Phil Jagielka – Fantasy Football Potential

Newly promoted Sheffield United have recently signed Phil Jagielka from Everton. Phil returns back to his boyhood club after 12 years at Everton. Despite his lack of game time last season, he is talented and should secure a starting role in what could be a long, tough season for Sheffield.

Wilder, Sheffield’s manager had his say upon the arrival of Phil;

“He’s had a fantastic career, he was deserving of his move when we dropped out of the top-flight last time and he went to a fantastic club and played all those games in the Premier League and captained England. To have Phil in and around our changing room in one of the most important seasons in our recent history is going to be invaluable. He’s come to play, he knows he’s got to earn his place, but I’m buzzing having spent time with him and seen the desire he’s got to succeed at the back end of his career.”

Player History

Phil began his professional career at Sheffield back in 1998 as a 15 year old. He moved to Goodison Park in 2006 after his boyhood club were relegated to second tier football. He made 287 appearances at United from 2000-2006, and was captain of the club when he made the move to Everton.

During his 12 year career at the Toffees, he managed 385 appearances scoring 45 goals throughout his whole career. He isn’t known as a goal-scorer, but does offer attacking threat when there is a corner.

Last season he only made 7 appearances mainly due to injury and not securing a starting role. He will have to fight for a place in Sheffield, but if he can secure one he’ll be one to keep an eye on.

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Fantasy Football Potential

He’ll start the 2019/20 Premier League season at a price of £4.5m which seems about right for a defender from a newly promoted club. He is a centre back and therefore could be one to rack up bonus points if Sheffield are solid at the back and do keep clean sheets.

Despite his potential he does have to fight for a spot in that Sheffield backline. Egan and O’Connell are the current centre back pairing and cost only £4.5m in FPL. Last season, United managed to keep 21 clean sheets in the Championship, more than any other club in the league.

Overall this pick is what I like to call a “wait and see” pick. In other words, us managers have to first see if he secures and spot firstly and secondly, how Sheffield are coping in the Premier League. He is not likely to be in my Gameweek One squad but if definitely one for the watchlist.

Written by (@ndolamore)

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