Analyzing the Most Popular Outfield Players Yet to Reach the 20-Point Mark
With the international break in full swing, Dream Team managers have some time to reflect upon the start of the 2024/25 season. This is an opportunity to assess the performance of popular outfield players who have yet to reach the 20-point mark. Let’s take a closer look at these players and their potential for improvement.
Micky van de Ven (£3.8m)
– Points: 15
– Ownership: 10.9%
Although van de Ven missed Tottenham’s recent match against Newcastle, it’s unlikely he would have earned the five points required to avoid this list, considering the team’s 2-1 defeat. However, his average of 7.5 points per game is impressive, albeit from a small sample size.
Emile Smith Rowe (£2.8m)
– Points: 14
– Ownership: 11.7%
Smith Rowe’s transfer to Fulham made him a popular choice among Dream Team managers looking for a bargain option. While he has started all three of Fulham’s league games, he has yet to play more than 72 minutes at a time. Despite scoring against Leicester in Gameweek 2, he has only amassed five points from his other three appearances combined.
Bruno Fernandes (£5.8m)
– Points: 13
– Ownership: 12.2%
Smith Rowe’s relatively modest returns aren’t a concern due to his low cost, but the same cannot be said for Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. As one of the most expensive players in the game, Fernandes has excelled in Portugal’s national team during the international break. Dream Team managers will be hoping he can carry that form into the club arena. With six upcoming fixtures for Manchester United, it’s only a matter of time before Fernandes returns to his usual high-scoring self.
Kobbie Mainoo (£3.4m)
– Points: 15
– Ownership: 12.4%
Another Manchester United asset on this list is Kobbie Mainoo. Backed heavily before Gameweek 1 due to his performances at Euro 2024, Mainoo impressed by earning maximum bonus points against Fulham. However, his total of seven points across Gameweeks 2 and 3 represents a regression to his previous form. Interestingly, Manchester United and Ipswich are the only two teams without a single player on 20+ points at this stage.
Marc Guehi (£3.3m)
– Points: 14
– Ownership: 13.9%
Crystal Palace’s center-back, Marc Guehi, was a popular choice among Dream Team managers after his performances at the Euros. However, our suggestion to consider Daniel Munoz (£3.1m) as a better option at a lower price was largely ignored. Munoz has outperformed Guehi with 18 points, including an assist and joint-most tackles among defenders. Guehi’s ownership has steadily decreased since Gameweek 1.
Ollie Watkins (£5.6m)
– Points: 12
– Ownership: 16.6%
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins had limited minutes in the preseason following England’s Euro 2024 campaign, resulting in his playing time managed by Unai Emery. He has played just over an hour in all three appearances this season. However, his withdrawal from the England squad indicates that he is not yet up to full speed. With favorable fixtures ahead for Aston Villa, Watkins’ owners face a tough decision on whether to stick with him or find a replacement.
Martin Odegaard (£4.9m)
– Points: 12
– Ownership: 17%
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, is the most-selected player yet to reach 20 points. However, his ankle injury suffered while on duty for Norway puts his availability in doubt for upcoming games. Managers who were uncertain about Odegaard’s underwhelming returns now face the task of finding a replacement before the deadline.
In conclusion, while these players have yet to reach the 20-point mark, it is still early in the season, and they have the potential to improve their performances. Dream Team managers must carefully assess each player’s situation and determine whether they are worth keeping or if it’s time to make a change.