only one, Benjamin Pavard, is a full-back – but even he is not really a traditional full-back. Directly behind Mbappe and Benzema in third place overall is Dayot Upamecano (L40: 65), showing the power of the ball-playing centre-back on the scoring matrix.  Upamecano has not had, in real life, a stellar season. However, the system he plays in, for the dominant club in the Bundesliga, means that he is always in with a chance of a high all-around score and clean sheets. Over the last 40 games, he has an average all-around score of 29 – that is nine more points per game than Trent Alexander-Arnold! Centre-backs remain powerful.

In terms of the other defenders, Lucas Hernandez (L40: 63) comes in sixth, the recently injured Olivier Boscagli (62) is in eighth, William Saliba (61) and Pavard (59) are ninth and 14th respectively. Theo Hernandez just misses out in 16th, with an L40 of 57 being very solid for an attacking full-back. But, it is the centre-backs that you need for SO5. And specifically, those that play for dominant teams who hog possession.

When it comes to midfielders, they are the least well-represented position group in the top 15. Only three make it.  And despite my preaching in favour of using a foundation player like Aurelien Tchouameni, it is actually the boom or bust midfielders who have hit the L40 heights this season.  In fourth, after Mbappe, Benzema and Upamecano, is Dimitri Payet. A surprise? Maybe. He is one place ahead of the rampant Christopher Nkunku. Payet has an average of 65 over the last 40 games, Nkunku 64. I think Payet is probably one of the more underrated players on the matrix, especially in the Academy tournament where age is but a number. Both he and Nkunku have had pretty phenomenal seasons. 

The only other midfielder to make this French top 15 is… Benjamin Bourigeaud! His average of 60 over the last 40 games has him sat in 11th in the rankings, one place above his teammate Martin Terrier.  

So what lessons?  Mbappe, Benzema, Paye and Nkunku have been scoring machines on the matrix. But, more generally, when looking to set up your teams, age is irrelevant and fixtures are critical, as is player form and the tactical system they play within. Centre-backs are very powerful, and I will often stack two in my line-up. You need, in mass participation, near restriction-less tournaments, to combine being contrarian with selecting high-peak score players. Picking the right boom/bust midfielder and high all around forwards is also critical.

Adam @ Football Trader Adam has been scouting for and trading in football games for far too long and for far too many hours. He has a particular interest in the big 5 European Leagues as well as lesser known ones like the Eredivisie, Primeira Liga and even the MLS. Before he managed to somehow make a living by writing about football, he spent ~10 years as a Ministerial adviser and project/risk manager for the UK Government including the Foreign Office and MOD. When not buried in xG spreadsheets he plays too many computer games, lifts heavy things in the gym and attempts to cultivate a handsome beard.

88 Comments Post a Comment
  1. dwain100
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Hi All.

    Who scores more in Game week 37:
    A) Zaha Maddison Richarlson
    B) Son Gordon Toney

    TIA

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Leaning A, but would be scared to not have Son in the squad

      1. dwain100
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Same here - rival on FH and will probably have a Son plus A

        1. Cheeky Onion
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Pick your shield I guess. Are you chasing or ahead?

  2. Cheeky Onion
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Revised WC Draft - 0.3m ITB:

    Pickford*
    Robbo - Cancelo - Cash* - Clyne*
    Salah - Son - Foden - Zaha*
    Ings* - Richarlison*

    Raya - Nketiah - KDH* - Sessegnon
    ------------------------------------------------
    GW38 Transfer:
    Cash > Matip/Zinchenco/Gabriel
    OR
    Ings > Toney

    1. dwain100
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I would keep it as is and then bring in Toney and or Zinchenco in 38

  3. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Last Man Standing Semi Final Update (15 teams)

    Current safety score = 67
    Top score = 79

    https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

  4. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Afternoon all.

    How far would you agree with the idea that with City's defensive injuries, Zinchenko is now nailed for the last two gameweeks?

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I'm looking to pick him up GW38 for whichever Villa defender I go for this week

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thanks, looking for a FH candidate but may consider a transfer for him for 38 too

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      They can only play Cancelo RB, Ake and Laporte CBs and Zinny LB from now on, can't they?

      Maybe a kid comes in if they win the league but Zinny is as safe as anyone for now.

