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      Arsenal ‘Star Boy’ Bukayo Saka currently Dream Team’s second-most popular player

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      ONLY Erling Haaland (£8.5m) is more popular among Dream Team managers than Bukayo Saka (£6m) ahead of the new season.At the time of writing, Manchester City’s prolific poacher features in 85.6% of teams created despite being the most-expensive player in the game by a wide margin.
      This was to be expected as the Norwegian goal machine plundered 431 points in 2022/23, the second-highest total in Dream Team history, to propel his side to a monumental treble.

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      Top of the food chainCredit: GETTY
      Haaland is quite clearly in a bracket of his own so it’s notable that Arsenal’s No7 is next on the podium.
      Saka currently appears in 36.6% of teams, ahead of Kevin De Bruyne (£7.5m) and Bruno Fernandes (£6.5m) in the midfield popularity contest.
      The England international’s cheaper price is a factor and it may be that gaffers are forgoing the Manchester pair in favour of Saka when selecting their premium midfielder – Haaland’s cost means compromises must be made elsewhere.
      But of course the primary reason for Saka’s popularity is his considerable talent.
      He registered 15 goals and eleven assists last season with all but one of those goal involvements coming in the Premier League.
      The Emirates’ resident ‘Star Boy’ was a significant contributor to the Gunners’ unexpected title challenge and with some high-profile recruits through the door – Declan Rice (£3.5m), Kai Havertz (£3.5m), Jurrien Timber (£3.5m) – Mikel Arteta’s side are likely to be strong again this season.
      A popular choiceCredit: DREAM TEAM
      It’s easy to forget that Saka is still just 21 years old, his prime may yet be a few years in the future – a scary prospect for the world’s left-backs.
      While it’s true he set a high standard for himself in 2022/23, most observers would expect him to maintain that level or even improve.
      Arsenal’s August fixtures are another factor in Saka’s popularity.
      They get underway with a home fixture against Nottingham Forest, who had the worst away record in the Premier League last term – Steve Cooper’s side mustered just eight points on the road.
      Arsenal then travel to Crystal Palace, who actually performed better away from Selhurst Park in 2022/23, before finishing the month with Fulham’s visit to north London.
      Favourable fixtures are more difficult to predict at the start of the campaign but that’s a relatively friendly set on paper which looks ripe for some Saka returns.
      Strong options for AugustCredit: GETTY
      What’s interesting is that Martin Odegaard (£5m) is a full million cheaper and the Norwegian playmaker was just five points adrift of his team-mate last season, so he’s evidently a strong option for August and beyond as well.
      In fairness, Arsenal’s captain is currently the fourth-most popular asset in his position so it’s not like this alternative strategy is being overlooked by Dream Team bosses – many gaffers may even be doubling up on Gunners midfielders.
      What’s clear at this stage is that some early-season Saka magic would make a sizeable portion of Dream Team gaffers very happy.
      It’ll be interesting to see how his returns compare to the less popular duo of De Bruyne and Fernandes…

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      Dream Team 2023/24: Liverpool’s best players, bargain options & potential flops

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      FEW teams are as intriguing as Liverpool in a Dream Team context this summer.2022/23 was an underwhelming season for the Reds all things considered but they finished the campaign in the swaggering form supporters have come to expect of Jurgen Klopp’s reign.
      A midfield revamp coupled with goals galore from the forward arsenal in pre-season suggests the six-time European champions have plenty of points in them once the action gets underway.

