New Fantasy Premier League Transfers 2019/20 – Moise Kean and Nicolas Pepe
If my last player analysis article was a cautionary tale then this is more of an upbeat and promising one with talk of potential, proven stats, potential, excitement, potential, missing links, potential, Romelu Lukaku, potential and of course Mario Balotelli. Did we mention potential? Let’s go take a look at two genuinely enticing editions to our FPL landscape…
Moise Kean*
Everton
FPL price: £TBCm (probably £7-8m?)
Position: Forward
(Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Rather than go and grab a tried (some may spell that tired) and tested hand in the shape of say Diego Costa they have decided to roll the die on yet more potential. Albeit genuinely promising potential. In FIFA gaming parlance this one is a ‘wonderkid’. In fact many an eyebrow has been raised at both Juventus’ decision to let him go permanently and also the relatively low transfer fee involved (£29m upfront, rising to £39m and seemingly no buy back clause).
So what’s the catch? We looked into this expecting some Balotelli style tales of idiocy and petulance. But none were forthcoming. It seems that he’s simply been a victim of the squad depth at Juventus, new manager Sarri’s desire to rely on experienced players and jettison youth, and his own desire to actually play football.
Style of play wise he’s got a bit of everything, a modern day centre forward if you like. Not dissimilar to Lukaku himself in fact. At least not until the latter decided to hit the gym and become Mr Universe in ‘preparation’ for the World Cup. He’s quick and can finish. He’s good in the air and has a good first touch and overall good technique. Ok, not that like Lukaku then…
Stats wise he’s a bit light as he’s played so few games to date but when he has he’s produced;
Juventus: 16 games, 7 goals
Verona (on loan): 19 games, 4 goals
Italy at youth level (15’s to 21’s): 39 games, 21 goals
Italy senior team; 3 games, 2 goals
Opening Fixtures: Palace (A), Watford (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A), Sheffield Utd (H)
No ‘top 6’ to contend with is probably all you can ask for for a decent opening to get you up and running. A couple of promoted teams to toy with adds to the pleasure.
Verdict / opinion
Coming from a similarly strong league he may be quicker at adapting than some others. And those early fixtures look tailor made for a dream introduction. We are actually tempted, although his actual FPL price may dictate exactly how tempted.
*Moise Kean (pronounced ‘Ken’, apparently) is yet to actually finalise his move although we believe that will be done on Saturday with no issues anticipated.
Nicolas Pepe
Arsenal
FPL price: £9.5m
Position: Midfield
(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Stats wise he was second only to a certain Kylian Mbappe in the French league last season, which is no mean feat. He scored 22 goals and got 11 assists, meaning he was directly involved in almost 50% of their goals. It should be noted though that 9 of those 22 goals were penalties, he’d have a hell of a fight getting that job immediately at Arsenal. Overall for Lille he has 37 goals in 79 appearances.
He’s a direct player who will engage defenders and should play as part of a dynamic front 3 with Aubameyang and Lacazette. Breaking Wilfried Zaha’s heart in the process! And probably Alex Iwobi’s too.
Opening Fixtures: Newcastle (A), Burnley (H), Liverpool (A), Spurs (H), Watford (A), Aston Villa (H)
A mixed bunch here, but hardly the worst with only Liverpool away looking like a difficult one to actually score in, Spurs is their other ‘top 6’ opponent in the run but the North London derby itself usually provides goals.
Verdict / opinion:
Whilst his bare stats are massively impressive that ‘penalties’ nugget probably tempers expectations a touch. At a pricely £9.5m he’s probably a watchlist job at best for now, especially given the alternatives and that he’s never been tested in a Premier League match yet.
Prospects?!
Both look exciting prospects and whilst many will probably take a ‘look and see’ approach initially both should be straight in to their respective teams with little issue and if either show signs of life early doors then we would expect their ownership to rise rapidly and swiftly.
Thanks for reading New Fantasy Premier League Transfers 2019/20 – Moise Kean and Nicolas Pepe. This article was written by Inittowinit WCC Champion 2019
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***NEW ARTICLE – NEW ‘SIGNINGS’ MOISE KEAN & NICOLAS PEPE***
Ok, screw it, we’ve jumped the gun on one but time is dwindling until we begin our usual GW1 articles and this ones been festering all week.
