Fantasy Premier League 2020-21: Five smart buys

With the start of the new Premier League campaign just a day away, you can rest assured that fantasy managers from around world will be spending a lot of time on their Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team in a bid to strike the right balance. Here, we have decided to assess some of the safest options who will guarantee returns more often than not over the course of the season.

Nick Pope – 5.5m

Nick Pope finished last season as the top goal-keeper in FPL with 170 points after keeping 15 clean sheets for Burnley. Part of the PFA Team of the Year last season, Pope’s consistency between the post suggests that he can be expected to have another strong season, especially with a stubborn backline in front him, which is rarely left found wanting. Pope also topped the bonus points system (BPS) in FPL among shot-stoppers last season and at just 5.5m, he makes for a smart acquisition to have in your squad.

Fantasy Premier League 2020-21: Bargain buys

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.5m

Trent Alexander-Arnold doesn’t seem to be on an even playing field with other defenders thanks to his exquisite vision and passing range that makes him a constant creator of chances. He finished top among defenders with 210 FPL points last campaign – 29 more points than the next best defender. Besides all the clean sheets that he notches up being a part of Liverpool’s defence, what sets him apart is his ability to pick out a pass as his 15 assists last season – a Premier League record for defenders – suggests. Add his penchant for goal-scoring to that, especially from dead-ball situations, and having Alexander-Arnold in your team becomes a no-brainer.

Kevin De Bruyne – 11.5m

The 2019-20 Premier League Player of the Season, Manchester City and Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne is arguably the best midfielder in the world right now. A supremely talented and technically gifted player, De Bruyne is simply a must-have in any team owing to his ability to be constantly involved in the attacking-third, where he makes things happen. He picked up 251 FPL points last season after making 13 goals and tying Thierry Henry’s assists record having set up a further 20 goals. With Manchester City and De Bruyne desperate to bring back the Premier League crown to the blue half of the city, expect the Belgian midfielder to have another strong season.

Fantasy Focus: Top picks from the first week of the Premier League

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 12m

A smart candidate to captain your FPL team in the first gameweek with Arsenal travelling to newly-promoted Fulham, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be relishing his opportunity to start the season by hitting the ground running against their London rivals. Aubameyang has managed 205 FPL points in each of the last two seasons and could exceed that total in the new campaign in a more fluid and cohesive Arsenal unit under manager Mikel Arteta. He’s scored 22 league goals in each of the last two seasons and the fact that he’s been moved into midfield options for the new campaign means that he will pick up extra points for goals and clean sheets.

Mohamed Salah – 12m

After his below-par spell with Chelsea and since returning to the Premier League from AS Roma to Liverpool, Mohamed Salah has set the Premier League ablaze, which in turn makes him a fantasy favourite. He’s scored 303, 259 and 233 FPL points in his three seasons back in the Premier League and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon. Last season saw him score 19 goals and provide 10 assists in the league but Salah will be determined to finish the upcoming campaign with even better numbers since his overall goal involvement was marginally less than that of his first two seasons with Liverpool.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Glyn Kirk

Fastest players to reach 50 assists in the Premier League

While putting the ball into the net remains the ultimate objective in any game of football, there are certain players who get more of a buzz from setting up those goals as opposed to scoring themselves. The final pass to set up a goal-scorer isn’t as easy as it may seem since the player concerned has a lot of variables to consider before executing the pass successfully in a matter of seconds. Here, we have a look at those players who made it a habit of regularly providing assists over the course of their career in the Premier League and were quickest to the 50 assists landmark.

Cesc Fabregas – 165 games

Only Ryan Giggs (162) has more assists than Cesc Fabregas’ 111 in the Premier League. The fifth-fastest to reach 50 assists in England’s top-flight, the Spanish midfielder created chances by the dozen during his spells with Arsenal and Chelsea.

The midfielder just took 165 games to register 50 assists in the Premier League after making his debut as a fresh-faced teenager for the Gunners under Arsene Wenger. His ratio of 0.32 assists per game is one of the best among the top 10 assist-kings in Premier League history.

Dennis Bergkamp – 146 games

A legend who has his own statue outside the Emirates Stadium in London, Dennis Bergkamp is considered one of the league’s all-time greats and played an influential role for Arsenal in their three Premier League triumphs.

Fondly called the 'Non-Flying Dutchman' by Arsenal supporters due to his fear of flights, Bergkamp reached the 50 assists landmark in 146 games and had more assists than anyone else in the 1998-99 season. An elegant playmaker with unparalleled vision, the Dutch legend’s ability to pick a pass and score belters is still spoken about regularly - just ask Nikos Dabizas.

