The return of the Premier League will also signal the return of Fantasy Premier League (FPL).
Managers across the country will be frantically building their squads ahead of Gameweek 1, and a great way of getting an edge over your rivals is by finding out-of-position players.
A player classified as a defender in the game, playing in midfield is gold dust for an FPL manager. Meanwhile, the holy grail is a player down as a midfielder being used as a forward.
Using the Athletic as a reference, here are some of the best out-of-position players in the FPL ahead of the upcoming season.
Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold (£8.0million) is the obvious first choice as a potential game-breaker. Jurgen Klopp tweaked his system last term, with Alexander-Arnold moving into midfield as an introverted wing-back.
Indeed, in his 10 games operating in the position Alexander-Arnold claimed one goal and seven assists, and it is likely Jurgen Klopp will continue to play the England international in the specialised role on occasion this season.Meanwhile, Manchester City’s John Stones (£5.5million), played as a defensive midfielder in the latter stages of the season, including in the FA Cup and Champions League finals.
A natural centre-back, it is likely Guardiola will continue to play Stones in that position this season. However, rotation is always a concern with City.
Elsewhere Sheffield United should start the season in a 3-5-2, which means George Baldock (£4.0million) will be a central cog in his side’s attacks, while, Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan (£5.0million) is among the most attacking full-backs in the Premier League, contributing one goal and seven assists in the 2022-23 season.
Midfielders
A few players listed as midfielders are likely to play up front at various points this term. The six players cited by the Athletic are Kai Havertz (£7.5million), Bryan Mbeumo (£6.5m), Julio Enciso (£5.5m), Diogo Jota (£8.0m), Brennan Johnson (£6.0m) and Richarlison (£7.0m).
Meanwhile, with Rasmus Hojlund injured for the start of the season Marcus Rashford (£9.0million) will likely to operate up front for at least a few games.
The winger played as United’s centre-forward on eight occasions from New Year on, scoring five goals in that time.
Forwards
The two players that have been reclassified as forwards in the game for this season are Yoane Wissa (£6million) of Brentford and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo (£7.5million).
Wissa will likely lead the line for the first half of the season, with Ivan Toney suspended. He excelled in this role in the final three game weeks of last season netting twice and claiming one assist as Toney began his ban.
Meanwhile, Gakpo looks set to be among the favoured No 9s at Liverpool, having delivered seven goals and three assists in his 17 Premier League last season.
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