2014/15 ended well for the North East Unit with Dick Advocaat guiding the Black Cats to safety on the penultimate gameweek of the season, as a 0-0 draw with Leicester City confirmed this. Things got emotional as Advocaat left, quite literally in tears and Sunderland were again missing a leader. In a shock U-Turn, the Dutchman, on his wife’s advice, returned to the Stadium of Light for another go. This is great news for fantasy football, as he had started to get the best out players such as Danny Graham (4.5m), Billy Jones (4.5m) and Sebastian Coates (4.5m) plus many more. As a result of Sunderland’s flirtation with relegation, their fantasy premier league prices are relatively low and we should find it no problem to pick up some bargains over the next few weeks.
STAR MAN – Patrick van Aanholt (5.0m)
Patrick Van Aanholt, or more commonly known as PvA, is an attacking Dutch Full back. Quite regularly last season, PvA took the ball beyond his opponent crossing for his team mates to guide the ball into the net. This pacey style of play created 5 assists last season which is more than the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, Pablo Zabaleta, Ryan Bertrand and Cesar Azpilicueta. At five million FPL pounds, this is an absolute bargain if Sunderland can maintain their good defensive record they witnessed towards the business end of last season. Maybe PvA is fresh in my mind as he scored an absolute world class goal against my beloved Leeds United, knocking us out of the FA Cup earlier this year, but with his price and his propotential, he is definitely one to to consider.
HIDDEN GEM – Jeremain Lens (6.5m)
Having already decided on Giaccherini for this accolade, I then saw a very interesting signing made by the Black Cats a few days ago. Dick Advocaat has been somewhat astute in his signing this summer and for me, Jeremain Lens could top them all. Having played his trade in the Ukrainian Leagues last season many will state he wont take the step up to the pace of the Premier League. Conversely, I think his pace will be too much for many defences in this league. Priced at just £6.5m and arguably out of position, Lens could claim striking royalties away for the mediocrity of Defoe, Fletcher, Graham and Wickham. Lens played 10 games in the Europe League last time out, scoring 3 and assisting along the way. With 12 assists and 9 Goals in just 37 games he boasts a better record than David Silva. Watch out for this pacey winger in pre season for Jeremain Lens is an admirable acquisition.
By Matty Kaye.
