Teams change during the transfer market, and as the championship approaches, starting lineups can change, leaving some names halfway between the field and the bench.Let's look at those players who, on...
Teams change during the transfer market, and as the championship approaches, starting lineups can change, leaving some names halfway between the field and the bench.
Let's look at those players who, on the surface or even just by "name", may seem like substitutes, but who could play more than we think and bring points to the Fantasy team.
Carlos Augusto and Frattesi
The intensity demanded by Chivu on the flanks could move Carlos Augusto from the super-sub of past years to the starter on Inter's left flank: a difficult task given the quality of Dimarco, but not an impossible feat.
Frattesi risks being overlooked due to the competition in midfield: the purchase of Sucic in the same role is not a good sign but the advancing age of Mkhitaryan plays in his favor. Frattesi also enjoys the trust of the club and could have more space than before.
Weston McKennie
Linked to several teams, often given as outgoing and in the end always remains at Juventus: McKennie is that wildcard between midfield and attack that always proves to be a useful weapon for coaches. He can play in the "two in midfield" at Juve or be the attacking midfielder, especially considering the commitment in the Champions League.
Gabbia and Saelemaekers
The purchase of De Winter could make Matteo Gabbia seem constantly on the bench, but his marking abilities match well with Allegri's tendency to defend near the goal. His presence could be an important resource for Max.
Milan bought Athekame on the right flank but Saelemaekers is an indispensable all-rounder: running, order, quality and also goals in his legs. He is unlikely to be relegated to the bench.
Zeki Celik
The arrival of Ghilardi was a necessary purchase for Roma that will certainly take space away from Celik, but the departures of Kumbulla and - probably - Hermoso open up opportunities for the Turkish player. Remember that Ndicka is expected to go to the Africa Cup and is now recovering from an injury, so Celik will have his opportunities.
Matteo Politano
Napoli's significant transfer campaign could overshadow the role of Politano, very active in the pre-season and author of a great goal in the friendly against Olympiacos. Conte has total confidence in him, also for his ability to adapt to multiple formations: Politano is a strong candidate for the starting jersey.
Rolando Mandragora
Fiorentina's midfield counts on many men but the presence of players like Fagioli, Sohm, Richardson, Ndour and Fazzini should not diminish the importance of Mandragora: a midfielder capable of providing intensity, order and also bringing bonus with his shots.
Matteo Cancellieri
The return from loan at Parma of Matteo Cancellieri has become a new acquisition for Sarri's Lazio, who used him a lot in this pre-season. Isaksen missed part of the preparation due to mononucleosis, Pedro will have one more year in his legs and Noslin needs to redeem himself from a negative season, so Cancellieri has all the chances to take the spot.
Niccolò Cambiaghi
After his return from a cruciate ligament injury, Cambiaghi has always taken the field with Bologna: both as a substitute and as a starter. Ndoye's departure frees up a lot of space for the forward who, now, in front of him no longer has an immovable starter but only teammates with whom to compete for the spot.
Alieu Fadera
The issue of Fadera at Sassuolo is a separate chapter: the presence of Laurienté is totalizing on the left flank and that of Berardi is not in question on the right. However, if Laurienté were to leave, then there would be more space for Fadera (also observing how Sassuolo will move in the market). The winger won't bring many bonuses but listed as a midfielder can always come in handy.
Norton-Cuffy
The Genoa full-back competes for the spot with Sabelli but the push that Norton-Cuffy can offer is appreciated by the coach, in fact in the friendly against Villarreal he started as a starter. The Englishman is a profile that can be bought for a few credits and can bring some satisfaction.
Michel Adopo
The replacement for Makoumbou at Cagliari is certainly Michel Adopo, redeemed for 4 million from Atalanta. The new coach Pisacane has almost always lined him up as a starter in the pre-season: a clear signal ahead of the season. He is not a bonus man but, potentially, a sure vote.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
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Category: General Sports