Moving Target

Moving Target – Patrick Van Aanholt

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet finally ended the search for a new left-back last week by snapping up Patrick van Aanholt from Chelsea. The 23-year-old arrives at the Stadium of Light on a four-year contract and is the Black Cats’ fourth signing of the summer, following Jordi Gomez, Billy Jones and Costel Pantilimon to the club:

After completing his move to Wearside, the Dutchman revealed he rejected other suitors in order to stay in the English top-flight and was quick to talk up his attacking intentions for the season ahead:

“I had a couple of offers from different countries but the Barclays Premier League is where I want to be, I want to show everybody what kind of player I am and what I am capable of doing. I am a left-back who likes to go forward and I like to take people on. I will also try to get some assists but I will do my defending first because that is where my role starts, it is all about helping the team and I think I will do a good job.”

The History

After progressing through the Den Bosch and PSV Eindhoven youth systems over a period of four years, Van Aanholt was snapped up by Chelsea as a 17-year-old back in 2007. Despite a seven-year stay at Stamford Bridge, the Dutchman played just eight times for the Chelsea first-team (delivering a goal and assist) and was mainly farmed out on loan by the London club after failing to displace Ashley Cole in the starting XI.

Spells at Coventry (20 appearances, one assist), Newcastle (seven league outings), Leicester (12 games, one goal and one assist) and Wigan (four appearances) between 2009 and 2012 afforded Van Aanholt little opportunity to establish himself as a regular, though.

A temporary move to Vitesse Arnhem in January 2012 finally helped him settle down and, over the course of two-and-a-half seasons on loan at the Dutch club, he finally found his form. After serving up two goals and five assists in 46 appearances in his first 18 months, Van Aanholt’s attacking forays came to fruition last season, where he produced five goals and five assists in 38 matches over all competitions.

At international level, the raiding left-back has represented Holland at youth level on 26 occasions, scoring once, whilst he’s also turned out a couple of times for the senior side.

The Prospects

With the versatile Phil Bardsley and on-loan Marcos Alonso both departing the club over the summer, Van Aanholt looks set to be handed a regular role at left-back for the Black Cats in the season ahead.

Yet to be listed in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, a price of 4.5 seems likely, whilst a cost of just 4.4 in the Sky Sports game makes Van Aanholt one of the cheapest first-choice defenders around.

Analysing his stats from last term, the Dutchman’s attacking displays bode well – a total of 52 shots over 29 appearances equates to 1.8 attempts per game, whilst in terms of creativity, he averaged one key pass per league match. Bearing in mind that Alonso registered 1.6 shots and created 1.1 chances per match during his loan stint, the Dutchman looks a like-for-like replacement for the Fiorentina man.

In terms of defensive prospects, Poyet’s arrival clearly made a significant difference to Sunderland’s resilience. After conceding in every match under Paolo di Canio, the Wearsiders managed 11 shut-outs in the remaining 31 league fixtures (six at home and five on their travels) and, with their backline options so kindly priced, many Fantasy managers are eyeing up the Black Cats ahead of a schedule which pits them against West Brom, QPR, Burnley, Swansea and Stoke in the opening seven Gameweeks.

With an average of 4.9 points per game under Poyet, though, it’s difficult to look beyond Vito Mannone as the best value route amongst Sunderland’s defensive options. The Italian’s heroics between the posts have already earned him over 13% ownership in FPL – the sixth most popular keeper – though if Poyet decides to alternate Mannone with Pantilimon as his number one as the season unfolds, Fantasy faith in Van Aanholt may take a turn for the better.

Further Reference

Patrick Van Aanholt Wikipedia

Patrick Van Aanholt Transfer Markt Page

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

2,581 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    The new bps scoring suits Clyne well. I think he could be good for a few CSs, baps & assists over his nice run of fixtures.

    Open Controls
    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      +1
      Can you show me your current team?

      Open Controls
      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        No where near finalised atm, sorry.

        A lot will depend on transfers and if there are nailed on cheapies.

        Open Controls
        1. RammyRhino
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Vermalen to Manu please make it happen 😀

          Open Controls
  2. Casey Safe
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Is there anyone like me who thinks Steven Fletcher will be a superb punt this season?

    Open Controls
    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Probably not, no.

      Open Controls
    2. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Yes he might be. Double digits in goals if he's a regular.

      Open Controls
      1. Casey Safe
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Being regular is the key. If he can have a better season injury-wise, I have no doubt of his ability to deliver double digits. People seem to have forgotten what he has to offer because of his injuries last season.

        Open Controls
    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      You ?

      Open Controls
      1. Casey Safe
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Yes me 😉 I've got him on my team

        Open Controls
    4. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, i think he could be an absolute bargain. There isnt really anyone better unless you pay another 2 million. I'll take my chances

      Open Controls
  3. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Interesting Sunderland team tonight

    Pretty much a first team with Panti in goal

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Sunderland AFC ‏@SunderlandAFC 2m
      #SAFC: Pantilimon, Jones, van Aanholt, Brown, O'Shea (c), Cattermole, Gomez, Giaccherini, Johnson, Fletcher, Wickham.