Eric Cantona – 143 games

Not many players have had as much of an influence on a league as Eric Cantona did during his time in England. The legendary Frenchman arrived at Manchester United from Leeds United after winning the old first division with the Yorkshire club.

He went on to win four Premier League titles with the Reds during his stint with them after helping the club end their 26-year-wait for a league title. Apart from being a scorer of important goals, 'King Cantona' – as he was nicknamed by the Old Trafford faithful – could also conjure defence-splitting passes and took 143 games to reach 50 Premier League assists.

Mesut Ozil – 141 games

One of the most creative talents of the last decade, playmaker Mesut Ozil was a delight to watch with the ball at his feet in his prime. The German World Cup winner lit up the Premier League following his transfer to Arsenal from Real Madrid and took only 141 games to notch up 50 assists with the Gunners.

His finest season with the north London outfit as far as setting up his teammates was concerned was the 2015-16 campaign, when he provided 19 assists and fell short of another Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s record of 20 assists – the most by any player in a season.

Kevin De Bruyne – 123 games

Arguably the best midfielder in the world right now, Belgian international Kevin De Bruyne’s vision and passing range remains unmatched in the modern game. The Manchester City playmaker is undoubtedly the Premier League’s current assist king, having reached the 50 assists landmark in just 123 games.

He tied Henry’s record of 20 Premier League assists in a single campaign last season and currently has 66 assists in England’s top division. At just 29 years of age, the two-time Premier League champion has plenty of time to add to his tally and reach 100 assists in the league faster than anyone else.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Peter Powell

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Kevin De Bruyne - Midfielder Mesut Ozil - Midfielder English Premier League

Fantasy Focus: Potential game-changers in UEFA Champions League quarters

With the quarter-final line-up for the UEFA Champions League decided, we are getting into the business end of the season in Europe’s premier club competition. Although the quarters and semis this season will happen over a one-off tie instead of two legs due to the curtailed nature of the campaign owing to the global pandemic, Europe’s top talents will be itching to make an impression and help their team to continental glory.

Here, we have a look at a few game-changers who can help you Nostragamus fantasy managers.

Player: Kevin De Bruyne

Team: Manchester City

Match: Manchester City vs Lyon

Arguably the most gifted midfielder in the world at the moment, Kevin De Bruyne is on top of his game and Lyon will need to keep him quiet if they want to beat Manchester City and qualify for the Champions League semis. The Belgian playmaker has notched up 15 goals as well as 23 assists across all competitions and been carving open opposition defences with his exquisite vision and passing range. A threat from deal-ball situations as well, Lyon’s defenders cannot afford to give him much space to pull the strings if they want to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Player: Lionel Messi

Team: Barcelona

Match: Barcelona vs Bayern Munich

Lionel Messi will have to be at his very best if Barcelona are to overcome Bayern Munich and qualify for the semi-finals. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner looked in scintillating form in their quarter-final win over Napoli recently and was involved in all of Barca’s best attacks. Against Napoli, he scored a brilliant individual goal after weaving past three defenders and somehow getting his shot away while off balance.

Messi also won the penalty that Luis Suarez converted against the Italians and he will need to produce another similar performance against Bayern. With 31 goals and 27 assists, the Argentine legend is enjoying another spectacular campaign on the personal front, but he’ll be keen to add silverware before the season ends.

Player: Robert Lewandowski

Team: Bayern Munich

Match: Barcelona vs Bayern Munich

Polish striker Robert Lewandowski is enjoying perhaps the best season of his career. The top-scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals, he is just four goals shy of Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time record for most goals in a single season in Europe’s top club competition. The Poland international has netted 53 times and provided eight assists this campaign, including two goals and two assists against Chelsea in their last round of the 16 in the competition against Chelsea. Barcelona must prevent Lewandowski from finding space and time near their penalty area or they risk being dumped out of the Champions League by the Polish hitman.

Player: Neymar

Team: Paris Saint-Germain

Match: Atalanta vs Paris Saint-Germain

Neymar has recorded 19 goals and 10 assists from 24 games for Paris Saint-Germain this season. Three of those goals and two assists have come in the Champions League and the Brazilian superstar will be keen to add to that tally. Brough to PSG to help them attain European glory, Neymar, for the most part, has underwhelmed in the knockout stages of the Champions League. However, he will be desperate to leave his mark on this season’s competition and fancy his chances at making a difference against an attack-minded Atalanta side.

