Fantasy Footy Guide
Posted by Rob Shepherd on Friday, June 30, 2017
Tomorrow the transfer window in England is open. Clubs can once again buy and sell players. This hasn’t stopped eager clubs signing up new players already. In this article, I take a look at the confirmed transfers and try to help you decide if you should include these newbies into your fantasy footy teams.
I will highlight the strengths and weaknesses and highlight any potential diamonds in the rough.
The most exciting thing about the transfer window opening is that it is another step closer to the new season. Another bonus is that we don’t have long to wait to find out which transfer rumours were true and which were utter bullshit.
Bernardo Silva, Manchester City
At only 22, Bernardo is one for the future but his performances for Monaco already indicate that City’s new recruit has the ability to hit the ground running.
League Performance Last Year
Appearances: 33 (4)
Minutes: 2800
Goals: 8
Assists: 9
Passing %: 81.1
Average rating: 7.29
Fantasy footy rating: When Silva plays on the right of midfield he is great, 9 assists and 7 goals in that position. A recommended signing.
Sead Kolasinac, Arsenal
Arsenal have managed to snap up Sead Kolasinac on a free transfer from Schalke on a five-year contract. He is a hardworking and industrious player and should galvanise Arsenal’s defence.
League Performance Last Year
Appearances: 24 (1)
Minutes: 2070
Goals: 3
Assists: 5
Passing %: 71.7
Average rating: 7.27
Fantasy footy rating: His assists tally of 5 is high for a defender, I’d be a little worried about his passing rate which seems pretty low for a defender. I think there are better options for your team.
Victor Lindelof, Manchester United
It was obvious last year that United needed a long-term partner for Eric Bailly and Lindelof has been a target for quite a while. On paper the stats are not that good but buying defenders who are 22 is an eye on the future.
Appearances: 32
Minutes: 2880
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
Passing %: 89.9
Average rating: 7.03
Fantasy footy rating: The stats I have chosen to include don’t cover Lindelof with much glory but counter that with a phenomenal passing rate of 89.9%! Tacking is not a huge strength and for a defender that is a concern. I will sit and wait on this one!
Davy Klaassen, Everton
Everton under new ownership have become the new Harry Enfield’s “Loadsamoney”. Spending £30 million on 23-year-old Jordan Pickford (who coincidently I would include in a fantasy football team) but what about Davy Klaassen who they signed from Ajax?
Appearances: 32
Minutes: 2851
Goals: 14
Assists: 9
Passing %: 80
Average rating: 7.35
Fantasy footy rating: An attacking midfielder who scores 14 goals is always going to interest me. 9 assists are just the cherry on top of an already yummy looking cake. Recommended.
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool
Could Salah be the one player that turns Liverpool into genuine title contenders next year? Joking aside, Salah does look one hell of a player, lightning fast and an eye for goal. 25 years old he combines youthfulness exuberance mixed with experience.
Appearances: 29
Minutes: 2487
Goals: 15
Assists: 11
Passing %: 80.4
Average rating: 7.48
Fantasy footy rating: I am really excited to see Mohamed in the Premier League, his return of 15 goals in 29 games will enhance what is already a great attack at Liverpool. Recommended.
Nathan Ake, AFC Bournemouth
At 22-year-old, Nathan obviously feels he has more chance of first team chances than at former club Chelsea, this is probably a very wise choice with Chelsea having approximately 274 trillion players out on loan at the moment.
Appearances: 8 (2)
Minutes: 733
Goals: 3
Assists: 0
Passing %: 87.9
Average rating: 7.20
Fantasy footy rating: I really like the look of this guy. When he has started as a central defender his average score is 7.44 which is phenomenal. Also 3 goals in 9 appearances, wow, this player could be the difference in your team this coming season. Highly recommended.