We love this game. Through thick and thin. We love it.

The ups and downs, the highs and lows, the glorious victories and the devastating defeats.

But beyond that constant thirst for victory is the pure enjoyment we get from watching our players succeed. And there’s nothing better than catching the crest of a wave and acquiring a player that is destined for glory. And if we are to succeed in the future, we must learn from the past. So today we take a heartfelt trip down memory lane and look at the ‘Crème de la crème’ of fantasy football. Those players that have thrilled and delighted, wowed and amazed, and defied all odds to finish as top scorers of fantasy league.

07/08 – Christiano Ronaldo

The man. The legend.

I can honestly say he’s the best player I’ve ever watched at Old Trafford and his fantasy football output in 07-08 was simply astonishing. Week on week he lead my line and very rarely did he disappoint. He scored an unbelievable 31 goals in 34 league games, eclipsing every other player that season. He was, quite simply, untouchable.

08/09 and 09/10 – Frank Lampard

There is a special place in fantasy football heaven for players like Frank Lampard. Two seasons running he scored more points than any other player; 12 goals and 10 assists in 08/09, and a highly impressive 22 goals and 16 assists in 09/10. This footballing feat made him a fantasy football staple for the majority of managers, not least Jose Mourinho.

10/11 – Nani

Wait…what??

Of all the names on this list, this must come as the biggest shock. Nani, somehow, someway, managed to fend off every other premier league player and clinch the top prize. A measly 9 goals, supported by a slightly more impressive 14 assists. But still…Nani? Really??? It was probably helped by the fact that strikers were the biggest disappointment of the fantasy football season. Dimitar Berbatov and Carlos Tevez topped the goal scoring charts with a mere 20 goals apiece.

11/12 and 12/13 – Robin Van Persie

The only player on our list to top the rankings two seasons on the run, with two different clubs! Alex Ferguson knew exactly what he was getting when he brought the striker over from Arsenal. And not only did he excel in fantasy football, he was essential in guiding Manchester United to the Premier League title. He fought off the likes of Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale, David Silva and even Wayne Rooney (!) to clinch the top spot two seasons running.

13/14 – Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez. One of the most controversial players to ever grace the Premier League, but also one with undoubted skills. He was untouchable in his final season at Liverpool, scoring an astonishing 31 goals in 33 games. Liverpool dominated that season, with Daniel Sturridge being the second highest goalscorer. Amazingly, Liverpool still managed to throw away the title, allowing Manchester City to clinch it by 2 points.

14/15 – Eden Hazard

What a season!

Eden Hazard was a midfield dynamo in 2014-15. He scored 14 goals and supplied 10 assists from midfield, as well as hauling in a huge number of bonus points, helping him to clinch the top spot. He held off a fierce challenge from a host of players including Aguero, Kane and Fabregas (19 assists!) and has fast become a fantasy football staple. No doubt he will sit high up on many a fantasy manger’s draft list for this season.

15/16 – Riyad Mahrez

2015-16, the season of dreams.

No one could have predicted that Leicester City would defy all the odds and go on to clinch the Premier League crown. It made for one of the most fascinating fantasy league seasons ever and a whole host of Leicester City stars came onto our radars. Vardy, Morgan, Huth, even Drinkwater! But none of them were as impressive as the almighty Riyad Mahrez. With 17 goals and 12 assists he claimed top spot ahead of the likes of Harry Kane, Sergio Aguero and his team mate, Jamie Vardy.

16/17 – Alexis Sanchez

The last on our list of top fantasy league scorers is the man they call ‘El Nino.’ Far and away the best player in an Arsenal shirt, he hauled Arsenal through many a poor performance. But it wasn’t enough. In fact, he’s the only player on this list to have played for a team who finished outside the top 4. He fought off the likes of Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku to clinch top spot but there are still question marks over where he’ll be playing his football this season. Buyers beware!

So there you go ladies and gentlemen. Many will look at this list and see some interesting patterns. Not a goalkeeper or defender in sight. Only two out-and-out strikers. There is much we can learn from the past. But the truth is, the past is the past. And however much we look to seasons gone by, we cannot always rely on history to guide us in the future. Leicester City are proof of that. Of course, I’m not suggesting you put Huddersfield Town’s goalkeeper at the top of your draft list, but think carefully about relying on the tried and tested heavy hitters of seasons past. Will Sanchez still have the drive and desire with no Champions League football? Will Dele Ali continue on his upward trajectory? Can Harry Kane do it again?

I can’t wait to find out.