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He's not. If Walker and Stones are out then Cancelo has to play RB, but all of Zinchenko, Ake and Laporte can and have played at LB I'm afraid

      1. Black Knights
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        But they can't take Ake and Laporte out of CB as they're their only 2 recognised senior CBs.

        1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Fernandinho has played at both CB and RB before, RB is probably unlikely I'd say but not an impossibility, and Pep mentioned him playing at CB yesterday

    4. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Thanks all

  5. Kloppage Time
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Would you do James to Cash? (not on a FH)

    1. Cheeky Onion
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Don't think so. Have to keep in mind Villa play City in GW38 so will be useless then

      1. Kloppage Time
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Looking to bring in a DGW and Cash is pretty nailed to start both games where James might not start one game. Have TAA/Robbo/Cancelo & Laporte as the other defenders and dont want to lose them.

        1. Cheeky Onion
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Strong enough def to bench him in 38 - just need to decide if he'll make those 4 points up this GW. Would James be playing GW38 if you kept him?

    2. dwain100
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I would if its not a hit and you willing to bench Cash in 38

      1. Kloppage Time
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I can bench him but unfortunately it would be for a hit

  6. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    FH team:
    Pickford
    Digne Anderson Holgate
    Salah Son Coutinho Zaha
    Kane Ings Richarlison(c)
    Stele Tsimikas Gordon Collins
    0.1ITB
    Comments or suggestions please?
    Thanks

    1. Feanor
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      My current team is

      Pickford (Foster)
      Cancelo, Cash, Andersen (Jansson, Amartey)
      Salah, Son, Zaha, Gordon (Saka)
      Kane, Ings, Rich (c)

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Mine is

        Pickford (Steele)
        TAA, Cash, Mykolenko (Andersen, Tsimikas)
        Salah, Son, Zaha, Kulu (KDH)
        Kane, Ings, Rich (c)

        Too much with 3 Spurs on FH?

        1. Mozumbus
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I think at this price point Kulu is not a bad pick

          1. RamaJama
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            Could get Ramsey or Gordon, but think Kulu is exciting. Unless Spurs have a quiet game again and none of the 3 fires...

            1. Mozumbus
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Ramsey is flagged I think

              1. RamaJama
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Yes, still is, awaiting news

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Like it, but going less DGW players as SGW players also have good fixtures. Debating Son and KDB vs Son and Kane, and Cancelo vs TAA

      1. Mozumbus
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        I'm sticking with Kane. Had him for some time now. Yes KDB can easily ruin it for me.

        1. RamaJama
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Agree.

  7. putana
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    why are people acting like coutinho has a double?

    will only start one and even then only gets around 70 minutes

    1. Mozumbus
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Watkins is flagged. Manager comments about Coutinho are taken positively also.
      You think Buenda is a better pick?

      1. putana
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        yes, but i wont have either

        1. Mozumbus
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Thanks

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He did just have a rest, wouldn't surprise me if he starts the next 2. Gerrard said he has to rotate in this batch of games but he's arguably already done that with him

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Toying with the idea of a City/Pool mid in a -4 I must say

    4. NorCal Villan
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Coutinho has been a complete ghost for 8 weeks now

  8. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Tuchel on Marcos Alonso: «It started and ended in the first half.»

    Surely he has to start Alonso to prove his point?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      FA Cup start then.

      1. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Of with CS and two goals in 60th minute?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Captain him.

          1. Firminooooo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            To late. Salah(C)

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Don't get the "too late" part. 😉

              1. Firminooooo
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                1 year, 10 months ago

                Talking about Leeds vs Chelsea tonight. Need some points.

                1. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  1 year, 10 months ago

                  GW37 haul coming.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      He won't start tonight.saul tonight and Alonso on Saturday.

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Incorrect

      2. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Better call Saul

        1. NorCal Villan
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          I’d rather call Kim

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Why does he have to start him? A rest is probably needed for Alonso more than anyone else from that back line, can't remember the last time he sat out a game

      1. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Rested 45min last game.

