Heading: Phil Foden: The Reigning King of Dream Team
Introduction:
Dream Team managers should take note of Phil Foden’s impressive performance in the previous season, where he topped the rankings with 392 points. As Manchester City’s No47, Foden’s 26 goals and 13 assists propelled his team to their fourth consecutive Premier League title. His outstanding performance earned him the FWA Footballer of the Year award and the Premier League Player of the Season gong. However, with a hefty price tag of £6.5m, Foden is one of the most expensive players in the game.
Heading: Foden’s High Price Tag Reflects His Lofty Status
Foden’s price tag of £6.5m is a reflection of his status as one of the top players in the game. Only superstar forwards Erling Haaland (£8.5m) and Mohamed Salah (£7m) are more expensive than Foden in terms of assets. Despite his high value, Foden is currently selected in 29.8% of teams, making him the sixth-most selected player in the game. However, he is still less popular than his teammate Cole Palmer (£6m), who boasts an ownership of 60.5%.
Heading: Foden’s Euro 2024 Performance and Palmer’s Impressive Showing
Foden’s lack of goals and assists in the Euro 2024 tournament for England may have affected his popularity in the game. Fans and pundits debated his role in the team, while his teammate Cole Palmer impressed with limited minutes, providing an assist in the semi-final and scoring in the final. Despite Foden’s impressive numbers in the previous season, Palmer’s popularity is twice as high. Both players averaged eight points-per-game, making the decision between them a difficult one for managers, especially considering their head-to-head clash in Gameweek 1 when Chelsea host Manchester City.
Heading: Saka Adds to the Dilemma
Bukayo Saka (£6m) is another player in the same price range as Palmer and Foden. As Arsenal’s No7, Saka amassed 363 points last season, making him a viable option for managers. Combining all three midfielders would require a significant investment of £18.5m, which is 37% of the starting budget. This decision further complicates the choice for managers, as they must decide which player or combination of players is the best option for their team.
Heading: Foden’s Potential in Club Football
Despite Foden’s less effective performance in Gareth Southgate’s England setup, his numbers in club football speak for themselves. In addition to his impressive goal involvements, Foden ranked in Dream Team’s top five for shots on target and bonus points in the previous season. He was a must-have asset for most of last season. However, as it stands, 70% of Dream Team managers are willing to go without him in Gameweek 1. Foden’s ownership come August 16th will be an interesting statistic to watch.
Conclusion:
Phil Foden’s reign as the king of Dream Team is reflected in his high price tag and impressive performance last season. However, his popularity has been overshadowed by teammate Cole Palmer, who impressed in the Euro 2024 tournament. The dilemma for managers is further complicated by the inclusion of Bukayo Saka in the same price range. Ultimately, the decision between Foden, Palmer, and Saka will require careful consideration, as managers aim to select the best option or combination for their team.