Midfield has a been a problem area for Dream Team gaffers since the start of the season.
With reliable performers Raheem Sterling and Sadio Mane being reclassified as midfielders for 2020/21, many of you have been forced to look elsewhere and the stats suggest more than a few have been disappointed.
Two names in particular stand out when it comes to players who are not justifying their popularity: Willian (£2.9m) and Adama Traore (£3.6m).
BET £10 AND GET ANOTHER £10 IN FREE BETS WHEN YOU REGISTER WITH BETWAY*
The former flew out the blocks in his Arsenal debut with a 12-point haul at the expense of newly-promoted Fulham.
But incredibly, the Brazilian hasn’t scored another point since then — drawing a blank in seven consecutive appearances.
This is a serious problem as currently only six midfielders are more popular than Willian with the Brazilian featuring in 14.2% of teams.
We expect the Gunners’ No12 to be among most transferred-out players when managers are able to do so this Friday.
Traore has faired slightly better than Willian but his tally of 17 points represents an underwhelming return nonetheless.
The hulking winger – who appears in 11.4% of teams – was arguably the standout revelation of last season with only Kevin De Bruyne (£6.6m) achieving more 7+ ratings in 2019/20.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo has preferred to deploy the more subtle craft of Pedro Neto (£2.2m) and Daniel Podence (£1.6m) either side of Raul Jimenez (£4.8m) so far this season.
Traore was afforded some game time at wing-back earlier in the campaign but Nelson Semedo (£2.7m) has locked that position down in the last few weeks.
The Spain international’s recent appearances have been limited to ten-minute cameos and his Dream Team returns have suffered as a result.
Between them, Willian and Traore have the same number of points as Harvey Barnes (£2.3m) has managed on his own — the Leicester man is cheaper, more effective option than both.
For those with some floating budget available in case of emergencies such as this, Phil Foden (£3.7m) is just £0.1m more expensive than Traore.
Ferran Torres (£2.8m) has emerged as viable midfield option too, especially with Pep Guardiola using him as a centre-forward from time to time.
The Spaniard is ever so slightly so cheaper than Willian and is currently outscoring Bruno Fernandes (£5.2m).
Remember, November transfers will be available to use as of Friday morning (November 6th) and if Willian and Traore are still lingering in your midfield we recommend you change that as soon as possible.
BET £10 GET £10 - AD
- Stake £10 with Betway and get another £10 free
- CLAIM HERE*