Davy Klaassen, MID, Everton

Everton signed former Ajax captain Davy Klaassen in June for around £23M, and he’s been high on a lot of fantasy sleeper lists, as well as a common pick to bust. We have made him into an all-or-nothing prospect when reality is hardly ever so clear. So what are we to make of this Dutch international attacking Midfielder?

For a signing new to EPL, Klaassen has fit in well in preseason, probably aided by fellow Dutch compatriot Ronald Koeman showed such faith in recruiting him. And with Koeman bringing in several other key signings such as defender Michael Keane (62%), goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (50%) and forwards Wayne Rooney (55%) and Sandro Ramirez (21%) its a must for the new look team to coalesce and get to know each other, which also helps Klaassen make the jump.

Davy scored 14 goals in his ultimate Eredivisie league season, and another 6 against European completion, but critics view this more as a warning to fantasy managers than a green light. Success in Holland has not always translated to EPL, so questions remain as to how we properly value the exchange rates for this kind of fantasy currency (should we call them goaalss?) . Personally, I believe that even when you deflate 20 goals, you’re left with something of real value. Clearly, the competition wasn’t as fierce at Ajax as it will be at Everton, but I’ll also mention that Klaassen has 4 goals in 14 caps for his national team, including scores against Spain and Belgium. At the young age of 23, he has both the energy of youth and the experience of a seasoned pro, so don’t judge his fantasy prospects on hairline alone.

Moreover, the Everton squad has space for Davy. Swansea’s Gylffi Sigurdsson (85%) has been linked with a move to Everton all summer, but it has not yet materialized. And Ross Barkley (40%) is as good as gone. Klaassen should start most games even if Sigurdsson does finally arrive and Barkley stays. No matter what else happens, Klaassen will be around to provide linkup play along with clever runs into the box, and that merits our attention.

At just 22% owned, fantasy owners should consider Klaassen as an alternative on waivers to the more popular Gini Wijnaldum (53%) and Ander Herrera (35%) in standard scoring leagues. If nothing else, “Klaassen Sscoress Goaalss” would be a great team name!

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