With the new Premier League season getting underway on September 12th, fans are desperately hunting for fantasy football tips.
Look no further.
We’ve shined a light on ten players who might be worth a place in your Dream Team.
The caveat being none of them play for clubs belonging to the so-called ‘big six’ — Liverpool, Man City, Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs.
These players may not represent the clubs who traditionally hog the media limelight but they could help you dominate your mini-league in 2020/21.
Raul Jimenez (£5.0m)
The Mexican has scored 41 goals in his two seasons with Wolves to establish himself as a reliable Dream Team striker.
Hard-working, formidable in the air, strong through the chest, Jimenez is purpose-built for the Premier League and has been a central figure in the relative success of Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Jamie Vardy (£5.0m)
2019/20’s Golden Boot winner will turn 34 midway through the coming season but his new approach under Brendan Rodgers – specifically, energy conservation – has allowed him to flourish as a prolific poacher in his twilight years.
Leicester finished last season in disastrous form, forfeiting Champions League qualification against the odds, but they showed they are capable of mixing it with the big boys in the first two thirds of the campaign.
With a century of Premier League goals under his belt, Vardy has earned the right to be mentioned among the league’s best goalscorers.
Lucas Digne (£3.0m)
Of all the regular left-backs, Only Andrew Robertson (£4.5m) created more chances in the Premier League last season.
Everton’s transfer business has been hit-and-miss in recent times but the Frenchman is arguably the standout success story in modern times.
Many expect the Toffees to improve the longer they are overseen by the vastly experienced Carlo Ancelotti and if that’s the case then Digne should be odds-on to cruise past 100 points in Dream Team 2020/21.
Danny Ings (£4.0m)
Few would have backed Southampton’s No9 to match Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£6.5m) goal-for-goal last season but that’s exactly what Ings accomplished, finishing with 22 in the league.
Having seemingly put his injury troubles behind him, Ings exhibited a natural instinct for finishing as he guided Saints to a comfortable mid-table finish after the embarrassment of the 9-0 drubbing at the hands of Leicester.
Breaching the 20-goal mark for a second consecutive season is a tall order but the 28-year-old will be motivated to maintain his standards with a view to the Euros next summer.
Enda Stevens (£2.5m)
Replace the Irishman with your Sheffield United defender of choice and everything still applies.
Chris Wilder masterminded the Blades to a top-half finish in their return to the top flight, with his use of overlapping centre-backs exciting tactics nerds everywhere.
Stevens and fellow wing-back George Baldock (£2.5m) chip in with goal involvements on top of clean sheets.
Jack Grealish (£3.0m)
The slick-haired No10’s heroics ensured his beloved Aston Villa avoided relegation with little time to spare in 2019/20.
Eight goals and six assists represented a decent return for his efforts but Grealish’s habit of dictating games also resulted in a string of 7+ ratings and four Star Man awards last season.
Nick Pope (£3.0m)
Ederson (£4.0m) may have spoiled the Burnley stopper’s Golden Glove party but Pope finished 2019/20 as Dream Team’s best goalkeeper — so who really won?
Sean Dyche’s side may not play a brand of football that secures them top billing on Match of the Day but you know what you’re going to get from them; a team that are difficult to beat.
With eyes on England’s No1 jersey ahead of the Euros, Pope will be aiming to rack up the clean sheets in a similar fashion once the Premier League resumes.
Adama Traore (£4.0m)
Only Kevin De Bruyne (£7.0m) earned more 7+ ratings and Star Man awards than Wolves’ resident superhero.
Traore’s scarcely believable dribbling ability means he is favoured by WhoScored’s stats-based algorithm that determines Dream Team’s player ratings.
A matchwinner at his best, the 24-year-old will hope to develop his end product further this season — a terrifying prospect for defenders everywhere.
James Maddison (£3.5m)
The 23-year-old finished last season with just three league assists to his name but don’t be fooled by that statistic.
Look a little deeper and his chances created tally is among the best in the league, indicating his team-mates failed to make the most of his output.
The Foxes playmaker is due more luck this season and will be targeting 15+ goal involvements.
Richarlison (£3.5m)
The Brazilian formed a profitable partnership with Dominic Calvert-Lewin to combine for 26 league goals in 2019/20, split evenly.
Ancelotti has challenge Richarlison to improve further and nudge his goal return towards the 20-per-season mark — a target not beyond his reach.
If Everton are to kick on this season, their dynamic No7 will need to lead by example from the front.
