This is a new series where I will discuss players that passed the eye test and could provide value going forward in the future. Players who caught the headlines such as Mendy and Richarlision, won’t be mentioned as the majority of fantasy football players will know of their performances already. This is not to say that players who got returns would be dismissed as there is a chance they could still have gone under the radar.

Eric Bailly

It’s hard to envisage Jose Mourinho taking out the Ivorian from his team for quite a while. Bailly provided a commanding performance and showed a good understanding with his centre-back partner Victor Lindelof. He’s unlikely to provide you with any attacking returns but after a performance like that I think we can see with confidence he’s United’s cheapest nailed on defender at 5.5m.

Kenedy

The Brazilian on loan from Chelsea had a quiet first half, playing quiet deep providing cover for Dummett. This all changed in the second half as he was pushed up into more of a left wing position as Newcastle sought an equaliser. Should have scored when put through on goal only to take a horrid first touch, he also provided a good aerial threat at the back post for both assisting and scoring. At 5.0m he’s great value even with Newcastle’s tough fixtures but not worth wasting a free transfer on a 5 million player. One for the wildcard.

Marcos Alonso

We finally saw the Marcos Alonso of old after a shaky pre-season. Alonso had previously looked susceptible due to his lack of pace, agility and defensive prowess as he no longer had the cover provided by a third centre back. Alex Pritchard caused him a few inconveniences in the first half but he looked very dangerous going the other way. Winning a penalty at the end of the first half, if he had not been fouled he would have probably scored. He also went close with an acrobatic effort from a set piece and provided 1 key pass in the match. I think he still needs evaluating considering his 6.5m price tag but it’s a promising start for Alonso.

Aleksandar Mitrovic

The Serbian had far greater success in the championship with Fulham than in the premier league with Newcastle. So the big question for fantasy managers was Mitrovic’s change in fortunes due to playing in a lesser division or being part of a more attacking side? Of course, the answer is a bit of column A and a bit of a column B. However, he showed real signs of a potential good season for Fulham against Palace. He managed seven shots, his joint most shots in a premier league match, 3 of which forced Wayne Hennessy to make good stops. Fulham should have also been awarded a penalty which he would have taken. At 6.5m there’s plenty of competition around his price point with the likes of Arnautovic, Zaha and King but if he continues to put in performances like that, Mitrovic will provide good value for his price.

Matt Doherty

Making his premier league debut, Matt Doherty looked a constant threat at Right Wing-Back. Positionally he was very high up the pitch for a wingback and was unlucky to be unable to create a key chance. Wolves didn’t look the best defensively but as a team who never changes there system they were always likely to struggle against the pace of Richarlison and Walcott with their wingbacks pushed so high. At 4.5m he looks a steal and if continues to perform in the same manner he will be in my wildcard team.