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      A points machine!Credit: DREAM TEAM
      With that in mind, let’s analyse the squad in terms of best players, bargain options and potential flops.
      BEST PLAYERS
      First and foremost, let’s spell out Mohamed Salah’s (£7m) in bold and underline it several times.
      No player has scored more points in the realm of Dream Team since the Egyptian hero’s return to English shores in 2017.
      The 31-year-old averages 31 goals a season for Liverpool in all competitions and is a bonafide Dream Team legend.
      Erling Haaland’s (£8.5m) presence has changed the landscape at the top end of the scale but every gaffer should, at the very least, explore the possibility of an XI that contains both Salah and Manchester City’s prolific No9.
      Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m) is a particularly compelling prospect as there’s every indication he will continue to rack up minutes in midfield.
      How much time will Alexander-Arnold actually spend at right-back this season?Credit: Getty
      Anfield’s homegrown hero is categorised as defender in Dream Team once again this season and will therefore benefit from any clean sheets to which he contributes at least 60 minutes of playing time.
      But if he is to keep fulfilling a more advanced role then he looks set to capitalise on the new scoring system, which will reward the game’s best playmakers with a point for every big chance created as well as shots on target.
      No section on Liverpool’s top assets would be complete without Alisson (£4.5m).
      Brazil’s No1 was superb last season having been given plenty of work to do behind a vulnerable defence.
      If Klopp’s side have indeed exited their form trough then Alisson should have more clean sheets to add to his impressive save stats.
      BARGAIN OPTIONS
      Konate has talked about “stepping up” this coming seasonCredit: Getty
      Very few Liverpool players fit the description of an out-and-out bargain but that doesn’t mean there’s not value for money to be had among the squad.
      If Ibrahima Konate (£3.5m) is to be Virgil van Dijk’s (£5m) first-choice partner at centre-back then the Frenchman could be a very savvy differential option – his current ownership sits at a modest 3%.
      It’s hard to predict Liverpool’s first-choice front three with plenty of rotation expected in the remaining two attacking positions with Salah an assumed guarantee.
      However, reports from pre-season have described a new-found composure within Darwin Nunez (£4m) in front of goal, with Klopp singling out the Uruguayan for praise.
      His price tag may exclude him from the bargain aisle but given he’ll head into Gameweek 1 cheaper than the likes of Callum Wilson (£4.5m), Ollie Watkins (£4.5m) and Son Heung-min (£5m), it may not be long before the ex-Benfica man is considered a smart investment.
      A word for Dominik Szoboszlai (£3.5m) too, who will look reasonably priced if he establishes himself as Anfield’s playmaker-in-chief behind a threatening, dynamic forward line.
      POTENTIAL FLOPS
      Will the real Van Dijk please stand up?Credit: Getty
      This may be considered sacrilege but Van Dijk feels expensive at £5m given his individual performances across the last 18 months.
      At one stage, the imperious Dutchman was almost a must-have selection regardless of his price but Dream Team bosses would be wise to wait and see which Van Dijk turns up this season before forking out £5m of their budget.
      Similarly, Joel Matip at £3m would have once been in bargain-of-the-season territory but those days are almost certainly in the past.

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      Removal of Star Man awards from Dream Team WON’T hinder Bruno Fernandes – he might be even better this season!

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      IT’S an understatement to say Bruno Fernandes (£6.5m) wouldn’t win a popularity contest among football fans.Manchester United’s new club captain finds it difficult to temper his competitive urges on the pitch and, consequently, he’s prone to a moan as well as full-blown strops.
      His petulant nature asks Dream Team managers a question that has endured ever since the inception of The Sun’s beloved fantasy game: Are you able to discard your personal feelings for the good of your team?

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      Dream Team’s reigning king of midfieldCredit: DREAM TEAM
      For all his on-pitch villainy, there can be no doubt that Fernandes has been a top-tier Dream Team asset since his arrival at Old Trafford in January 2020.
      Eight goals and seven assists in his first 14 Premier League games after his mid-season transfer proved to be a taste of things to come.
      The Portugal international plundered 28 goals and 17 assists in all competitions the following campaign with his Dream Team ownership surpassing 75% at one stage, deservedly so.
      Granted, Fernandes benefited from a plethora of penalties that season but his stats were phenomenal even with spot-kicks discarded – 32 non-penalty goal involvements is outstanding for a midfielder.
      2021/22 was something of a fallow season by Fernandes’ standards but it’s a measure of the standards he’s set for himself that a campaign in which he scored ten league goals was deemed well below par.
      Last term, he rediscovered his best form, particularly from the World Cup onwards, to register 283 Dream Team points, the highest tally among assets in his position.
      Fernandes returned from the World Cup in sublime formCredit: GETTY
      The 28-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions to pip Kevin De Bruyne (£7m) at the top of the midfield rankings, which is a serious achievement in its own right given the Belgian’s significant contribution to Manchester City’s treble.
      Additionally, Fernandes earned 12 Star Man awards in 2022/23, more than any other player, but with that aspect of the game having been removed for this coming season, will he be as successful?
      While Star Man awards are now a thing of the past, players will continue to reap rewards for individual brilliance and Fernandes’ lofty ranking in several key attacking stats should serve him well.
      In 2023/24, players will receive one point for every big chance created (as defined by OPTA) and guess who topped this metric in the Premier League last season with 32… yep, our man of the hour.
      Furthermore, Dream Team assets will earn one point for every shot on target and no midfielder registered more than Fernandes in the top flight last term.
      Dream Team’s two best midfielders in 2022/23Credit: GETTY
      Star Man awards may be a thing of the past but the statistical factors that earned Fernandes a dozen of them remain a huge factor in how points are scored.
      In fact, if the new scoring system had been implemented last season, he would have finished on 346 points and his lead over De Bruyne would have been even greater.
      At £6.5m Fernandes is a costly asset, only four players will start the campaign at a higher price, but if he carries on where he left off before the summer break then he should be a worthy investment.
      Saying that, it will be interesting to see whether Mason Mount’s (£3.5m) switch to Man United has an impact on Fernandes’ returns.
      One of reasons the latter has amassed so many points in recent years is because he’s often been a one-man army in terms of midfield creativity and attacking threat but the 24-year-old England international has been signed to share those burdens.
      Fernandes features in 26.6% of teams created at the time of writing.