Player: Papu Gomez

Team: Atalanta

Match: Atalanta vs Paris Saint-Germain

Papu Gomez is just one of several exciting Atalanta players who will be hoping to produce a big performance against PSG. An intelligent attacker who takes up smart positions on the pitch, Gomez has found the back of the net eight times this campaign besides also providing 18 assists.

He will have to exploit the spaces that PSG will afford him if Atalanta want to upset the Parisians. Quite often, the individual who makes the telling pass, Gomez could well be the difference-maker for his side once again.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Miguel Medina

Manchester City forwards enter Premier League record books

Their quest for a third-straight Premier League title may not have gone the way they envisioned however, Manchester City’s attackers have been their brilliant selves this season. Following their 5-0 drubbing of Newcastle United, their quintet of forwards entered the Premier League records books, as for the first time in PL history, a team has had five players with 10 or more league goals in a season.

Below, we take a look at the five attackers who are a part of this record-breaking group:

Sergio Aguero

City’s all-time leading goalscorer, Sergio Aguero has yet again been the talisman for the side. The Argentine has struck 16 goals in the Premier League this season and was in contention for the golden boot till a knee injury that needed a surgery ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Todo salió bien y pronto comenzaré con la recuperación. Muchas gracias al Dr. Cugat y a su equipo y a todos por tanto apoyo//Everything went well, and I'll soon begin recovery. A big thanks to Dr Cugat and his team – and to all of you for your support pic.twitter.com/Frm07cN3WF

— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) June 24, 2020

City are hopeful that the Argentine will play a part in City’s bid to lift their maiden UEFA Champions League campaign crown in August.

Raheem Sterling

Winger Raheem Sterling, who has been a regular since Pep Guardiola took over the reins at the Etihad, has enjoyed another tremendous campaign and has scored 14 times in the Premier League for the Cityzens.

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Sterling was on target against his former side Liverpool when the outgoing champions thumped the current champions 4-0, laying down a marker for the 2020/21 season. Sterling can add to his tally in City’s remaining fixtures in the Premier League.

Kevin De Bruyne

The favourite to win the Premier League Player of the Year, Kevin De Bruyne has enjoyed a sensational season, despite his team failing in their bid to win a hattrick of PL titles.

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Great game

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De Bruyne has been City’s talisman and has struck 11 times in the league this season. The Belgian playmaker has assisted 18 goals in the Premier League for the second time in his career and is just two shy of Thierry Henry’s record of 20 that the Frenchman managed in 2002/03.

Gabriel Jesus

Diminutive Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus has been an extremely reliable replacement in the absence of Aguero since his move to the Etihad in 2016.

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The tenacious and tireless forward has scored 11 times for City in the Premier League and will be keen to add to that tally in City’s remaining Premier League fixtures. Jesus will be a key figure in City’s Champions League aspirations as Aguero’s participation remains a major doubt.

Riyad Mahrez

After a lackluster debut campaign last season, Riyad Mahrez has found his element this season in a City shirt and has struck 10 times in the Premier League for his side.

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Leroy Sane’s injury in the Community Shield paved the way for Mahrez to feature regularly and he’s repaid manager Pep Guardiola’s faith in him with some brilliant performances, reminiscent of his PFA Player of the Year award-winning campaign with Leicester. With Sane swapping Manchester for Munich, Mahrez is set to be a key player for City for the foreseeable future.

Fantasy Focus: Can Aubameyang finally score his 50th PL goal?

The Premier League returns after a round of FA Cup fixtures, and as it enters the final stages of the competition, the fight for Europe is sure to intensify, with Liverpool having sealed top spot and the trophy. Arsenal won their first game after the restart of the league and will look to continue their form against Norwich City, and the same can be said about Manchester United, who beat Sheffield United last time around.

As the Premier League enters the business end of the tournament, the competition for points in the fantasy league is up for grabs as well; especially for the Nostragamus fantasy managers. On this note, let's have a look at the potential high-pointers for the upcoming gameweek:

Player: Mohamed Salah

Team: Liverpool

Match: Manchester City vs Liverpool

The Egyptian king, Mohamed Salah became the first Egyptian to win the Premier League this season. He was at his lethal self this season again, and has scored 17 goals in 27 appearances this season while getting seven assists as well. Salah scored against City in their previous meeting in November as well, while scoring twice in both of Liverpool’s wins against Manchester City in their last five fixtures. After finally securing the trophy, Salah will be key in proving Liverpool are worthy champions in the first of their seven remaining matches.