Well, it ain’t official until it’s been reported in FF247, so at least that’s now out of the way.
I like him and I actually think Serie A is stronger / tougher for strikers. EPL is of course more physically demanding and there’s the adaptation period but there’s undoubtedly more space so, if he can do it in Italy, he can do it in England. The caveat being we can’t say he did it in Italy given the small amount of games/minutes to his credit but he sure has potential! One to watch I’d say, more so if priced high.
Thanks, just the ticket; I’m more interested in our Ken as the goals don’t exactly flow from Everton. And it’s delivered a forearm smash to any lingering and foolish thoughts I had about Calvert-Lewin.
Priced well he could be a sneaky differential to start off with. I’m definitely interested. If he can step into Ronaldo’s shoes when required and come up with the goods then the DCL ones should be a cinch.
Yeah I’m very interested in his price. 6.5 to 7 that is. Anything more would be too much for me as new to the league and will have to adapt to playing every week and a new league
Lovely article – may look to try squeeze Kean should he adapt nicely.
For now however, thoughts on the lineup?
Considering a front 3 rotation strategy – But open to any suggestions?
Ani J
That’s a very strong squad and if Martial starts well then that would be a perfect bonus. I think he’ll again get his fair share.
Good job.
Hi all! It’s good to be back! How’s everyone feeling about their teams? As always it seems really hard to get a good balance to start with. I will keep an eye on Kean’s price but how does this look as a first draft?
igy
Welcome back!
As a first draft it is pretty damn amazing. Your only sticky is that Tielemans is on the bench. Although this isn’t a criticism – I’m thinking of using a strong-ish first sub myself at all times this year simply because I like so many team’s fixtures early – it’s just that I think he may be better value on week 1 than say Wan-Bissaka perhaps as I see Chelsea scoring. One to think about anyway.
Great job.
Hi igy.
Overall I like it. Is Zaha move dependent or not? Where do you see Tielemans play now Perez is signed? Could he be deeper.
Dreamers
On the heat map, I bet you’ll find that overall Perez will be more advanced that does not mean to say that Tielemans is a bad pick at all. In fact he’s the better player in my opinion. I see him being hugely involved this season.
Yeah both great options for me. Can see me potentially having both later in the season because of price
Leicester fixtures not the greatest to start with though.
I can see them taking a few big scalps again Dreamers.
Ya I would expect them to. Brighton have signed a 20m cb. Wud that imply that Dunk will be moving on?
I think that’s in preparation yeah.
Overall I like it. Too much money on the bench for me. I do not think Del has played much pre season at all so I’d be concerned by that
Thanks GP, Dreamers and Smash! Still having a play around and think I might bench WB and play Tielemans if I stick with this or similar. Tielemans did well for me towards the end of las season so I like the idea of having him in my team. Zaha is probably my main concern and wondering whether there are any 4m starting keepers? Lacazette could be a cheaply if I wanted Sterling instead of De Bruyne.
Init – did you win some cricket thingy? I never heard . . .
Thank you sir for providing this to us. I’d made my mind up on Pepe that I’ll take a watching brief. With Kean, I think that is a brilliant signing for Everton. Just what you guys need. FPL wise, of course it will depend on price but in my latest draft I have three strikers about the 6.5 mark so it wouldn’t be that far a stretch if he comes at no more than 7.5.
Many thanks Init – both players are of big interest though Pepe may be a tad overpriced for me at 9.5mln. Great purchase for Arsenal mind you.
Haven’t seen anything of Kean so can’t really comment, just hope he’s better than Tosun for you
Morning Cookie
How’s things pal?
Morning GP, yeah not bad thanks mate, struggling to be happy with a draft – even toyed with a 4-5-1 this morning with Kane up front, no Salah and 3 Liverpool defenders!
How you getting on?
Personally all well pal thanks.
I’m starting with 4-4-2 this season. First time for everything!