Success in FPL requires a deep understanding of the game, player statistics, and the ability to make strategic transfers. However, there’s an intriguing phenomenon at play – being popular among FPL managers can sometimes feel like a curse for Premier League players.
The Curse of Popularity
In the FPL world, managers eagerly scan player statistics, scrutinising every performance, and anticipating the next breakout star. They make calculated transfers, hoping to boost their team’s points tally. However, the moment a player becomes the most-bought, the “FPL curse” often strikes.
A Look at the Numbers
Let’s examine the recent FPL data to understand this peculiar curse better. In the last five Gameweeks, we’ve seen a pattern emerge where the most-bought players fail to deliver.
Gameweek 2: Ben Chilwell was transferred in by a staggering 690,937 managers but managed to secure only one point against West Ham United.
Gameweek 3: Bryan Mbeumo was the talk of the FPL town after 3 goals in the opening 2 games, with 1,186,530 managers bringing him into their squads. Yet, he could only muster two points against Crystal Palace.
Gameweek 4: Raheem Sterling, a household name, enticed 1,294,608 managers to invest in him after his brace vs Luton. Sadly, he produced just two points against Nottingham Forest.
Gameweek 5: Son Heung-min, a beloved FPL asset, attracted 921,945 managers, hoping for a scoring spree against Sheffield United. Alas, he managed only two points.
Gameweek 6: Julian Alvarez of Manchester City was the latest victim of this curse. He was signed by a staggering 1.38 million managers, making him the most-bought player. The Argentinian, however, returned only one point in a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
A Total of Eight Points
In total, the five players who have been the most transferred-in over the past five Gameweeks have amassed a mere eight points between them. This raises a perplexing question: Why does FPL popularity often result in underwhelming performances on the pitch?
The Pressure of Expectations
One possible explanation for the FPL curse is the immense pressure and expectations placed on these players. When hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of FPL managers invest in a player, the weight of their expectations can be overwhelming. Every missed chance, misplaced pass, or off-day is magnified, intensifying the pressure on the player.
Tactical Adjustments
Another factor contributing to this phenomenon is the tactical adjustments made by opposing teams. When a player becomes an FPL sensation, they inevitably attract the attention of opposing managers and defenders. These defenders devise strategies to neutralize the player’s impact on the game, making it harder for them to score points.
The Element of Luck
In football, as in FPL, there’s always an element of luck involved. Players can have an outstanding game and still not register FPL points due to a missed penalty or an unfortunate deflection. Conversely, a player with a quiet performance might get an unexpected assist or goal.
The Psychology of FPL Managers
FPL managers are a passionate and superstitious bunch. They often follow trends, hunches, and gut feelings when making transfers. When a player is deemed a “must-have,” they rush to acquire them, hoping to tap into the player’s success. However, this collective action can sometimes backfire, as the pressure of living up to the “must-have” status becomes overwhelming for the player.
The curse of FPL popularity is a fascinating yet perplexing aspect of the virtual football world. While FPL managers strive to gain an edge by predicting the next big thing, their fervor can inadvertently burden the very players they seek to exploit for points. This phenomenon highlights the intricate relationship between real-life performance and virtual expectations, adding an extra layer of complexity to the world of Fantasy Premier League. As FPL managers continue to navigate this ever-evolving landscape, they must tread carefully, remembering that in this unpredictable game, even the most popular players can fall victim to the enigmatic FPL curse.
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