Crystal Palace have a top-tier Dream Team asset in every position this season
CRYSTAL PALACE were soundly beaten by Manchester United in the Carabao Cup last week but the Eagles took their revenge at the weekend in fine style.
Roy Hodgson returned to Old Trafford with a full-strength XI and left with three points thanks to Joachim Andersen’s (£2.9m) winner.
The Denmark international executed his finish with uncharacteristic expertise for a centre-back and of course he was a key contributor to the visitors’ clean sheet as well.
Having been influential and both ends of the pitch, it’s no wonder Andersen departed Manchester 15 Dream Team points richer.
Dream TeamThe joy of a clean sheet[/caption]
The 27-year-old has scored two goals this season, registered three clean sheets, and his tally of seven bonus points is only bettered by six defenders at this stage.
Add in some extra points for tackles, shots on target plus appearances and Andersen has amassed 51 points overall – only Ben White (£4.3m) and Kieran Trippier (£5.5m) are above him in the rankings among defenders.
And he’s not the only Palace player punching above his weight in 2023/24.
Sam Johnstone (£1.8m) also benefited from the clean sheet at Old Trafford, his third of the campaign, to the tune of eight points.
The 30-year-old was the bargain choice among many of the elite Dream Team gaffers prior to Gameweek 1 and he’s proven to be a seriously smart selection.
Three clean sheets and countingGetty
His season total of 35 points is only bettered by three goalkeepers with Andre Onana (£3.6m) only one ahead in the rankings at the time of writing.
Factor in value-for-money and the England international undoubtedly has be considered among the top two assets in his position so far this season, alongside Nick Pope (£4.2m).
In midfield, Eberechi Eze (£3.7m) has been rubbing shoulders with the game’s most-popular stars since Gameweek 1.
Palace’s No10 is a truly brilliant dribbler and among the league’s most accurate crossers this term – a combination that has allowed him collect 22 bonus points, the most among all players.
His overall tally of 63 points put him fourth among midfielders, sandwiched between James Ward-Prowse (£4.1m) and Martin Odegaard (£5m).
GettyCollects bonus points for fun[/caption]
Up front, Odsonne Edouard (£2.9m) scored five goals before his frustratingly-timed injury.
The Frenchman missed both fixtures at Old Trafford but still he’s sixth among strikers with 53 points to his name.
Again, when value-for-money is taken into account, Edouard simply has to be considered among the best Dream Team performers in his position so far this season.
Only Erling Haaland (£8m) and Son Heung-min (£4.7m) have scored more goals in all competitions.
Whether Hodgson’s boys will be able to maintain such lofty rankings without European fixtures to bolster their schedule (they’re also out the Carabao Cup) remains to be seen but the fact Palace have a top-tier asset in every position is remarkable.
Selhurst Park is the destination of choice for gaffers in need of bargain options.
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