Transfer Window
As August drew to a close and with 2 rounds of games in the book, the transfer window slammed shut with a flurry of player moves. Many teams attempted to address immediate needs and glaring roster gaps, while the top teams strengthened their squads. Here's a breakdown of some of the main moves that I feel will have some YFF implications.
» Kuyt - joined Liverpool after a stellar 3 years in the Dutch league, where he scored about 90 goals in 120 games. Having seen his first match for the Reds (as a substitute), he looked very active and his fantasy point potential is good so long as he starts most games. Click here for my initial thoughts on Kuyt's debut.
» Cole - the most protracted transfer saga of the summer finally concluded with Cashley Cole being swapped for Gallas and $5M. A good deal for both clubs I think, as Cole is a bargain a 6.58. An attack-minded left back, he will give some width to the Chelski attack, he wins tackles and will have the opportunity to cross to players of the quality of Sheva, Lampard, Drogba. Plus he will surely collect the clean sheet bonus often, as part of an already-solid back line.
» Anelka - A great move for Bolton. This guy is a proven talent and was a veritable Yahoo stud a couple of seasons ago. A very good finisher, can cross the ball, and is just selfish enough to usually score well, Anelka will start up front right away, and should get plenty of the ball, especially since with Bolton's other main striker Kevin Davies out for another 4-5 weeks. Bolton home to Watford and Boro the next two weeks makes him a very appealing pick, and he should enter the YFF database at a cheap price.
» Tevez - in a complete shocker of a transfer, West Ham beat out the EPL giants to sign Tevez and Mascherano. These young (22 yrs old) Argentine internationals are great players, as they showed at the World Cup. Conspiracy theories abound on how they ended up with the Hammers, but by my reckoning, Tevez should have an impact in YFF terms. He will be first choice up front, and is skilled, fast and strong. I'd wait a game or 2 to see how he settles in the English game, but expect he will score well soon. Mascherano is more of a defensive & passing MF, and I don't fancy him as a fantasy player too much.
» Beasley - American international DaMarcus Beasley joined ManCity on loan. I feel he will be a very solid YFF player and should slot right into their left MF position, as Vassell and Samaras have been forced to fill in there lately (and looked ineffective). From what I've seen of him at PSV, he's quick, gets forward well and will get some SOTs and CW, and will benefit some starting many games.
» Baptista - An interesting pick-up for the Gunners, but at least they got fair value for want-away Reyes. The Beast, as Julio Baptista is known, will offer them more of a physical presence, but also has an eye for goal. Before joining Real Madrid, where he floundered a bit, he scored a ton of goals for Sevilla. My big question is where will he play. His natural role is that of striker or attacking midfield, so it remains to be seen where Wenger will put him. I think his strength and skill would make him a perfect foil for Henry. Keep an eye out - if he gets listed as a MF and ends up at striker, he could be a bit of a steal.
» Tottenham - Oh my, a couple of real head-scratchers for Spurs. Firstly, re-signing Mido. Sure, the guy is quality and enjoyed a successful spell in London recently, but with the addition of Berbatov (a £10M signing no less), Robbie Keane the captain, and Jermain Defoe seemingly firing, where does he fit in? Jol prefers the big-small combo up front and I can't see Mido playing ahead of Berbatov; and he is a bit of a petulant head-case and disturber, so how long before he starts complaining about playing time if he's benched? Spurs also grabbed Malbranque - a very good player and reliable YFF pick the last few years. Here's another situation of too many players vying for limited spots. He's not a wide player, so just who does he supplant in the middle of the park? Davids? Zokora? Jenas? Tainio? I guess these moves are all about strengthening the squad, especially since Spurs are in Europe this year. Finally, they also added Chimbonda to the back line. He had a very good year for a promoted team last year and should fit in nicely at right back. He's a tad pricey right now, but is good for some attacking stats over the year and should be picked in the right situations.
