Potential Draft Fantasy Premier League Players

Ever since the Premier League curtains closed in mid May, Draft Fantasy Premier League players have had about as much fun as a Sunderland season ticket holder.

Without the ability to scout out new gems, watch their latest additions bring in the points or brag about their latest trade winning the game with a last-minute goal, the summer months have, ironically, been a cold and lonely place for fantasy managers.

Thankfully, there has been a glimpse of light in the dark wait until mid-August as we’ve been treated to a multitude of international football tournaments.

A number of Premier League starlets were on show as England defeated Venezuela in the Under-20 World Cup final. Meanwhile, at the end of June, some of the best young players in the world were on show at the European Under-21 Championships in Poland.

Aside from some exciting football, the matches on show also gave fantasy managers the chance to scout out some potential differentials for their draft sides.

Young champions on the cusp of Fantasy Premier League breakthroughs

After winning a first international tournament at this level for England, a number of Premier League youngsters will be hoping to break into their respective sides this season.

Freddie Woodman caught the eye as he saved a penalty in the final and could provide a surprise option should Newcastle United offload Tim Krul and Matz Sels as expected, particularly with manager Rafa Benitez so adept at creating a strong defence.

Everton pair Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ademola Lookman will also be looking to get some more minutes under their belts after impressing for the Three Lions.

Calvert-Lewin scored one of his two tournament goals in the final and made five appearances under Ronald Koeman towards the end of the season.

His teammate Lookman – who announced himself with a superb goal against Manchester City earlier this year – scored three goals and will also be hoping Koeman keeps up his penchant for blooding young players.

Potentially the most exciting prospect, however, is Bournemouth playmaker Lewis Cook. The 20-year-old bagged a goal and two assists in South Korea and is the most likely under-20 player to become a regular in the side.

With Jack Wilshere unlikely to return on loan, the former-Leeds man is poised to become the centre-piece of an attack-minded Cherries side, and could become a surprise source of assist points.

The ‘Pickford’ of Fantasy Premier league keepers?

After securing a £30m move to Everton, Jordan Pickford’s stock couldn’t have been much higher going into the European Under-21 Championships.

The 23-year-old became Fantasy Premier League royalty last season after managing 135 saves for struggling Sunderland – second only to Burnley’s Tom Heaton.

It was a start to remember for Pickford as he saved a penalty and kept a clean sheet against reigning champions Sweden and impressed on the big stage.

With both Koeman and the Toffees having a history of strong defensive performances, Pickford may well be very high up in the plans of drafting managers.

Maw goals on the horizon?

Swansea’s Alfie Mawson became a popular pick last term after he demonstrated his eye for goal as the Welsh side escaped relegation.

The 23-year-old managed four goals and four clean sheets in 2017, and was also on the mark for England against Slovakia.

If Paul Clement can continue to improve the Swans defence and Mawson continues his knack of scoring from set-pieces, he could prove a genius pick in later rounds.

Tammy, to you

One player who will be an attractive pick for Fantasy managers is Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham.

The 19-year-old impressed on loan in the Championship for Bristol City last term, bagging 23 goals.

Abraham only managed the one goal in Poland, but he has shown enough attacking instinct to persuade managers to take a punt on him should he secure a loan move this year, with Newcastle, Brighton and Swansea thought to be heading the queue.

Gray stars as Redmond stumbles

Demarai Gray bagged against both Poland and Germany and will be hoping to bring the goalscoring form into the new season with Leicester City.

The 21-year-old threatened numerous times last season with his pace and dribbling but was in and other the Foxes’ side as he struggled with his end product but will be hopeful of starts should Riyad Mahrez leave.

Fellow winger Nathan Redmond had a mixed tournament. Despite bagging against Slovakia, the Southampton man wasn’t too effective and missed a penalty against Germany in the semi-final.

With new Saints manager Mauricio Pellegrini not renowned for his attacking play and favouring one striker, the former Norwich man may be one to avoid this year.

Bellerin misses out on gold

A name that is very familiar to fantasy managers by now, Hector Bellerin endured a up and down campaign last year.

The Spaniard came in for criticism last term as Arsenal missed out on the Champions League and he struggled defensively.

Bellerin has had a renaissance of sorts last term, starting all but one game for runners-up Spain and forcing his way back into the Arsenal side.

The pace right-back managed a goal, two assists and two clean sheets in the four games he started in Arsenal’s 3-4-3 formation and, should Wenger keep faith next season, could become a premium defensive pick once more.