Countdown to the New Season
As football enthusiasts begin the countdown to the next Fantasy Premier League (FPL) season — just 78 days away — it’s a fitting time to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the recently concluded 2024-25 season. Analysts Holly Shand and Abdul Rehman took a deep dive into the season’s highlights, reevaluating their standout players and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
Highlighting Standout Performances
One player consistently lauded throughout this review is Mohamed Salah. Despite being overshadowed by Erling Haaland at the season’s start, Salah not only exceeded expectations but also shattered the FPL points record with an impressive total of 344 points, surpassing his previous best of 303 from the 2017-18 season. Scoring 29 goals coupled with 18 assists, Salah’s contributions matched records held by legends Andy Cole and Alan Shearer, but with fewer matches played.
Shand noted that while Salah’s performance dipped toward the season’s end, his overall consistency makes him a focal point for the upcoming 2025-26 season, especially with Liverpool’s early fixtures considered. Rehman expressed a similar sentiment, emphasizing how Salah’s reliability has made him an invaluable asset in fantasy play. Having missed out on Salah during the beginning of the season, Rehman acquired him later on, quickly observing a turnaround in his team’s fortune.
Disappointments in the Season
On the flip side, the season also produced its share of disappointments. Shand highlighted Cole Palmer as a prime example. After a promising start with Chelsea last season, Palmer’s performance faltered this year. Initially, he delivered substantial points, particularly a remarkable 25-point game against Brighton, but stumbled into a prolonged drought that ultimately led to a disappointing season total. Despite the sheer promise Palmer showcased, Shand lamented over his lack of returns that left a bitter taste.
Rehman also shared his frustrations with Ismaila Sarr, who failed to produce any returns during the 14 gameweeks he was part of Rehman’s squad. His performance improved immediately after being sold, illustrating the maddening unpredictability that comes with managing a fantasy team.
Success Stories and Future Insights
Conversely, Shand found success by sticking with Jacob Murphy, who emerged as a standout player from Newcastle, delivering significant goal contributions and enabling a successful fantasy strategy. While Murphy stayed under the radar for much of the season, his value increased during critical matchweeks. Such successes and failures highlight the fluctuating nature of FPL, where form and fixtures play a crucial role.
Amidst their reflections on individual players, both Shand and Rehman shared thoughts on the upcoming season with great anticipation. Leeds United, fresh from their Championship title victory, appear to have created a buzz with their formidable performance, making them a key focus for managers looking ahead. They praised players like Joel Piroe and Manor Solomon for their potential contributions, particularly in light of transfers that could influence Leeds’s offensive capabilities.
Additionally, excitement is brewing around players with potential to soar next season. Shand posited Bukayo Saka as a dark horse contender, potentially outperforming established stars like Salah and Haaland if he can avoid injuries. On the other hand, Rehman forecasted that Cole Palmer could bounce back dramatically, potentially finishing as the season’s top scorer if Chelsea’s squad improvement continues.
The Essence of FPL
Both analysts encapsulated the essence of FPL: the balance between strategic planning, embracing unpredictability, and learning from both triumphs and setbacks. With valuable insights gleaned from their last season, managers are looking forward to tackling new challenges as the 2025-26 Premier League season looms closer.
