It's time for the next round in our Roto FC Mock Draft. If you missed the first round it went a little something like this:
1 - Cristiano Ronaldo
2 - Steven Gerrard
3 - Cesc Fabregas
4 - Fernando Torres
5 - Emmanuel Adebayor
6 - Carlos Tevez
7 - Dimitar Berbatov
8 - Petr Cech
9 - David James
10 - Edwin van der Sar
You can read the full Round 1 article here.
The Roto FC Draft snakes from round to round, hence the order of Round 1 will be reversed for Round 2, back to normal in Round 3, and so forth.
Round 2
Pick 11 - Manager 10Gael Clichy/
Defender/Arsenal
A tackling machine, Clichy racked up the most tackles (121) of any defender last season and had the second-best net tackling ratio in the League behind Javier Mascherano. An excellent defensive choice for Manager 10 to pair with Edwin Van der Sar.
Last season's ranking - 7
Pick 12 - Manager 9
Ashley Young
Forward/Aston Villa
Has come on leaps and bounds since joining Villa in 2007. Young completes a potent attacking triumvirate with Gabriel Abgonlahor and John Carew. Provides excellent service, for Carew especially, and created 63 attempts last term. As Young's game continues to progress, look for him to break double figures in scoring (9 last season).
Last season's ranking - 21
Goals like this recent Intertoto Cup effort will do very nicely indeed.
Pick 13 - Manager 8
Frank Lampard
Midfielder/Chelsea
Like his teammate Cech, if Lampard can stay fit he would be a steal in the second round. In a good year he is a top 5 fantasy scorer, but how will his place in the side be affected by the arrival of Deco?
Last season's ranking - 22
Pick 14 - Manager 7Patrice Evra
Defender/Manchester United
If Euro 2008 showed anything, it highlighted the importance of athletic full-backs who can defend and attack with confidence. Step forward Patrice Evra. The flying Frenchman is a genuine all-rounder - making the top 75 in 7 scoring categories - and an integral part of the League's stingiest defence.
Last season's ranking - 11
Pick 15 - Manager 6Nemanja Vidic
Defender/Manchester United
With Rio Ferdinand nursing an injured back, Vidic would be a wise second round choice. A rock at the back, Vidic is also a dangerous threat from set-pieces. I definitely expect him to improve on the solitary effort he notched last season.
Last season's ranking - 30
Pick 16 - Manager 5
Jose Bosingwa
Defender/Chelsea
He may not have quite the same impact as the last Jose to arrive at Stamford Bridge, but should become Chelsea's first choice right back. Bosingwa is very solid defensively and offers good forward running (see video below for evidence).
Last season's ranking - N/A
Pick 17 - Manager 4David Bentley
Midfielder/Tottenham Hotspur
Will benefit from the step up and should improve on his 6 goals in the last campaign. The only element of doubt comes from the huge depth in Tottenham's squad. Blessed with a plethora of talented midfielders, Juande Ramos may choose to rotate between Bentley and Aaron Lennon.
Last season's ranking - 17
Pick 18 - Manager 3Robbie Keane
Forward/Liverpool
Will form an intriguing partnership with Fernando Torres. Expect the Dubliner to maintain the same level of performance from last season - 15 goals, 47 attempts created. At five different clubs Keane has never broken 20 league goals in a campaign.
Last season's ranking - 13
Pick 19 - Manager 2Didier Drogba
Forward/Chelsea
Still a Chelsea player for now, Drogba only played 19 games last season because of injury and the ANC. With Steven Gerrard in the bag, Manager 2 can take a gamble on Drogba remaining at Stamford Bridge and returning to his 06/07 form that saw him notch 20 league goals.
Last season's ranking - 279
Pick 20 - Manager 1Rio Ferdinand
Defender/Manchester United
At 29 years old, it will be hard for Ferdinand to improve on last season, but expect him to maintain his status as one the best centre-halfs in the League. Excellent distribution at 84.61% accuracy. Beware of the occasional injury and Rio Brainfreeze™.
Last season's ranking - 15
What do you think of our Round 2 choices? Comment and let us know!
Stick around for Round 3, coming soon...
4 comments:
The thing with Drogba is that his scoring rate at Chelski's always been well below the elite level... he just got given SO many chances in 06/7 that he had to score a ton. Don't think an ageing Deco will be enough to bring that number of chances back. I don't even think he'll be top scorer at Chelsea next year.
Chelsea do tend to spread the goals around the team. Who are you thinking then? Lamps? Le Sulk? Surely not Sheva?
I'd be happy to have a little sidebet with you that Drogba will be Chelsea's top scorer (as long as he's still at Chelsea come the end of the transfer window).
You in? By your name, I'd say you're a gambling man.
Hard to pin it down to any one player, but I think Lampard and Anelka have a chance, Kalou could have a breakout season if Phil decides to use him correctly and I wouldn't rule out them bringing in a new player. Too many maybes to back the favourite.
I'll have that bet then - has to be worth a couple of drinks somewhere. For a man gambling against the guy who's ffith best priced to lead the league I think that's a fair stake...
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