The Scout reviews each position after 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League to highlight lessons from the season and players to consider next term.
Goalkeeper
So often a strong source of value for Fantasy managers, the goalkeeper position was dominated by premium-priced No 1s in 2021/22.
Liverpool's Alisson finished as the top-scoring 'keeper on 176 points, having cost £6.0m at the beginning of the campaign.
Indeed only one of the 11 top-scoring goalkeepers, Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale, started under £5.0m.
Priced at £4.5m in Gameweek 4 after arriving from Sheffield United, Ramsdale quickly became the go-to budget 'keeper.
He earned 2.9million+ transfers in, over 1m more than any other goalkeeper pick.
Having finished as the sixth top-scoring 'keeper on 135 points, Ramsdale will certainly be priced higher at the start of 2022/23.
Managers looking for value next season could instead consider Brentford's David Raya.
Most points per match 2021/22*
| Goalkeeper | Pts/match | Total pts | GKP rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alisson | 4.9 | 176 | 1 |
| Lloris | 4.2 | 158 | 2 |
| Ederson | 4.2 | 155 | 3 |
| Ramsdale | 4.0 | 135 | 6 |
| Guaita | 4.0 | 119 | 13 |
| Raya | 4.0 | 95 | 17 |
*Minimum five appearances
Raya's average of 4.0 points per match (ppm) was identical to that of Ramsdale and was bettered by only three other regular starters in goal.
Raya was limited to only 24 appearances due to injury, totalling 95 points.
He kept eight clean sheets, also collecting 20 save points and five bonus points.
Yet having placed 17th among goalkeepers, there is a strong chance Raya will again start next season at a cost of only £4.5m.
❌ @daviidraya1 ❌ https://t.co/5XkxwZPosz pic.twitter.com/PHxAKIiWXy
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) June 1, 2022
Vicente Guaita also averaged 4.0ppm in Crystal Palace's first campaign under Patrick Vieira.
The Eagles impressed in defence with the Frenchman in charge, with their 12 clean sheets and 46 goals conceded ranking sixth and seventh respectively.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka could be a budget rotation option next term.
He averaged 4.5ppm under Eddie Howe at home, compared with only 2.9ppm on the road.
Also in this series
Part 2: Five-man defences the way forward?
Part 3: Spurs wing-backs to be key targets
Part 4: De Bruyne and Son to challenge Salah's No 1 spot
Part 5: Guimaraes can flourish in first full season
Part 6: Premium forwards essential for 2022/23?
Part 7: All-rounder Toney can push on