Fabian Delph – Fantasy Football Potential

Everton have announced the signing of Fabian Delph from Manchester City on a three year contract for a fee believed to be around £10 million. Delph had just one year left on his contract and has now travelled to join up with the Everton pre-season, joining as their third signing of the summer after Jonas Lossl and Andre Gomes.

Delph’s chances for first team football at Manchester City has reduced due to the recent record signing of Rodi from Atletico Madrid and therefore has chosen to move on from the Citizens. Here’s what Delph has had to say about his move to the Toffees:

“I’m hungry. I don’t like losing. I see myself as a winner. I’m at an age now where I am probably one of the most experienced players, so hopefully I can bring that and try to help my teammates here to do better. Ultimately, the goal is to win something. I’ve not come here just to be here – I’ve come here with ambitions to win things”

Player History

Delph started his career in the youth academy of Bradford City in 2000, however in 2001 he joined the Leeds United youth academy and after successful appearances he was made captain of the reserves. He then went on to make his senior club debut during the 2006/07 season against Derby County. Across the 3 seasons Delph spent with Leeds, he made 44 appearances, scoring 6 goals.

In August 2009, Delph was signed by Premier League side Aston Villa where he spent the next 3 seasons. The Englishman made 86 Premier League appearances for Villa, scoring 3 goals and assisting 7 others, however it was his defensive and pass completion capabilities that made him a success at the club.

In July 2015, Delph was signed by Manchester City on a 5 year deal, however due to competition and a variety of injuries, his play time was limited. Over the course of the last 4 seasons Delph managed to make just 57 Premier League appearances, scoring 2 goal and assisting 3 others.

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Internationally, Delph made 6 appearances for England youth sides, and has now made 20 appearances for the senior team.

Fantasy Football Potential

Delph is priced at £5.5m in Fantasy Premier League and is classified as a defender due to his recent performances for Manchester City. That said, he may play in midfield for Everton, similar to his positioning for Aston Villa, which may mean that we have an out of position (OOP) player, where a midfielder is picking up clean sheet points due to his defensive classifications.

That said, Delph isn’t known for his attacking stats with just 31 attacking returns (19 goals & 12 assists) across 282 appearances. Therefore there are more attractive FPL players who may have greater FPL returns. Delph’s game time should also be considered, as both Coleman and Digne appear to be assured starters as wingbacks, whilst Gueye appears to be nailed on in CDM.

That said, if Delph is to be a starter, he shouldn’t be overlooked with the start Everton have, with a first 6 of; Crystal Palace (A), Watford (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A) and Sheffield United (H).

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