Just a few weeks and we’ll have our favourite league in the world back. We’re almost within a fortnight from the start of the English Premier League and that means Fantasy Premier League.
So it will only be fair for us to do some fan service to help you pick the best options for your budget. And that brings us to Valentin Barco, who could be your ultimate delight for the 2024/25 season.
3 primary factors can decide the basics of FPL defence selection. Attacking full backs, clean sheet potential and set piece threat. Good for us, Valentin Barco ticks all of those boxes. The Argentine left-back likes to maraud forward at any given opportunity.
Brighton‘s opening five fixtures are against Everton away on opening day, Manchester United home and Arsenal away, followed by two consecutive home games against Ipswich and Nottingham Forest.
So, according to FDR (Fixture Difficulty Rating that rates easier fixtures close to 1 and tougher ones close to 5), Brighton will have two 3 fixtures followed by a 5 and finally two consecutive 2s. And he’s on set-piece duties as well.
In the two pre-season games against Kashima Antlers and Tokyo Verdy Barco was on corner duties. Amongst the 9 goals scored by Brighton, 2 came from Barco’s corners. Both corners were deep, with a third-man move to apply the finishing touch.
In the first game, Barco’s far post corner was knocked down for Jeremy Sarmiento to finish. In the second game, Barco’s corner found its way to Welbeck at the back post, who stabbed the ball back in the middle for van Hecke to score from point-blank range.
So chances are, a few of them will find its way in from a direct delivery. Barco’s 4.0 price is also an attractive proposition.
With Pervis Estupinan injured till mid-September, Barco is a sure starter till gameweek 4 and possibly beyond that if he impresses. Either way, there are signs of early promise and the FPL community is all in for it.
Some are sceptical, though.
Despite Barco’s left-footed deliveries winning over the majority of the fans, the third-man movement mentioned above could stave off some interest.
But his wingback positioning could prove tempting. In the game against Kashima Antlers, Barco’s infield run and pass found Buonanotte and his pass resulted in the third goal.
Fabian Hurzeler’s exciting new tactics will be something to watch out for. The 31-year-old manager plays in a system that allows the players to push further up the pitch.
Primarily setting up in a 4-3-3 with James Milner at right back, Hurzeler’s men quickly changed shape during the game with two centre backs with a pivot player forming the tip of a diamond, including the keeper.
The fullbacks push high and wide with the two central midfielders moving into the half spaces, giving a 5-5 or 3-7 split between defensive and offensive players.
To put things simply, Brighton will be an exciting watch, so expect them to score loads of goals with Barco’s name on the goal involvement list.