Players in Focus Based on Eye Test Ahead of FPL Gameweek 9

FPL gameweek 9 is around the corner and in this blog, Stevie, @eyetestfpl takes a look at two players who passed his eye test last week.

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Players in Focus Ahead of FPL Gameweek 9

Tanguy Ndombele (₤5.8M)

Over the last 2 games, Ndombele has been playing as the floating no. 8 in an improving Spurs attack. Certainly, he has been sharper than Dele Alli in this role at the moment and should retain his place in the side.

Nuno Espirito Santo apparently has also settled with a midfield base of Hojbjerg and Skipp. And, with the midfield duo covering behind Ndombele, there are much less defensive responsibilities for him, thus giving him more freedom to make runs into the box.

He also has good shooting technique. Once inside the penalty box, he’s not shy to take a pop at goal. Against Newcastle, he attempted 4 shots inside the box more than both Harry Kane (1) and Son Heung-Min (1).

Under Jose Mourinho, Ndombele was often criticized for being a ‘lazy’ and ‘nonchalant’ player defensively and not tracking back enough.

His manager’s faith seems to be what Ndombele needs in order to thrive on the pitch and the lack of it shown by the former Spurs manager often led to his inconsistent performances.

But I feel Nuno Espirito Santo’s much less combustible management style would suit Ndombele more. So, perhaps there is a case to be made that we should start a clean slate for Ndombele.

There is certainly a risk associated with the Frenchman due to his past performances as well as the presence of Alli behind him in the pecking order. It is perhaps wise to monitor him for a few more games until at least GW12 where Spurs would have a good fixture swing.

Further Read: Form & Fixtures Analysis Ahead of FPL GW9 | Team and Players to Target

Bernardo Silva (₤7.0M)

If we have not gotten tired of floating No. 8s, there is another player I can’t wait to discuss.

Bernardo is perhaps a less glamorous pick from Manchester City than the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Riyad Mahrez. But based on current form, he seems to nailing down a coveted spot in that Manchester City midfield.

Interestingly, in the recent matches he has played in so far, Bernardo seemed to be playing in more advanced areas than even De Bruyne, often working the half-space areas.

Against Leicester City earlier this season, the Portuguese managed to score from close range. Likewise, his advanced positioning also allowed him to tap it in from similar range against Burnley.

There is obviously some rotation risk with Gundogan already returning from injury. But Bernardo’s versatility to play through the middle as well as on the wings perhaps could alleviate some of these rotation fears.

In the Champions League match against Club Brugge, he was also hauled off before the 60^th minute which is supposedly to give him a rest before the next Premier League outing against Brighton and Hove Albion. I believe he is currently ahead of Gundogan in terms of pecking order for that midfield spot.

Further Reads from ALLABOUTFPL Ahead of FPL Gameweek 9:

Form & Fixtures Analysis Ahead of FPL GW9 | Team and Players to Target
FPL GW9 Transfer Trends Analysis | Popular Transfer Combinations
Popular Player Comparisons Ahead of FPL GW9 ~ Kane vs Lukaku vs Vardy, James vs Chilwell, Hwang vs Toney vs Armstrong
FPL GW9 Budget Midfielders Analysis | Best Jota And Benrahma Replacements
FPL GW8 Fixture Wise Stats And Eye Test-Based Review

Link to all our FPL Gameweek 9 blogs.

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The results and the captaincy metric blog will be published soon based on the votes.

What’s next from ALLABOUTFPL ahead of FPL Gameweek 9?

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