      Open Controls
      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Reserve keepers always get games in pre-season 😉

        Open Controls
      2. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        4-4-2, nice team.

        Open Controls
      3. d1sable
        • Has Moderation Rights
        9 years, 8 months ago

        They will leak goals with that team. 4-4-2 with only 1 mid who will track back and a poor defence :/

        Open Controls
        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          my expectation is that one of Wickham or Fletcher will make way for Bridcutt, who is currently injured

          Open Controls
      4. Heytch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Will be first choice keeper imo

        Open Controls
      5. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Strong team.

        Open Controls
      6. chrisjdgrady
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        van Aanholt 2 assists lets go baby

        Open Controls
    2. 50shades of o'shea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Very much so..

      Open Controls
  4. PogChamp
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Have to say that the 'scout scribbles friendly round-up' articles are an absolute life saver. It's Impossible to keep up with everything pre season and how that will effect your FF squad so really appreciate these summaries. Very nice!

    Open Controls
    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Can adversely influence you though too! (Boselli)

      Open Controls
    2. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      here here

      Open Controls
  5. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    How much do you reckon, difficulty wise, for a pencil dive of a 1m springboard?

    Open Controls
    1. 50shades of o'shea
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I'm watching it as well. The commentators love it 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        OVERROTATION!

        Open Controls
        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Silver shouldnt really be awarded. There should be a cut off when the gap is too great.

          Open Controls
        2. 50shades of o'shea
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Surfs up 😀

          Open Controls
    2. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      lol - not difficult when a hot teacher on display

      Open Controls
  6. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    most nailed on stoke defender after shawcross?

    Open Controls
    1. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Pieters

      Open Controls
      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        This.

        Open Controls
    2. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Cameroon, huth

      Open Controls
  7. BenDavies
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Cameron or Colocinni?

    Open Controls
    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Cameron if nailed.

      Open Controls
  8. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hazard returns to training today and RVP will return to training on Manday. So that's 4 days gap between those two and yet people say RVP won't be match fit and has Hazard in their teams. 😆

    Open Controls
    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      That is not why I don't have RvP

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        If it's the price difference then fair enough. But many have put forward that logic.

        Open Controls
        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          the price difference would be irrelevant if we were going 4-3-3 as it would cast dounts over Rooney. But with 2 up top I can't see RvP being worth the extra

          Open Controls
      2. tw
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        +1

        Open Controls
    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      RvP is older, more injury prone, and played more at the world cup.

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Playing more should help him get fit quicker.

        Injuries are part of this game. You gotta take the points and value and ship when injured.

        Open Controls
        1. GuyIncognito
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Get Aguero not RVP then.

          Open Controls
        2. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Playing more would mean he is more tired. Otherwise why would Wenger be resting the Germans?

          Open Controls
      2. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah RVP been looking "stiff" for awhile - dont think he can come back. Last time I saw him fluent was in 2012/203

        Open Controls
    3. The Missing Link
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Hope they both dont make it!

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Both will. No doubt.

        Open Controls
    4. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      shh

      Open Controls
  9. Heytch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Vitesse finish the half with a chance. Great save cech off his line. Luis scrambled away Ashley Cole style. Looks a proper fullback him

    Matic the best midfielder on the park.

    Open Controls
    1. tw
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      better than Cesc even?

      Open Controls
    2. GREENDREAMS11
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Matic is class

      Open Controls
  10. Mr Chadwick
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    What is the Palace defence going to look like? Anyone in the know have an idea? I only have 4.5 to spend, want a Palace defender, but the general feeling on here is that Mariappa is not going to play. Why and who is going to?

    Open Controls
    1. Bambi
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      a palace defender is worth the 5.0 premium. trust

      Open Controls
    2. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      He could play, but not certain to.

      Mariappa, Dann, Delaney, Ward
      Or...
      Ward, Dann, Delaney, Williams/Ledley

      Open Controls
  11. Thomass
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    @pundits check mail thank you! Desperately needed

    Open Controls
    1. Thomass
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      🙁 🙁

      Open Controls
  12. chrrizzy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Which Midfield looks better?

    A) Hazard Mata Arnautovic Eriksen

    B) Hazard Mata Nasri Siggy

    Open Controls
    1. jackhiggo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A

      Open Controls
  13. NEW POST
  14. VougieDipond
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Fabregas and Matic's range of passing has been superb.

    Open Controls
  15. 10cabee
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Who's the best midfielder to choose who is 9m or lower?

    Open Controls
    1. chrisjdgrady
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Mata Ramsey Silva Fab Sterling Siggy

      Open Controls
      1. chrisjdgrady
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Wally when fit

        Open Controls
  16. nibby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Is Vermaelen gonna leave or what ?
    Any solid news ?

