Last updated on November 19th, 2024
(Image via https://x.com/FootballFactly)
Fantasy football requires an element of luck, but also a great deal of research and skill. Alongside listening to pre-match press conferences and assessing any upcoming fixtures, managers have an array of tools at their disposal and some fascinating statistics to mull over before making any big decisions. Sometimes, though, none of it really matters when a player is simply in excellent form over a sustained period of time. For managers, these in-form players who have accumulated steady returns are just safe picks no matter who they’re up against in the future.
This season, the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Brennan Johnson have shown impressive form at crucial times, but we’re in the early stages of the new campaign and their excellent showings could wane. As such, while both stars are capable of turning it on over a sustained period of time, they have a long way to go before they’re mentioned in the same breath as some of FPL’s most memorable talents. Simply put, the greatest FPL assets have already done it over an entire campaign after looking at some notable statistics during arguably the best seasons in their respective careers.
These players will go down as some of the best-performing players ever, with longevity really counting here. Of course, the aforementioned Mbeumo and Johnson could smash FPL records in the coming months, but for now, we’re solely looking at players who have already been there and done it. In fact, these stars will always be fondly remembered as some of the greatest FPL assets ever. Let’s salute some of them below.
Mohamed Salah – 2017-18
Kicking things off with FPL royalty, over the years, have we ever seen such a special performer in the shape of Mohamed Salah? Probably not. Liverpool’s Egyptian king will be desperate to record a similar output this season, but nothing will come close to his 2017-18 performances. The highest-scoring midfielder in history at that particular time, Salah scored 32 goals, he picked up 12 assists, he was part of 15 clean sheets, and he added 12 bonus points to his name. With a staggering total of 303 points over the entire season, Mohamed Salah is easily one of the greatest FPL assets ever.
Alexis Sanchez – 2016-17
Arsenal fans won’t enjoy recalling some of the latter stages of Arsene Wenger’s time at the club, but the legendary manager’s ending could have been far uglier if Alexis Sanchez didn’t deliver the goods during the 2016-2017 season. It’s fair to say the Chilean’s career went badly after departing the Emirates, especially as he left the club after having the season of his life. Sanchez scored 264 points in FPL that campaign, with his 24 goals and 10 assists making a terrible season far more bearable for Arsenal fans. Despite failing to qualify for the Champions League, his career-best season was a definite highlight.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 2019-20
While people still rave about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s wonderful right foot, it probably hasn’t been as impressive recently as it was during the title-winning 2019-20 campaign. According to Premier League betting, Arne Slot’s new-look Liverpool side are 5/2 to win the league this season, and they’ll need Alexander-Arnold to remain fit if they’re to get the job done. Should the creative wing-back manage to discover the same type of form as he did during Liverpool’s memorable title triumph, then the Reds could be in for a strong season. He has 15 assists, four goals, 14 clean sheets, and 210 FPL points to beat, though.
Thierry Henry – 2002-03
Ask most Arsenal fans who their favourite ever Gunner is and they’re highly likely to bring up Thierry Henry. Not only was he a consummate professional with a likeable personality, but Henry could do pretty much anything on the pitch. The Arsenal icon’s best campaign came during the 2002-03 season, though, despite Manchester United beating the North London giants to the league. Despite missing out on the title, Henry’s performances were special almost every week. With 271 points to his name when the campaign ended, Henry was widely regarded as the player of the season. He scored 24 goals and recorded 20 assists, a frankly amazing return. When looking back at some of the best-ever Premier League campaigns, Thierry Henry’s 2002-03 season is right up there.
Luis Suarez – 2013-14
(Image via https://x.com/cfcboii)
Although Luis Suarez didn’t spend as much time in the Premier League as some of the aforementioned heroes, his 2013-14 campaign will never be forgotten. Liverpool’s Uruguayan legend was their star performer who simply couldn’t be contained. As we’ve already mentioned, during that particular season, you could have studied every statistic available in an attempt to look at alternative options away from Suarez, but it would have been a painful mission. He was on fire in almost every game and he was the answer to almost every question. The former Ajax striker registered 31 goals and 12 assists in 33 Premier League games, with his total of 295 points being one of the highest-scoring seasons ever.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 2007-08
Long before Cristiano Ronaldo was being discussed as one of the finest footballers the beautiful game has ever seen, he was fine-tuning his game at Manchester United under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. It was during the 2007-08 season where the Portuguese icon’s ability began to pique the interest of clubs like Real Madrid, with Ronaldo’s magical performances still being spoken about today by some fans at Old Trafford. The former Sporting CP academy graduate endured a difficult start to the campaign after being sent off at Portsmouth, but he soon bounced back in ridiculous fashion. Ronaldo went on to score 31 goals, he picked up six assists, and he earned himself a huge score of 283 points in FPL. Winning the Ballon d’Or and the Champions League probably edged it, though.