Player: Christian Pulisic

Team: Chelsea

Match: West Ham vs Chelsea

Christian Pulisic was an immediate first choice in the Chelsea lineup since joining the club after shining at Borussia Dortmund. The US International was subpar when the season began, but had seemingly hit a decent patch of form before suffering a tear in his abductor muscle on New Year's Day. He has returned strong, helping Frank Lampard to two consecutive wins, while scoring crucial goals as well. West Ham are battling relegation, having lost their two games since the restart, and a win for Chelsea would take them to third depending on the Everton vs Leicester City result.

Player: Anthony Martial

Team: Manchester United

Match: Brighton vs Manchester United

Anthony Martial became the first player since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson to score a hat-trick in the Premier League. The striker scored the treble against Sheffield, and has a good record against Brighton, having assisted two goals in their last meeting at home. The Frenchman would want to get an early goal, keeping in mind that United have failed to win away to Brighton in their last five matches. The Seagulls have managed to stay afloat with a shock late win over Arsenal and a draw to Leicester, which took them to 15th on the table.

Player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Team: Arsenal

Match: Arsenal vs Norwich

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been key to Arsenal’s dismal season, having rescued the North London club on many occasions. He is second on the Golden Boot table, and edges Jamie Vardy to this spot because of his form against the bottom six clubs. He has nine goals against the bottom six this season and will look to add more teeth to the team against the bottom-placed Norwich City. With Aubameyang still chasing his 50th Premier League goal, we can expect the Gabonese striker to fire some in.

Player: Kevin de Bruyne

Team: Manchester City

Match: Manchester City vs Liverpool

Kevin de Bruyne has been a key to Pep Guardiola’s side this season as well, but could not help his side retain the trophy for the third season. He has been at his usual best since the restart, and this could be seen with a pitch-perfect free-kick he scored to equalize against Chelsea. Having scored ten goals and 16 assists this season, he will be looking to take advantage of any complacency on Liverpool’s part, with the latter having sealed the Premier League trophy. Manchester City’s only hope for redemption is to reduce the deficit between their opponents and Kevin de Bruyne will hope to take leadership of their resurgence.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Mike Hewitt

Fantasy Focus: City look to dominate fantasy leagues as EPL returns

The much-anticipated return of the Premier League promises to be an action-packed affair, with three particular tantalising blockbuster fixtures: Manchester City vs Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United and Everton vs Liverpool.

For many fans, the return of the Premier League also marks the return of the many fantasy leagues across different platforms that are available to the fans. On this note, let’s have a look at the top five players to pick in your fantasy team for the upcoming gameweek.

Dean Henderson

Team: Sheffield United

Match: Aston Villa vs Sheffield United

Dean Henderson has been a revelation for Sheffield United this season and looks set to compete with David De Gea for the No. 1 spot at Manchester United after spending the last two seasons on loan at the Blades. After helping his current side Sheffield United earn promotion to the Premier League last season, the shot-stopper has been in fine form for the Blades this season as well.

In seven appearances, he has kept 10 clean sheets, while his accurate distribution has helped the club to fifth place on the Premier League table this season, making them surprise European contenders rather than relegation candidates.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Team: Liverpool

Match: Everton vs Liverpool

Liverpool have been one of the standout teams in Europe this season and were on course for beating Arsenal’s ‘Invincibles’ record before Watford ended their run. With just three wins needed to secure their first title during the Premier League era, Liverpool could not find a better time to take on rivals Everton in the Merseyside derby.

With the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold all firing for the Reds, expect the team to wrap up the trophy soon. The young fullback has two goals and 14 assists in 28 starts this season, helping Alisson Becker to 11 clean sheets. He has also been involved in the attacking or defensive returns in 19 of his 28 games.

Kevin de Bruyne

Team: Manchester City

Match: Manchester City vs Arsenal

Manchester City take on Arsenal before hosting Burnley in a bid to reduce the deficit between themselves and Liverpool this season. The last time Arsenal played City; their manager Mikel Arteta was still the assistant manager to Pep Guardiola, and Arteta will no doubt be looking to get one over his former boss.

The Citizens might not be in top form this season but Kevin de Bruyne has been their standout player the whole season. He has 18 assists and eight goals in 26 appearances, including two of the three goals scored in the reverse fixture against Arsenal. He has also created 96 chances; more than any other player this season.