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      Dream Team 2023/24: Best Newcastle players, bargain options and potential flops

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      DREAM TEAM managers are assembling their squads ahead of the Premier League season.So we’re here to lend a helping hand by analysing the top teams from last season, with Newcastle under the microscope this time.
      A fourth-place finish was huge for Eddie Howe’s side, with many of his players set to feature in teams up and down the country this time around.
      We’ve put together their best players, bargain options and potential flops ahead of the new campaign.

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      Newcastle players provided excellent value-for-money last seasonCredit: Getty
      BEST PLAYERS
      There’s only one place to start and that’s with Toon skipper Kieran Trippier (£6m).
      The England international finished the season as Dream Team’s top defender last season by a wide margin.
      Newcastle’s early season defensive displays contributed to many of those points but he also contributed one goal and ten assists, thanks in no small part to his set pieces.
      No team conceded fewer goals than the Magpies last campaign and with Trippier a key player in both defence and attack, it’s no surprise 17.4% of managers are picking him ahead of the new season despite the fact he’s the joint-most expensive player in his position.
      Alexander Isak (£4m) might find himself playing in several positions across the front line once the action gets underway but the Swede has been utilised as a centre-forward in pre-season.
      He averaged a goal involvement every 127.1 minutes in his 22 Premier League appearances last term which suggests he could plunder plentiful points if he avoids injury.
      He’s a cheaper option than Callum Wilson (£4.5m) who did superbly last season but there’s a sense that the ultimate aim is to have Isak lead the line more often than not.
      While Nick Pope (£4.5m) beaten only by David de Gea in the goalkeepers’ rankings in 2022/23 – a solid option.
      Newcastle’s talisman in midfieldCredit: AP
      POTENTIAL BARGAINS
      Bruno Guimaraes (£3m) is Newcastle’s midfield talisman and the fan favourite shows no sign of slowing down.
      He’s set to form a new-look midfield alongside summer signing Sandro Tonali (£2.5m).
      With points on offer for successful tackles, Guimaraes could reap the rewards after 70 league tackles in total last season, putting him 11th in the top flight.
      If you ignore his 12 yellow cards from last year (a big ask, we know) then Joelinton (£3m) could offer value for money, with a greater attacking presence and opportunity to play in the forward areas.
      Selected in just 2.3% of sides so far, he could be a secret weapon heading into the new season.
      A word for Tonali too, who could look very cheap at £2.5m if he’s as good as Newcastle believe him to be.
      Fab last year – but what about this year?Credit: Getty
      POTENTIAL FLOPS
      Big-scoring defenders are the cornerstone of any successful Dream Team XI.
      Fabian Schar (£4.5m) fit the bill last season but it might not look the same this time around.
      The Toon kept one clean sheet in their last 11 games at the end of the season – at home to Leicester in a 0-0 draw – which highlights how impressive they started before conceding plenty in the run-in.
      The Swiss centre-back is relatively expensive, a reflection of his efforts last term, but his returns in April and May were cause for concern.
      Miguel Almiron (£3.5m) started 2022/23 on fire and registered 11 goals and two assists in the top flight.
      However, he only managed to play 90 minutes on two occasions since February following a dip in form and Harvey Barnes’ (£3.5m) arrival, plus Anthony Gordon’s (£2.5m) summer form, could mean sparse minutes for the Paraguayan.
      With the likes of Declan Rice, Kaoru Mitoma and Mason Mount all the same price, there’s better options out there.

