Michael Keane’s transfer to Everton should be welcomed by Fantasy Premier League managers.
The towering centre-back will boost Everton's defence, particularly in the air.
Good for bonus
Keane won more aerial duels (154) than any other defender last season.
Overall, he won 65.8% of his challenges in the air, bettering Everton’s top ranked defender, Phil Jagielka (62.4%).
That dominance helped to improve Keane's FPL returns for clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBI) – a key statistic in the Bonus Points System.
Keane’s total of 366 CBI placed fourth among Fantasy defenders last season. It was just four behind new team-mate Ashley Williams (370) in third.
FPL security
Everton manager Ronald Koeman was undecided over his preferred centre-back partnership in 2016/17.
He handed Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori 25 and 16 starts respectively.
But a pairing with Keane and Williams now looks the most likely outcome.
The Toffees ranked fifth for clean sheets (13) and conceded only 44 goals, a total bettered by only five other sides.
Keane in attack
Keane’s threat to opponents at set-pieces will also be key to his Fantasy appeal.
He ranked top for ICT Threat among defenders in 2016/17.
He scored twice for Burnley, recording 23 goal attempts and 65 touches in the penalty area.
Spoiled for choice
There is no shortage of options in the Toffees’ defence.
Everton boast three of the 11 top-scoring FPL defenders from last season: Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman and Williams.
But Keane’s potential to reward his owners with both bonus points and goals gives him an edge.
Early enthusiasm will be dampened by Everton's punishing opening fixtures.
But their schedule improves from Gameweek 6 on, and Koeman's men will then demand investment.
Likely to be priced at £5.5m, Keane’s arrival at Goodison Park could just be one of the most significant trades of the summer for Fantasy managers.
Everton's first five Gameweeks
| GW | Opponent |
|---|---|
| 1 | Stoke City (h) |
| 2 | Man City (a) |
| 3 | Chelsea (a) |
| 4 | Spurs (h) |
| 5 | Man Utd (a) |