The time we have all been waiting for is upon us…
Draft Fantasy is now OPEN!
I know many of you will be eager to get your drafts started (I know I am!), but just before we delve into the excitement, let’s take one last look at what is on offer. Today I undertake a study of, what I like to call, ‘The Template Team.’ This is the team of perfection, the team of dreams, the team we all strive to get. This is the team every one of us would create if there were no other managers around (although I can’t imagine that would make for a particularly interesting season!) Using the traditional 4-4-2 formation, I aim to paint a picture of what the Utopian draft fantasy team would be. So sit back, relax, and dream (the impossible dream) that your team will look just like this come the end of your draft.
Goalkeeper – David De Gea
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. For me David De Gea is the number one goalkeeping pick for fantasy managers. He’s the best goalkeeper in the league and is playing behind a strong (and strengthened) defence. Mourinho loves a clean sheet and David will be striving to further improve upon his 14 clean sheets last time round.
Left back – Marcos Alonso
I know, I’m stating the obvious. Alonso is by far the best attacking full back in the league and had a fantastic season last year. The second highest scoring defender and not one to be afraid to go forward. His tally of 6 goals and 5 assists could easily be improved upon this time round.
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Right back – James Milner
Finally! He’s a defender! Last year saw many fantasy managers tempted by the penalty scoring prowess of James Milner. However, due to his classification as a midfielder, many were put off. But not this time round, my friends. This time, he’s been rightfully classed as a defender and will be sitting high up on many draft lists. 7 goals and 4 assists, along with the potential for clean sheets, make him a must for me. He’s just too exciting to ignore.
Centre Back – Victor Lindelöf
The new man at United may be a fantasy league unknown, but he comes to the Premier League with an impressive reputation and the stats to back it up. He is big, strong and a superb passer of the ball, leading him to being a key factor in Benfica’s defence of their league title last year. Mourinho will be hoping he can stay fit and develop a strong partnership with the ever-impressive Eric Bailly.
Centre Back – Craig Dawson
Craig Dawson, really? Yes, and let me tell you why. Last season it was Gareth McAuley who wowed (and frustrated) fantasy managers, getting a host of clean sheets as well as 6 goals and 1 assist. This time round it’s the turn of Craig Dawson. Not only do West Brom have a reputation for starting strong (in their perpetual search for 40 points), but their reliance on set pieces is well known. McAuley is in the twilight of his career and I think Dawson will be taking over the goal-scoring mantle this time round. One must also point to a superb set of opening fixtures for West Brom in their first 9 gameweeks,
Left wing – Eden Hazard
He’s hard to ignore. Even with the injury that will keep him out at the start of the season, he’s still worth picking up in your draft. 16 goals and 9 assists last time round showed just what an impressive player he is. He must be the first name on the team sheet for Conte (when fit), and he seems to be playing with the freedom and belief of seasons past. Draft him, he won’t disappoint.
Right Wing – Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne flew under the radar a little last season, but his stats show that he was an integral part of Manchester City’s seasons. His 6 goals were partnered by an incredible 21 assists, proving that this Chelsea-reject has come back to the Premier League with a vengeance. He’s quick, skillful and reads the game very well. The only concern is over his game-time. Last season proved Guardiola is not afraid to bench his superstars. But for me, it’s worth the risk.
Centre Midfield – Dele Ali
Quick, skillful, reads the game well and has a great eye for goal. At only 21 years old! In recent years, Dele Ali has emerged as one of the best players, not only in the Spurs team, but in the Premier League. He had his best season yet last time round with 18 goals and 11 assists, playing in a Spurs team that is packed with creativity and (more importantly), goals! Spurs have been on the up for the past couple of seasons and no one would write them off for a challenge on the title.
Centre Midfield – Philippe Coutinho
Coming into his sixth (I know!) season at Liverpool, Coutinho is undoubtedly their star man. He has consistently picked up decent points hauls, but is yet to reach the heights of Hazard et al. However, I think this season will be different. Liverpool have strengthened with the shrewd signing of Mohamed Salah, and the continued development of the likes of Mané, Lallana and Wijnaldum will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the output of the man who pulls the strings, Coutinho.
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Centre Forward – Harry Kane
Obviously. 29 goals. 7 assists. Surely he must be the number 1 pick in any draft. The man oozes quality. Enough said.
Centre Forward – Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku seems like the obvious choice. Second highest goal scorer last year and now starting the season at one of the bets clubs in the league. He’s big, strong and suits Manchester United’s style of play. They created an embarrassingly large number of chances last season, that simply weren’t put away. And for £90 million, Mourinho (as well as every Manchester United fan), will be hoping Romelu can be the one to convert those chances into goals.
A few who missed the cut…
Goalkeepers – Hugo Lloris, Thibaut Courtois, Petr Cech
Defenders – David Luiz, Toby Alderweireld, Laurent Koscielney
Midfielders – Alexis Sanchez (!) Gylfi Sigurdsson, Christian Eriksen
Forwards – Alexandre Lacazette, Sergio Aguero, Diego Costa
So there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. The ‘Template Team.’ Of course, we all know it isn’t realistic to picture this as our starting 11. We’ll hope to get a few of these stars, but in the end, disappointment will await us. But just for one day, for one moment, until it all comes crashing down, we can dream, can’t we?
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