Bruno Fernandes

Team: Manchester United

Match: Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur

Manchester United come into this game in fine fettle, having won their last fixture before the forced break, against Manchester City. Key to the resurgence of the club has been their January signing Bruno Fernandes, who has scored twice and provided three assists in his five appearances since joining the club.

Playing behind a fit Anthony Martial will be key for the Portuguese international, while his set-piece prowess will also prove crucial to the remainder of the season, with six of United’s nine remaining opponents at the bottom half of the table.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Team: Arsenal

Match: Manchester City vs Arsenal

The first of two crucial fixtures this gameweek sees Arsenal take on Manchester City at the Etihad, a fixture the Gunners are yet to win in for the last few seasons. Although Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is yet to score or assist against the Citizens, his poaching prowess cannot be discounted, having scored 17 goals in 26 appearances, just two behind Golden Boot leader Jamie Vardy.

Aubameyang has always been instrumental to Arsenal’s game but has improved his performances under Mikel Arteta, having scored six times in eight matches under the Spaniard -- four more than any teammate. Post the resumption of the league, the performance of Aubameyang and his team will be in decisive in the future of the Gabonese striker.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Paul Ellis

De Bruyne believes Premier League will play to conclusion

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne believes the Premier League season will be finished despite the coronavirus pandemic "because the financial aspect is far too important".

"My feeling is that we may be able to train again within two weeks. The government wants to restart football as soon as possible to give people something. I think this season will be finished," De Bruyne told Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws.

"The financial aspect is far too important in the Premier League. If the season is not finished, it will cause serious problems," he added.

Clubs were presented with the league's "Project Restart" plans at a meeting on Friday and were told the remaining 92 matches of the 2019-2020 season must be played at neutral venues.

Read | Pogba using lockdown to prepare for return after injury woes

De Bruyne also said he was optimistic about City's participation in next season's Champions League. UEFA has banned the club from European competition for the next two years for "serious breaches" of financial fair-play rules.

"The club told us they're going to appeal and that they're almost certain to get their way. I'm waiting to see what happens, but I trust my club," said De Bruyne.

The 28-year-old Belgium international admitted he would be forced to consider his City future if the ban was upheld.

"Once we know more, I will make a decision. Two years without playing in Europe would be long but in the case of one year I might see," he said.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Paul Ellis

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Kevin De Bruyne - Midfielder English Premier League

Five midfielders who could be heir to Luka Modric at Real Madrid

Luka Modric has been a magnificent performer for Real Madrid. Having joined from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2012, the Croatian international played some of his finest football at the Santiago Bernabeu and has been an unsung hero in their recent success, with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale often soaking up the limelight.

Till date, Modric has amassed 333 appearances for Real Madrid, bagging 22 goals and assisting 52 more. During his time at the club, the 34-year-old has won four UEFA Champions League titles, along with a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey trophy.

Read | Why it is time for Barcelona to cut their losses on Ousmane Dembele

The 2017/18 campaign was Modric’s best, as he won the Champions League with Real Madrid before reaching the finals of the World Cup with Croatia. The midfielder then went on to win the Ballon d’Or award.

However, since that season, Modric’s form has been on a slow decline. The numbers might say that the midfielder has made 76 appearances since 2018/19, scoring nine goals and assisting 13 more, but there is no denying that Modric has shown signs of age catching up with him.

At 34 years of age, the Croatian international is entering the twilight of his career and the time is ripe for Real Madrid to identify a successor for their midfield maestro going forward. To that end, SportsAdda takes a look at five gifted footballers who could replace the legendary Modric at the Bernabeu.

Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)

Federico Valverde joined the Real Madrid Castilla team in 2016 and broke into the first-team in 2018, after a successful loan spell at Deportivo La Coruna. While he may not be the biggest name on the list, the Uruguayan international has shown this season that he is ready to step up and take over the mantle from Luka Modric at Real Madrid.

Read | Five strikers who can replace Sergio Aguero at Manchester City

But it’s during the 2019/20 campaign that the 21-year-old has become a regular for Zinedine Zidane’s side, even preferred over Modric on a number of occasions by the manager. He has made 32 appearances this term for the Merengues, scoring two and setting up four more.

Valverde, this season, has demonstrated great work-rate and energy, reinvigorating the Real Madrid midfield. The Uruguayan is capable of making an impact on both halves of the pitch and given his age, will only develop and get better from here on.