As August drew to a close and with 2 rounds of games in the book, the transfer window slammed shut with a flurry of player moves. Many teams attempted to address immediate needs and glaring roster gaps, while the top teams strengthened their squads. Here's a breakdown of some of the main moves that I feel will have some YFF implications.
» Kuyt - joined Liverpool after a stellar 3 years in the Dutch league, where he scored about 90 goals in 120 games. Having seen his first match for the Reds (as a substitute), he looked very active and his fantasy point potential is good so long as he starts most games. Click here for my initial thoughts on Kuyt's debut.
» Cole - the most protracted transfer saga of the summer finally concluded with Cashley Cole being swapped for Gallas and $5M. A good deal for both clubs I think, as Cole is a bargain a 6.58. An attack-minded left back, he will give some width to the Chelski attack, he wins tackles and will have the opportunity to cross to players of the quality of Sheva, Lampard, Drogba. Plus he will surely collect the clean sheet bonus often, as part of an already-solid back line.
» Anelka - A great move for Bolton. This guy is a proven talent and was a veritable Yahoo stud a couple of seasons ago. A very good finisher, can cross the ball, and is just selfish enough to usually score well, Anelka will start up front right away, and should get plenty of the ball, especially since with Bolton's other main striker Kevin Davies out for another 4-5 weeks. Bolton home to Watford and Boro the next two weeks makes him a very appealing pick, and he should enter the YFF database at a cheap price.
» Tevez - in a complete shocker of a transfer, West Ham beat out the EPL giants to sign Tevez and Mascherano. These young (22 yrs old) Argentine internationals are great players, as they showed at the World Cup. Conspiracy theories abound on how they ended up with the Hammers, but by my reckoning, Tevez should have an impact in YFF terms. He will be first choice up front, and is skilled, fast and strong. I'd wait a game or 2 to see how he settles in the English game, but expect he will score well soon. Mascherano is more of a defensive & passing MF, and I don't fancy him as a fantasy player too much.
» Beasley - American international DaMarcus Beasley joined ManCity on loan. I feel he will be a very solid YFF player and should slot right into their left MF position, as Vassell and Samaras have been forced to fill in there lately (and looked ineffective). From what I've seen of him at PSV, he's quick, gets forward well and will get some SOTs and CW, and will benefit some starting many games.
» Baptista - An interesting pick-up for the Gunners, but at least they got fair value for want-away Reyes. The Beast, as Julio Baptista is known, will offer them more of a physical presence, but also has an eye for goal. Before joining Real Madrid, where he floundered a bit, he scored a ton of goals for Sevilla. My big question is where will he play. His natural role is that of striker or attacking midfield, so it remains to be seen where Wenger will put him. I think his strength and skill would make him a perfect foil for Henry. Keep an eye out - if he gets listed as a MF and ends up at striker, he could be a bit of a steal.
» Tottenham - Oh my, a couple of real head-scratchers for Spurs. Firstly, re-signing Mido. Sure, the guy is quality and enjoyed a successful spell in London recently, but with the addition of Berbatov (a £10M signing no less), Robbie Keane the captain, and Jermain Defoe seemingly firing, where does he fit in? Jol prefers the big-small combo up front and I can't see Mido playing ahead of Berbatov; and he is a bit of a petulant head-case and disturber, so how long before he starts complaining about playing time if he's benched? Spurs also grabbed Malbranque - a very good player and reliable YFF pick the last few years. Here's another situation of too many players vying for limited spots. He's not a wide player, so just who does he supplant in the middle of the park? Davids? Zokora? Jenas? Tainio? I guess these moves are all about strengthening the squad, especially since Spurs are in Europe this year. Finally, they also added Chimbonda to the back line. He had a very good year for a promoted team last year and should fit in nicely at right back. He's a tad pricey right now, but is good for some attacking stats over the year and should be picked in the right situations.
posted by D @ 6:36 PM
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