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      Which strikers will benefit most from Dream Team’s NEW scoring system this season?

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      DREAM TEAM is building towards the 2023/24 season at a rapid rate.If you haven’t yet selected an XI, what are you waiting for? You can make as many changes as you like before Gameweek 1 gets underway so there’s no reason to delay in picking a team, even if it’s just a first draft.

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      Many fans expect Darwin Nunez to prosper this coming seasonCredit: DREAM TEAM
      This season’s fantasy game features an improved scoring system, one that recognises individual performance levels in more detail than ever before.
      Click here to get the full lowdown on 2023/24’s scoring system if you’re not already familiar.
      Clearly, it’s beneficial for Dream Team gaffers to have an idea of which forwards will benefit most from the new scoring system.
      We’ve helpfully dug deep into the stats to highlight the ten strikers whose points tallies would have increased the most had the new scoring system been implemented last season.
      HIGHEST POINTS INCREASES AMONG DREAM TEAM STRIKERS

      Brennan Johnson (£3m) 82 points to 176 points
      Son Heung-min (£5m) 158 pts to 248 pts
      Mohamed Salah (£7m) 275 pts to 355 pts
      Darwin Nunez (£4m) 132 pts to 211 pts
      Jordan Ayew (£2.5m) 67 pts to 145 pts
      Marcus Rashford (£6.5m) 301 pts to 373 pts
      Dominic Solanke (£3m) 92 pts to 163 pts
      Michail Antonio (£3m) 125 pts to 191 pts
      Ollie Watkins (£4.5m) 162 pts to 223 pts
      Eddie Nketiah (£2m) 72 pts to 133 pts

      Johnson was generously categorised as a midfielder in 2022/23 but Nottingham Forest’s No20 is among the strikers this season having been his side’s most advanced player more often than not since promotion.
      The Wales international dovetailed beautifully with Morgan Gibbs-White (£3m) and Taiwo Awoniyi (£2.5m), particularly at the City Ground where Steve Cooper’s side mustered enough points to swerve relegation.
      Johnson impressed for Forest in 2022/23Credit: GETTY
      Johnson ranked first among Forest’s squad for shots on target in the Premier League last term and second for chances created, minutes played, and other metrics that will be more important than ever before in Dream Team this coming campaign.
      The fact the 22-year-old’s points total would have more than doubled in the new scoring system makes him a potentially savvy value-for-money forward this term.
      Son’s inclusion in this list is an interesting one as the Spurs fan favourite has freely admitted that he was under par for much of 2022/23. 
      However, the South Korean superstar’s par is set much higher than most and it’s a measure of the standards he’s set for himself that a season with 14 goals and six assists was widely panned.
      Truth be told, a significant proportion of his points came from three bumper fixtures against Leicester (hat-trick), Preston (brace) and Frankfurt (brace) but what ultimately matters is the final tally.
      Dream Team’s new scoring system rewards players with one point per shot on target and only six players registered more than Son in the Premier League last season – as a shot-happy player this change should suit Spurs’ No7.
      Son has set high standards for himselfCredit: GETTY
      Should Dream Team gaffers expect big things from Liverpool this season?
      Salah and Nunez would have been 152 points better off as a pair last term had the new scoring system been implemented, an indication that the Reds’ forwards are set to thrive.
      It goes without saying that the Egypt international is the absolute definition of a tried-and-tested Dream Team asset of the highest calibre but the ex-Benfica man is a more enigmatic figure.
      The 24-year-old’s time at Anfield has been defined by plenty of threat but undermined by inefficiency in front of goal.
      Even if Nunez, who has taken Liverpool’s No9 shirt following Roberto Firmino’s departure, has an average campaign in terms of finishing, gaffers should expect plenty of goals and points because his play style ensures he gets loads of chances.
      Nunez would be a bold pick from the get-go but a revised total of 207 points suggests he’s a player who will enjoy the new scoring system.
      A Dream Team legendCredit: GETTY
      Lastly, Watkins’ presence here will encourage plenty of Dream Team bosses as the Aston Villa striker is likely to be a relatively popular recruit having been one of the top flight’s most prolific goalscorers since the World Cup.
      And let’s not forget, he’ll have European fixtures to bolster his schedule this season if Unai Emery’s side successfully negotiate the Europa Conference League play-offs.