Christian Eriksen (Inter Milan)

A well-known Real Madrid target, Christian Eriksen ended up joining Inter Milan in the January transfer window from Tottenham. However, with things seemingly not going well in his short stint in Italy so far, Los Blancos should consider reviving their interest in the Danish international come summer.

Eriksen, during his time with Spurs, grew into one of the finest playmakers in the Premier League and Europe. The 28-year-old's vision and distribution, coupled with the ability to chip in with vital goals, made him the ideal candidate to take over from Modric at Real Madrid. What’s more, the Dane had also developed his game to play a deeper role in recent times under Mauricio Pochettino.

At 28, Eriksen is in his peak footballing years. With plenty of experience under his belt, Eriksen would be an excellent replacement for Real Madrid’s veteran midfield lieutenant. A former Tottenham man taking over from another.

Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)

Regarded as one of the most technically-gifted midfielders in the game currently, Marco Verratti has been a key driving force behind Paris Saint-Germain's domestic domination for a number of years now but doesn’t always enjoy the spotlight.

Read | Does Manchester United's interest in Jack Grealish make sense?

Plucked away from Italian outfit Pescara for a modest fee of €12 million in 2012, Verratti has accumulated 310 appearances for Le Parisiens. During that time, he has bagged nine goals, set up 52 more and barring 2016/17, won the Ligue 1 title every season since joining the club. A passer extraordinaire, the Italian is also renowned for his ball-winning capabilities, making him the perfect modern-day central midfielder.

Aged 27, Verratti is entering the theoretical best phase of a footballer’s career. The Italy international has played at the highest level for a long time now, and having failed to taste continental success with PSG, he could be tempted to join forces with the record European champions.

Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Arguably the best midfielder in the Premier League, Kevin De Bruyne, since joining Manchester City in 2015, has won everything on offer the domestic level, playing an integral role in each of their trophy triumphs.

However, Champions League glory continues to elude the Belgian international and with the Cityzens facing a two-year European ban for FFP violations, Real Madrid have been presented with a golden opportunity to lure him away from the Etihad.

The 28-year-old is enjoying his best-ever season this time out, having bagged nine goals and 20 assists in all competitions. De Bruyne's ability to carry the ball through the middle of the pitch, and then thread the eye of the needle to create chances for his teammates stand to make him a huge asset for Real Madrid.

Certainly, Kevin De Bruyne linking up with international teammate Eden Hazard at the Bernabeu would surely be a mouth-watering prospect for the fans.

Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

Another player from Manchester but from the red side, Paul Pogba has been on top of Zidane’s transfer wishlist for quite a while now. Real Madrid tried to pry him away from Manchester United last summer, while the player and his agent Mino Raiola also tried their best to force a move but it did not materialise.

However, as another summer window nears, the speculations continue to link Pogba with a switch to Real Madrid. The Manchester United academy graduate grew into one of the best central midfielders in Europe during his time with Juventus but hasn’t been able to perform at his consistent best since returning to Old Trafford in 2016.

While Pogba has hardly taken to the field this term due to injuries, the 27-year-old enjoyed a fine season last time out, scoring 16 goals and setting up 11 more. This, in spite of all the problems between him and then-manager Jose Mourinho. One can therefore can only imagine how devastating the French World Cup winner can be playing for a manager who admires him to a great extent.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / John Thys / Franck Fife / Paul Ellis

Manchester City’s top five signings from the last decade

Manchester City have enjoyed a dramatic rise to prominence over the last decade. Having been under the shadows of their illustrious neighbours - Manchester United - for ages, the investment from Sheikh Mansour has turned them into the most successful English side in the last decade.

Since 2010, Manchester City have won four Premier League titles – more than any other side, while also lifting five League Cups and two FA Cups. European success continues to elude them, but there is no taking away the fact that they have been one of the most dominant teams in England in the recent past.

And a lot of it is down to their recruitment. The boost from the new owner’s investment allowed Manchester City to go after the best of the best in the transfer market and that has seen them reap great rewards.

Read | Juventus’ top five signings from the last decade

But who have been the Citizens’ top acquisitions during what has been an extremely successful period for the club? Let’s find out;

Yaya Toure

One of the cornerstones on which Manchester City’s success over the past decade was built upon, Yaya Toure signed for the Mancunian outfit in the summer of 2010 from La Liga giants Barcelona. In his eight-year stint with the club, the Ivorian went on to establish himself as one of the greatest midfielders in the history of the club, as well as the Premier League.

