With the restart of the Premier League, millions of soccer fanatics have turned to fantasy soccer to fuel their indefatigable passion for the sport. In this article, we will look at the most impactful players in each of the starting 11 positions.
Defenders
Trent-Alexander Arnold (7.5 Million)
The now 22-year old has established himself as the best right-back in the world. Last season, he racked up 210 points, the most out of any defender and the 4th most overall. He also finished the last Premier League season with 13 assists and 4 goals, making him a huge threat going forward as he has tons of assist and goal potential. He also has loads of clean sheet potential as part of a resolute Liverpool defense that only conceded 33 goals in 38 games last season. His attacking and defensive exploits are enough to make him the top defensive player this season.
Timothy Castagne (5.5 Million)
At a slightly cheaper price, the Leicester City star offers the value of a lifetime as a dynamic wing-back eager to join the attack. Last season, his goals/shot (0.2) ranked highest in the Serie-A, and he was the only defender to make that list. A lesser known option, Castagne offers a fairly large differential at a 19% ownership rate. He has started the season brilliantly with a goal and 2 assists in his last 4 games. He currently leads the league in points for defenders and looks set to have a brilliant season as part of an exciting Leicester team that was ranked in the bottom 5 for goals conceded as well.
Andrew Robertson (7.0 Million)
Overshadowed only by his fellow full-back, Robertson enjoyed the best season of his career so far: 3rd in Premier League assists with 12, 5th in goal-creating actions, and 5th in crosses. This highlights Robo’s attacking prowess that is a must have in your team, and his presence in the formidable Liverpool back line boosts his defensive returns as well. It is unusual to double up on a team’s back line, but the upside of Robertson is well worth the extra cost on defense and sacrificing a spot from the three-player per team max.
Midfielders
Mohamed Salah (12.0 Million)
The Egyptian King, along with another player in this list, has made Liverpool into one of the most prolific teams in Europe, winning the Champions League and Premier League last season. Always a top-threat in fantasy, the sharpshooter racked up 233 points last season. He has only added to his value as the primary penalty taker this season for Liverpool, taking his xG&A to a whopping 1.15, which practically guarantees you points every week. Salah has also finished in the top 5 in goals for every Premier League season he has played. He finished 1st in shots on target last season (56) and 4th in assists last season (10). In total, Salah finished with 39 goal contributions in 38 games, providing a must have attacking threat for any fantasy manager.
Sadio Mane (11.5 Million)
Another Liverpool man finds himself in the must haves for this season, a huge testament to The Red’s dominant season last season. Part of the Liverpool front three, Mane finds himself among the top players in fantasy on his way to 221 points last season: third most among all players. He ranked 2nd in goals/shot last season (0.24) and was 4th in goals + assists at 25. The Senagelese man often outpaces his expected statistics due to his unparalleled workrate and effort on the field. With more attacking football on show this season, the former African player of the year should flourish along with his Egyptian teammate who are both projected to finish top 3 in fantasy points for the season.
Kevin DeBruyne (11.5 Million)
Undisputedly the best midfielder in the world right now, De Bruyne lit up the Premier League last season, finishing first in overall fantasy points with a whopping 251. The PFA player of the year enjoyed the most productive season of his career, finishing with the most goals + assists in the Premier League (33). He also finished first in assists (20), passes into the penalty area (121), through balls (32), shot-creating actions (220), and goal-creating actions (33). De Bruyne’s offensive creativity is through the roof, whether it be blasting it into the net himself or setting it up for a teammate. He has also undertaken penalty duties further adding to his offensive production, making him a must have for your fantasy team.
Attackers
Harry Kane (11.0 Million)
For the second season running, Harry Kane has had a price drop in FPL going from £12.5m in 2018-19 to £11m in 2019-20 to £10.5m in 2020-21.
Despite that, the England skipper, along with the aforementioned Aguero, remains the most expensive striker in the game, which is a testament to his goal scoring prowess.
Kane’s FPL popularity dipped during the first half of last season as he occupied a deeper position in the Spurs attack, but he has been redeployed at the tip of the Spurs side under Jose Mourinho.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (12.0 Million)
Landing himself the most expensive player in fantasy this year along with Salah, Aubameyang looks to be a mainstay in many people’s teams. He is one of the premier forwards that is likely to get you points week in week out. Last season, Aubameyang was one of 6 players to finish with 200+ points (205). As the main option on an otherwise underwhelming Arsenal team, his teammates are likely going to give him more opportunities, making Aubameyang the likely leader in goals and assists for Aresenal, which will earn you points. He finished 2nd in goals last season and first the year before. He is the main man to get you the goals and should be a part of your fantasy team.
Danny Ings (8.5 Million)
Southampton’s talisman grew to spectacular levels last season, leading Southampton to a solid mid table finish. Ings’ 22 goals were tied for second in the league and his workrate up top harassed defenses and led to his unprecedented outburst in performance. His 24 goals + assists were 6th in the league and he finished 4th in non-penalty goals/90 (0.67). Ings is a great cheap option up front if you are going for a more stacked midfield, and you can rely on his consistency to still get you a good amount of points. He finished last season with a spectacular 198 points and is sure to top that this season with his newly acquired penalty duties.