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      Which goalkeepers will benefit most from Dream Team’s new scoring system this season?

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      DREAM TEAM’S fantasy game will be better than ever this coming season.We’ve revolutionised the scoring system for 2023/24 and there’s a significant change Dream Team gaffers should focus on when selecting their goalkeeper for the campaign ahead.

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      Jordan Pickford would have benefited greatly from the new scoring system last seasonCredit: DREAM TEAM
      Clean sheets remain the primary currency with custodians earning five points each time they shut out their opponents (provided they play at least 60 minutes of the fixture).
      Keepers will also be punished with a minus point for every goal they concede after the first in any given game.
      The big difference this season is the introduction of a point earned for every two saves registered, with saves being defined by stats boffins OPTA.
      This is a notable factor as previously Dream Team bosses would be content with backing a keeper sat comfortably behind a solid defence but, going forward, it may be the case that selecting an individual who is required to make their fair share saves is a better strategy.
      To analyse how the new scoring methodology may impact Dream Team’s goalkeepers, let’s take a look at the five players who would have benefited most last season had the new system been implemented.
      DREAM TEAM GOALKEEPERS WOULD HAVE BENEFITED MOST FROM THE NEW SCORING SYSTEM LAST SEASON

      Aaron Ramsdale (£4m) 95 points to 182 points
      Alisson (£4.5m) 130 pts to 214 pts
      Jordan Pickford (£3m) 58 pts to 142 pts
      Jose Sa (£3m) 80 pts to 158 pts
      Bernd Leno (£3m) 80 pts to 157 pts

      Ramsdale was a relatively busy man last seasonCredit: GETTY
      The first thing to note is that David de Gea, who finished as Dream Team’s outright top goalkeeper in 2022/23, would have earned an additional 118 points via the new scoring system!
      In fact, no player in any position would have benefited more than the Spaniard, who made 101 saves in the Premier League last term plus many more in all competitions.
      But with De Gea having left Old Trafford, it will be interesting to see whether Andre Onana (£4m) can fill the void.
      What Dream Team managers should take away from Aaron Ramsdale and Alisson’spoint spikes is that goalkeepers who combine regular clean sheets with high save numbers will benefit most from the new process.
      The new scoring system would have recognised Alisson’s impressive individual performances in 2022/23Credit: GETTY
      Jordan Pickford’s appearance in this list is notable because Everton finished 17th in the league last season and, generally, the success of defensive assets are deeply linked to their team’s fortunes.
      The new scoring system recognises the fact some keepers may be impressive individually even if the team they represent is struggling as a whole.
      In 2022/23, David Raya (£4m) registered the most saves (154) in the top flight with Bernd Leno and Pickford completing the podium – these are the type of stats gaffers should take notice of when building their team ahead of the new season.

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      Dream Team 2023/24: Brighton’s best players, bargain options and potential flops

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      AS Dream Team managers count down the days until the new campaign gets underway, The Sun are analysing each of last season’s top teams in detail.First up, it’s Brighton under the microscope and Roberto De Zerbi’s troops are expected to be popular recruits this term having entertained in spades throughout 2022/23 with several of their assets providing incredible value for money.
      Here we’ve assembled their best players, bargain options and potential flops.