Toure made over 300 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 79 goals and setting up 50 more. The midfield powerhouse became renowned for his powerful, lung-bursting forays from the middle and his long-range stunners that left opponents and fans dumbstruck.

An all-action midfielder, Toure could do it all when on the field. The midfielder’s reputation did take a dent towards the end of his career at City, but he will go down as an absolute legend who played an integral role in ushering a new era at the club.

Read | Inter Milan’s top five signings from the last decade

David Silva

Another of the building blocks of Manchester City’s glory years, David Silva arrived at the club in the same window as Yaya Toure and along with him, led the Citizens to unbridled success.

Nicknamed ‘El Mago’ for his excellent technical ability and vision, David Silva has been one of the chief driving forces behind the heights that Manchester City have soared to. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Citizens might not have been able to achieve the same level of success without the Spaniard in their ranks.

Silva, till date, has amassed over 400 appearances for the club, scoring 74 goals and setting up almost double that number. The midfielder was named club captain after Vincent Kompany’s departure last summer. However, Silva himself will be moving on from the Etihad when his contract runs out later this year.

Read | Real Madrid’s top five signings from the last decade

Sergio Aguero

The man that delivered Manchester CIty’s first-ever Premier League title. That late goal against QPR in the 2011/12 season would alone have been enough for Aguero to go down as a legend at Manchester City. But the Argentine international has achieved so much more during his time at the Etihad and will long be remembered as one of the greatest strikers to have graced the Premier League.

Signed from Atletico Madrid in 2011, Aguero wrote himself into the annals of the club’s history with that epic goal in his debut campaign itself. The Argentine backed it up with loads of goals year after year, eventually going on to become the all-time leading goalscorer for Manchester City and fourth-highest goal-getter in the history of the Premier League.

In 368 fixtures for Manchester City, Aguero has plundered 254 goals, 180 of which have come in the Premier League and assisted 72 more. At 31, he might not be able to break Alan Shearer’s record of most PL goals, but he will have his sights set firmly on Andy Cole (187) and Wayne Rooney (208).

Fernandinho

Every successful team needs that one player who is willing to get his hands dirty and perform the often-thankless task of breaking up play in the centre and circulating the ball forward to let his attacking teammates work their magic. And in Fernandinho, Manchester City found just the right person for the role.

The Brazilian, signed from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, immediately became an integral member of Manchester City and still continues to be a pivotal part of the team at the age of 34. One of the most well-rounded defensive midfielders in the Premier League, Fernandinho, in his prime, could do it all. Till date, he has made 304 appearances for the Sky Blues, scoring 23 goals and creating 25.

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As is the case often with the defensive anchors, the Brazilian doesn’t always get the recognition his more attack-minded teammates do. But his contribution to City’s success over the past years cannot be overstated.

Kevin De Bruyne

Having been discarded by Chelsea only a few years ago, Kevin De Bruyne returned to the Premier League during the 2015/16 season, joining Manchester City from Wolfsburg. And ever since, the Belgian international has grown into one of the best attacking midfielders not only in England but the world.

The 28-year-old is one of the crown jewels of this Manchester City side. Exceptional range of passing, great vision and technical ability, and a keen eye for a goal, Kevin De Bruyne has been the driving force behind Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking Manchester City side.

De Bruyne has a tally of 50 goals and 86 assists from 209 appearances for Manchester City. The 28-year-old has been particularly brilliant this season even though Man City are well behind Liverpool in the title race. Currently on 17 assists from 26 league games, the 28-year-old looks to be on his way to break Thierry Henry’s record for most assists in a single season in the Premier League (20), when the campaign resumes.

Premier League team of the season so far

It has been quite a remarkable season of Premier League football. Liverpool have blown away everyone in their path to establish a near-unassailable lead at the top. Sheffield United have been the surprise package, pushing for a European spot finish on their first season back in the Premier League.

The top-six places are far from being decided yet with a host of clubs in contention, while the same goes for the relegation battle as well.

There have been a number of stellar individual performances along the way, with stars setting the stage alight week after week until the campaign was suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

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With the pause button being pressed, let’s take a look back at the campaign and see who makes it to our Team of the Season so far;

Dean Henderson (Sheffield United)

While Liverpool’s Alisson Becker has had another standout campaign and Burnley’s Nick Pope has also impressed heavily, it is Dean Henderson that gets the nod in our Team of the Season, owing to his sheer brilliance that has helped Sheffield United mount a surprise European qualification push.

