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| Robin Van Persie: Undisputed captain choice for the season. |
As the season closed its curtain, FPLZ picks its dream team of the season based on both performance and price.
Goalkeeper
Michel Vorm easily closed down this spot thanks to his godlike display throughout the season. One of the major pillars for Swansea's 14 clean sheets last season, the Dutch was never short of acrobatic saves. His save against Glen Johnson's volley against Liverpool on stoppage time was one of the best in my opinion. 158 points with starting value of only £4.0m, Vorm represents excellent investment.
Defenders
City's captain Vincent Kompany was unarguably the best defender of the season. Scoring 145 fantasy points last term, the Belgian skipper was not only pivotal in defence with his superb defensive positioning, but he could also deliver upfront, most notably the winning goal against Manchester United which ultimately sealed City's first Premier League title.
Tottenham's Benoit Assou-Ekkoto had a surprisingly well season. Historically not known for offensive prowess, the left-back recorded a staggering 2 goals and 5 assists this term, along with 12 clean sheets, making him a real deal with a season ending value of £5.8m.
Jonny Evans made a shocking entry into this list. Having labelled as one of the troublemaker in Manchester United's defensive line-up for the past few seasons, the Northern Irish played exceptionally well this season as a replacement for injured captain Nemanja Vidic. His fairly cheaper price compared to his teammates, along with his consistent inclusion in Ferguson's lineup, was the reason why he managed to get into this list.
Meanwhile, Danny Simpson was one of the best-valued defender out there. Benefiting from Newcastle's resolute defence led by Coloccini, the young right-back managed to get 14 clean sheets for the term.
Midfieders
Needless to say, Clint Dempsey was the best fantasy midfielder of the season. Being the only midfielder to break the 200 point mark last season, the American also led the goal table for the midfielders with 17 goals recorded. Nevertheless, his outstanding performance was largely credited to the Cottagers' heavy reliance on him in offence.
Gylfi Sigurdsson was the real fantasy jewel out there who provided maximum per-dollar return among fantasy midfielders. Having played only half of the season in Premier League, the Icelandic was supreme in dictating Swansea's offence. Unfortunately, Sigurdsson's future in Premier League is uncertain after failing to reach an agreement with Swansea, though he has expressed his desire to continue to work with his ex-gaffer Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.
"Speedy speed boy" Gareth Bale deservedly booked a spot in FPLZ's dream team. 10 goals and 14 assists were sufficient to compensate for his value of £9.5m. Without Champions League duty next season, we can expect the Welsh to improve on his tally in the next FPL season, though his asking price is expected to shoot up higher based on this season's performance.
The list would not be considered complete without David Silva. The Spaniard was the spotlight at the beginning of the season with his all-round performance. While his standards had dropped considerably in the middle of the season due to injury trouble, still he was able to reach third spot in midfielders table, making his second year in the Premier League a success.
Forwards
I believe I would be bashed heavily if Robin Van Persie is absent in FPLZ's dream team. Being the first season the Dutch has played for all 38 league fixtures, we have seen the best from the captain, recording 30 goals and 269 fantasy points - both his highest so far. If he remains injury free next season, Van Persie will definitely bring another "C. Ronaldo phenomona" next season - the automated captain pick.
Similar to Sigurdsson, Papiss Cisse is the true definition of value in the forward lineup. Also played for only half of the season, the Senegalese striker has managed to record 13 goals and 105 fantasy points, not to mention the way he had executed those goals (remember the goal against Chelsea?).
Substitutes
Though Joe Hart is the better keeper in terms of fantasy scores, Tim Krul would represent the better value for money. Benefiting from Newcastle's resolute defence, the Dutch keeper was only two points shy from Vorm, with his ending value of £5.0m proving him a value bargain.
Jose Enrique was one of the very popular defender in FPL last term. His low starting price (£5.0m), coupled with some impressive defensive display by Liverpool earlier last season, was the reason for his surge in popularity. Though his usefulness had slowly deteriorated as Liverpool found itself dropped out of the Champions League race, the Spaniard is still by far one of the best defender to own in the first half of the season.
Widely labelled as the third choice winger among Ferguson's three excellent wide players, Antonio Valencia was never short of impressive displays when he played. His consistent stream of assists had made him become a more superior long term pick compared to Nani and Young, especially when he's also much cheaper than the duo.
Being underpriced, Emmanuel Adebayor represents excellent value, especially when he had such a good track record with Arsenal in the Premier League. 17 goals plus 12 assists were the solid proof of his credentials. His performance was quite streaky though, analogous with Tottenham's roller coaster form throughout the season.
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