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      Brighton players offered excellent value for money in 2022/23Credit: DREAM TEAM
      BEST PLAYERS
      Solly March (£3.5m) and Kaoru Mitoma (£3.5m) finished level on 153 points each at the top of the Seagulls’ rankings last season and the pair will be among the best midfield assets again if Brighton continue to attack with verve, especially with Europa League fixtures to bolster their schedule.
      The Englishman would have topped Brighton’s rankings with 221 points had the new scoring system been implemented but it’s worth noting that the Japanese dribbler wasn’t a regular starter prior to the World Cup – he’s guaranteed more minutes this coming season if he avoids injury.
      March averaged a goal involvement every 194.8 minutes in the Premier League last season whereas Mitoma notched one every 178.2 minutes – both are superb options at £3.5m.
      It’s early days but Dream Team bosses may be underestimating Pascal Gross (£3.5m) when perusing the buffet of Brighton midfielders.
      At the time of writing, Mitoma appears in 16.5% of teams while the experienced German has an ownership of just 1.7%.
      Gross would have earned 20 points more than his skilful team-mate last season in the new scoring system – in fact, the stats suggest the former could be one of the biggest beneficiaries from the new process.
      A mention for enterprising left-back Pervis Estupinian (£3.5m) who is deservedly among the most-popular defenders in the game at this stage.
      POTENTIAL BARGAINS
      Not your average 18-year-oldCredit: GETTY
      Evan Ferguson (£3m) averaged a goal every 134.4 minutes in all competitions last season so if he’s going to be De Zerbi’s main man up front there could be plenty of returns on offer.
      Physically, the 18-year-old is mature beyond his years but it would be quite something for a club to finish sixth in the richest league in the world and then back a teenager to lead the line for the entirety of the following campaign.
      But as the old adage goes, if you’re good enough you’re old enough – and Ferguson has shown more than enough promise to date.
      Brighton offered supreme value for money last season and while most of their assets have been given a sizeable price boost, Julio Enciso (£2m) remains cheap as chips.
      The Paraguay international, who is categorised as a midfielder, stepped up for his side at the back end of 2022/23 to ensure Europa League qualification with four goals and two assists across his last 637 minutes of action (at an average of a goal involvement every 106.2 minutes).
      Enciso is generally a rotational player and when he does start he rarely completes 90 minutes but his form in recent outings warrants suitable consideration. 
      POTENTIAL FLOPS
      Who will start as Brighton’s first-choice goalkeeper this season?Credit: GETTY
      Dream Team gaffers are desperate to establish the goalkeeping pecking order at the Amex.
      Jason Steele (£3m) usurped Robert Sanchez last season and did an admirable job but whether he continues as No1 depends on whether new signing Bart Verbruggen (£3m) is viewed as a future prospect or an immediate starter.
      The 20-year-old Dutchman has joined the Seagulls from Anderlecht for £16.3million but it’s not yet clear how De Zerbi rates him compared to the more experienced Steele.
      It goes without saying that Dream Team bosses should stay well clear of bench-warmers so don’t commit to a Brighton keeper unless the pecking order has been cemented.
      Finally, don’t get sentimental about James Milner (£2m), the hard-working midfielder’s days as a viable Dream Team asset are well behind him.

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      John Stones’ hybrid role makes Manchester City star uniquely appealing Dream Team option

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      THERE’S a sense John Stones (£5m) could be a pivotal figure in Dream Team this coming season.The so-called Barnsley Beckenbauer’s stock has arguably never been as high as it is right now off the back of his significant contribution to Manchester City’s treble.
      Having made his name as a ball-playing centre-back, Stones excelled in a hybrid role at the back end of 2022/23 to make Pep Guardiola’s 3-2-4-1 formation as effective as possible.
      The 29-year-old’s performances against Real Madrid and Inter Milan when the stakes were highest in the Champions League were truly remarkable; he combined his defensive diligence with composed passing and immense press resistance reminiscent of Sergio Busquets.

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      Dream Team’s third-most popular defender at the time of writingCredit: DREAM TEAM
      It remains to be seen whether Stones will continue to play alongside Rodri (£4m) in defensive midfield when in possession but it would be a surprise if Guardiola abandoned the set-up that served him so well last term.
      The England international is categorised as a defender in Dream Team for 2023/24, meaning he will earn five points for every clean sheet to which he contributes at least 60 minutes of playing time.
      This is notable as out-and-out defensive midfielders do not benefit directly from clean sheets.
      However, Dream Team’s improved scoring system should mean more returns for the likes of Rodri, Declan Rice (£3.5m), Moises Caicedo (£2.5m) and company.
      Guardiola’s tactical innovation has given Stones a fresh dynamic in Dream TeamCredit: GETTY
      This season, players will earn one point for every two successful tackles – a metric traditionally dominated by combative midfielders.
      Plus, with bonus points determined by interceptions, pass completion rate, blocks and fouls won (among other stats) 2023/24 could be the season defensive midfielders are properly recognised in the world of Dream Team.
      And this is why Stones is such an intriguing figure, he may be able to enjoy the best of both worlds; a defender’s clean sheet privilege and the steady returns that should accompany busy midfield work.
      Naturally, he’ll start at a price befitting an asset with sky-high potential, only three defenders cost more than £5m prior to Gameweek 1: Ruben Dias (£5.5m), Kieran Trippier (£6m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£6m).
      So far, Stones’ lofty price tag isn’t deterring Dream Team gaffers at this stage as his ownership of 20.6% makes him the third-most popular defender.

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