        1. tokara
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          This

        2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          Is 45 mins that much? Robbo was taken off about 15 mins later on Saturday and still got a rest last night for the final. Alonso wasn't taken off to be rested anyway, he was taken off because of some incident or disagreement. Chelsea have their biggest game of the season at the weekend and he's started 8 games in a row in all comps, not saying it can't happen but that is inevitably going to be a focus

  9. Malinwa
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on my FH team:

    Pickford
    Digne - Matip - Andersen
    KDB - Salah - Son - Zaha
    Watkins - Ings - Richarlison(c)

    McGovern - Gordon - Amartey - Tsimi

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Good

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

    "Saka its much the same" Arteta: The same as what?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Last GW, niggles etc.

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

        cheers mate

  11. 'Broadsword Calling Da…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on my FH team please: (i'm leading my ml, not chasing) Thx

    Pickford
    Digne - TAA - Cash
    Gordon - Salah - (S)on - Zaha
    Kane - Ings - Richarlison

    Fodder - Clyne - Brownhill - Jansson

  12. dshv
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    FH37 Draft for 10k rank???

    Pickford
    Cancelo cash Taa
    Son salah kdb gordon zaha
    Richarlison Ings

    Si or no

  13. FredrikH
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on what to do with this nonFH team?
    Schmeichel
    James TAA Robbo Cancelo Laporte
    Salah Son Foden Coutinho
    Nketiah
    Foster KDH Pukki Dennis
    0.5itb

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I would lose one of TAA or Robbo for a Villa player , see how fa cup game pans out and see if you can get Pukki to Richarlison ?
      How many free transfers you got ?
      If you have 2 free transfers take a minus 8 and lose another defender for fodder and get Ings or Watkins too

      1. FredrikH
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Good thinking. Only one FT. Been looking at James+Pukki to Cash+Richarlison. Priced out from that now so Robbo/TAA could become Cash then. Or just go Digne if I want to get rid of James. -8 could happen if Salah play 120 on saturday and get like Zaha, Richarlison and Ings/Watkins.

  14. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Mane Diaz on a WC?
    Looking for mids along Son and Zaha.

    1. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yeah i would. I got Diaz this week and i'm going to FH Mane instead of Mo in 37.

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Thinking the same on my FH so yeah

  15. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Anyone benching any DGWers for GW37?

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      On FH so yeah but if they really poor players then bench for sure

    2. Black Knights
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I wouldnt play a Burnley defender if i had one. I'll be FHing though.

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Yes probably Matej Vydra, was an excellent pick on BB this week

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Oh and Schmeichel, playing Pickford

    4. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Mateta at the moment.
      I prefer Saka / Kulu / Matip if they start just 1.

  16. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    What a disaster my 2 x FH's have been
    lol

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      My first was great 2nd in 37 to come , your 2nd in 36 ?

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      Please divulge...

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        FH1

        Bought Mitchel for the Cpal CS in 34...didn't play 0
        Sold Pope(10) for DDG(5)
        Sold Weggy(5) for Werner(4)
        Defence in orginal team scored 17 while FH scored 8

        FH2

        Sold Laporte
        Salah(c)
        Own Jesus
        Own Alonso

        1. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 10 months ago

          1st FH unlucky I guess but gw 36 FH's being shafted in the maority so you're not alone , hang in Chris

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            1 year, 10 months ago

            If I can take my OR now of 65k I will bite your hand off and run

            1. Debauchy
              • 11 Years
              1 year, 10 months ago

              Hey,, leave my hand alone lol , hear you though

    3. Stamford B
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      I wish they’d get rid of the silly chips. A couple of wildcards is all we need.

  17. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Saka doubt is one less bench headache at least, though he hurt me last time in similar fashion

  18. Mozumbus
    • 2 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    On FH:
    A. Coutinho + Pickford
    B. Gordon + Martinez

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      A

  19. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 10 months ago

    Which FH team do you prefer?

    A)
    Pickford (Steele)
    TAA, Cash, Mykolenko (Andersen, Tsimikas)
    Salah, Son, Zaha, Kulu (KDH)
    Kane, Ings, Rich

    B)
    Pickford (Steele)
    Digne, Cash, Mykolenko (Amartey, Tsimikas)
    Salah, Son, KDB, Gordon (Brownhill)
    Kane, Ings, Rich

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 10 months ago

      B

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 10 months ago

        Sorry, Gordon has to be Ramsey if fit, or KDH