The on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper has kept ten clean sheets so far, helping the Blades to the second-best defensive record in the league. In what has been a fairytale season for him, Henderson has displayed great shot-stopping ability and positional awareness and is deserving of this spot.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

One of the easiest selections in this side, Trent Alexander-Arnold has continued to redefine the role of a right-back with masterful attacking displays, acting as Liverpool’s chief attacking outlet from the wing. The England international has the second-highest number of assists this season (12) and is second in the list for most chances created this term as well (75).

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Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Last season’s PFA Player of the Year, Virgil van Dijk may not have been able to reach the heights of the 2018-19 campaign, but continues to set the standards for centre-backs in the Premier League.

A leader on the field, the Netherlands international has marshalled his backline excellently, acting as the cornerstone on which Liverpool’s campaign has been built upon. He has also chipped in with vital goals at the other end, making him an obvious pick in the Team of the Season so far.

Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester City)

Liverpool’s Joe Gomez has shone again, while Sheffield United’s centre-back trio of Chris Basham, John Egan and Jack O’Connell has also stood out. But it is Caglar Soyuncu of Leicester City who gets picked owing to the sheer impact that he has made for the Foxes this season.

Losing Harry Maguire in the summer was going to be quite a blow for Leicester, but Soyuncu has fitted in so seamlessly that Brendan Rodgers’ side have hardly felt the England international’s absence. The Turkish international has been an ever-present figure in the Foxes’ backline, helping them to the third place in the League table as well as the third-best defensive record in the competition.

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Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)

Ben Chilwell was a contender for this spot given how well he has performed for Leicester, while Everton’s Lucas Digne was also considered. However, it is Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson who gets the nod owing to his impact on both ends of the field.

One of the most solid full-backs defensively, the Scotsman has been a huge threat going forward as well and has contributed with a goal and seven assists for Liverpool’s title-winning cause. Robertson is an indispensable member of Jurgen Klopp’s side and it is not hard to see why.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Last season’s joint Golden Boot winner has been at it once again, spearheading Liverpool’s title challenge from the front. Salah has had ups and downs over the course of the campaign, but has still made a huge difference for Klopp’s brigade.

The Egyptian forward has bagged a total of 16 goals from 26 appearances this term – joint third-best in the league, while also setting up six more for his teammates. With nine matches still left to be played, it wouldn’t be surprising if he went on to bag the Golden Boot once again.

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Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

The best midfielder in the Premier League without a doubt. Manchester City may have stuttered in the defence of their Premier League title but Kevin De Bruyne has not missed a step over the course of the campaign, delivering the goods for Pep Guardiola’s side week in week out.

The Belgian international tops the charts for most assists (16) and is set to beat Thierry Henry’s record for most assists in a single campaign (20). He is also the leading chance-creator in the Premier League this term with 96 – 21 more than the next closest competitor.

Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)

If the season resumes and Liverpool go on to win the title, a lot of the credit has to be given to captain Jordan Henderson. The midfielder has been a pivotal member of the team, performing in any role that has been asked of him and doing so consistently.

Henderson has scored three goals and set up five more himself, but his influence goes far beyond that. Hence, it was not surprising to see Liverpool go through a bad patch when their skipper was out injured last month. An obvious pick and a top contender for the PFA Player of the Year award for 2019-20.

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Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Goals, assists, work-rate off the ball, speed, creativity – the Senegalese international is a complete package. And more often than not, Mane has been the difference-maker for Liverpool this season with his pace and dynamism in the final third of the pitch.

The 27-year-old has netted 14 goals so far this season in 26 Premier League games, while also setting up nine more. Mane has scored six winning goals in the league this term – with only teammate Mo Salah scoring more (7).

Jamie Vardy (Leicester City)

His form may have dwindled since the turn of the year, but there is no denying the impact that Jamie Vardy has had on Leicester City’s season. The former England international has been the chief driving force behind the Foxes’ excellent campaign as they sit third in the league table.

Despite scoring just twice since January, Vardy leads the goalscoring charts for the season with 19 goals. The 33-year-old also has four assists to his name.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)

Where would Arsenal be without their talismanic striker? Time and again, Aubameyang has come to the Gunners’ rescue when they found themselves in difficult positions, proving his worth to the side. Named the club captain midway through the season, the Gabonese international has scored 17 goals so far, with only Vardy outscoring him this season.

There may have been questions over his future at Arsenal, but there is no questioning his attitude and commitment and the way he has led the team from the front.