    Open Controls
  17. spursjay96
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Alright boys having a nightmare here...

    The obvious Man United cover is De Gea, yes? Is there any nailed on defenders from Man Utd as I currently have Begovic and need Stoke cover. Who is the nailed on Stoke defenders also, Shawcross?

    Is Arsenal cover important? (defensively)

    Open Controls
    1. jackhiggo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Man United defensive cover is the most important thing. I wouldn't go De Gea. Instead maybe go a Jones, Evans or Shaw. Up to you.

      Open Controls
  18. nibby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Guyz RMT & thanks in advance.

    Krul / Foster

    Cameron / Bavis / Naylor / O'Shea / Target

    Mata / Cesc / Siggy / Alexis / Wanyama

    Costa / Rooney / Dzeko

    Need i hav 2 make any changes..

    Open Controls
    1. jackhiggo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good, but why Wanyama and Costa?

      Costa especially could be a massive flop or be a god. If you're willing to take the punt then go for it but surely there's better value. Good team though 🙂

      Open Controls
  19. Doogle__
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    How do we feel about Nasri this season? Him over Eriksen?

    Open Controls
    1. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Over the season? Nah!

      I fancy him to start strongly though. Could be an early differential

      Open Controls
      1. lugalooch
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Wanted a Chelsea defender but have now just realized he's not nailed on, probs gonna upgrade to Cahill

        Open Controls
  20. lugalooch
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    What do you guys think about my team still in the tinkering stage

    DeGea (Myhill)

    Ben Davies, Baines, Azpi (Curtis Davies, Mariappa)

    Eriksen, Mata, Siggy, Sanchez (Albrighton)

    Rooney, Dzecko, Long

    Open Controls
    1. jackhiggo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      not a bad team but why Azpi? Just wanna see your reasoning behind the selection.

      Open Controls
      1. lugalooch
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Wanted a Chelsea defender but have now just realized he's not nailed on, probs gonna upgrade to Cahill

        Open Controls
  21. chudge
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    hi guys, what do you think of this team? advice is appreciated.

    Krul/Mannone
    B.Davies, Shaw, Clyne, Debuchy, Wisdom
    Sanchez, Mata, Eriksen, Siggy, Ince
    Rooney, Dzeko, Remy

    thanks

    Open Controls
  22. lugalooch
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    mata, nasri or hazard?
    AND
    lukaku or dzecko?

    Open Controls
    1. Coaly
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      mata, then hazard, then nasri

      dzeko is better value

      Open Controls
  23. soulsaver
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Good Evening.Thoughts?

    Schmeichel (Krul)

    B.Davies-Filipe Luis-Shaw (Vlaar-N.Taylor)

    Fábregas-Mata-Lamela-Snodgrass-Sigurdsson

    Rooney-Diego Costa (Ings)

    Open Controls
  24. Radagast
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hello!

    Open Controls
  25. jackhiggo
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Yaya Toure anyone? Or is there better options? Haven't seen him in any RMT's.

    Open Controls
    1. Blue Lion
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Most have gone for Sanchez instead who is .5 cheaper.

      Open Controls
  26. Williamnl
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Lads,

    Does anyone know how the player value is calculated in FPL?

    Example: sanchez is priced at 10.5 and is now owned by 30pct.

    Lets say, he does reasonable but he gets sold down massively to 10pct - will his value drop a lot?

    Alternatively, RVP valed at 12.5 but only 6pct ownership - does this mean there is little downside to his value?

    Open Controls
    1. Open Controls
  27. ktongue
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hi. I've been reading so many articles and comments I was wondering if anyone remembers seeing this one. It talks about projected team lineups. However I can't remember who posted it or how to view other teams. Let me know. Cheers.

    http://lineupbuilder.com/2014/custom/?sk=3w36

    Open Controls
  28. avolaris
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Here is my team at the moment, can i have some opinions please.

    De gea, Myhill
    Shaw, Filipe Luis, Davis, Upson, Vlaar
    Silva, Hazard, Eriksen, Sigurdsson, Albrighton
    Rooney, Sturridge, Bojan

    I’ll be playing a 3-4-3 formation.

    I've been thinking of making some adjustments as i have 0.5mill remaining,
    Lamela for Eriksen (depending on who will being playing behind the striker)
    Silva for nasri (i will keep nasri if he gets game time)
    Bojan for another stirker around 5.5mill to 6.5mill.

    Open Controls
  29. Chinchinnati
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Version 3.0 of RMT (how many versions are everyone else up to?) - any help please on the following?

    Krul / Elliott

    BDavies / Evans / Luis / Cameron / Wisdom

    Mata / Eriksen / Ramsey / Siggy / Albrighton

    Roonpig / Costa / Lukaku

    Only 2 weeks until the action starts - who do people think will win / (be in);

    (a) Premier League
    (b) Golden Boot
    (c) Team of the season?

    Open Controls