FPL experts on the Scout’s panel are currently deliberating the optimal strategy for managing Kevin De Bruyne (£10.4m) following his impressive performance against Newcastle United. The Belgian midfielder made a significant impact as a substitute, contributing a goal and an assist in just 21 minutes on the pitch, resulting in a remarkable 12-point haul.
De Bruyne’s standout display has sparked discussions among FPL enthusiasts regarding the best action for including or retaining him in their fantasy squads. The experts are likely weighing factors such as his form, upcoming fixtures, and potential points returns to provide valuable insights for fantasy managers navigating this key decision in their teams. Let’s have a look at what Scout’s panel recommendations are on how to optimize your Fantasy Premier League lineup with Kevin De Bruyne.
Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
According to Lee Bonfield (@FPLFamily), Kevin De Bruyne’s stellar return to form has caught his attention, and he advocates making a move to bring in the Manchester City midfielder. Bonfield emphasizes the enticing fixture schedule for Manchester City and suggests that many Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers may have the financial flexibility to accommodate De Bruyne, especially with Mohamed Salah (£13.1m) and Son Heung-min (£9.7m) currently unavailable due to international tournaments.
While acknowledging the impending return of Salah and Son in a few weeks, Bonfield remains optimistic about De Bruyne’s potential to accumulate significant FPL points in the meantime. His advice is straightforward: seize the opportunity and make the acquisition now. This recommendation aligns with the belief that De Bruyne’s form, coupled with favorable fixtures, makes him a valuable addition to FPL squads.
Ben Crabtree (@FC_CrabDogg)
According to Ben Crabtree (@FC_CrabDogg), Fantasy Premier League managers should treat the decision to acquire Kevin De Bruyne separately from any considerations regarding Erling Haaland (£13.9m). Crabtree advises swift action in securing the Belgian midfielder and suggests purchasing without being influenced by potential decisions related to Haaland.
Crabtree emphasizes the importance of getting De Bruyne into your squad promptly. He points out that if De Bruyne maintains his excellent form even when Haaland returns, it might be beneficial to have both players in your lineup.
Selling De Bruyne later to accommodate Haaland could potentially lead to missed points, making it more prudent to secure De Bruyne now and navigate other decisions as they arise. In Short, Crabtree’s advice is clear: Buy Kevin De Bruyne now and consider the potential synergy with Erling Haaland separately.
Also Read: Salah and Kudus Could Be Back For FPL Gameweek 22 But Son Set To Remain Absent
Nick Harris (@WGTA_Nick)
Nick Harris (@WGTA_Nick) presents a compelling argument for Fantasy Premier League managers to consider acquiring Kevin De Bruyne following his impressive recent performance. Harris suggests that having a triple representation from Manchester City in FPL teams is becoming a popular strategy, with many managers also owning players like Phil Foden (£8.0m) and Julian Alvarez (£7.0m).
Harris acknowledges that while bringing in De Bruyne seems like a strong move now, tough decisions might arise in a few Gameweeks when Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min return, along with Erling Haaland. These returns could prompt challenging budget decisions for FPL managers.
Despite the anticipated complexities ahead, Harris’s advice is clear: act now and bring in Kevin De Bruyne to capitalize on his current form and the favorable Manchester City setup. The emphasis is on making strategic decisions in the present while remaining mindful of potential challenges in the future.
Pras (@Pras_FPL)
Pras (@Pras_FPL) provides a different perspective on the Kevin De Bruyne situation, cautioning Fantasy Premier League managers against making a hasty move despite the tempting display against Newcastle. He suggests that the recent match confirmed that De Bruyne may not be ready to start matches consistently.
Considering the tight schedule of Gameweeks 22 and 23 and the two closely spaced fixtures in the upcoming Double Gameweek 25, Pras advocates for patience. Instead of committing a significant portion of the budget to De Bruyne immediately, he advises waiting for a couple of Gameweeks to assess the midfielder’s readiness and ensure optimal timing for the acquisition.
In Short, Pras advises exercising restraint and delaying purchasing De Bruyne until there is more clarity on his starting role and the demanding upcoming schedule.
Mark McGettigan (@FPLGeneral)
Mark McGettigan (@FPLGeneral) brings a pragmatic approach to Fantasy Premier League decision-making, highlighting the significance of fixtures and consistent playing time. While acknowledging Manchester City‘s favorable upcoming fixtures, especially with a Double Gameweek on the horizon, McGettigan expresses reservations about relying on Kevin De Bruyne for consistent minutes.
Despite De Bruyne’s ability to deliver points in limited playing time, McGettigan leans towards favoring players who are consistently on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. As a result, he advises FPL managers to exercise caution and hold off on acquiring De Bruyne at the moment. McGettigan suggests keeping the door open for De Bruyne in the context of the Double Gameweek 25, indicating that the Belgian midfielder could be a more viable option at that stage.
In summary, McGettigan’s advice is to refrain from purchasing De Bruyne for now and consider him as a potential target when the Double Gameweek 25 approaches.
Az Phillips (@FPLBlackBox_Az)
Az Phillips (@FPLBlackBox_Az) expresses surprise at the current ownership of Kevin De Bruyne, standing at 14 percent. He highlights the substantial influx of managers, around 841,000, who transferred in De Bruyne despite the player’s admission that he was only prepared for a cameo appearance against Newcastle – a cameo that turned out to be quite impactful.
While acknowledging the enticing fixture against Burnley in the next match, Az emphasizes that De Bruyne is still in the process of building fitness. This consideration leads him to believe that the midfielder may be restricted to another spot on the bench in the upcoming fixture.
In light of these factors, Az’s advice diverges from the trend, suggesting Fantasy Premier League managers should exercise caution and refrain from acquiring De Bruyne at this moment. The focus is on De Bruyne’s ongoing fitness development and the possibility of limited playing time in the immediate future.
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily)
Sam Bonfield (@FPLFamily) acknowledges Kevin De Bruyne’s game-changing impact during the last 20 minutes against Newcastle in Gameweek 21, which made him the highest-scoring player in that Gameweek with 12 points. Despite the impressive performance, Bonfield maintains a cautious stance.
De Bruyne himself expressed post-match that he can’t currently sustain that level of intensity for more than the substitute appearance witnessed against Newcastle. This statement adds a layer of caution for Bonfield, placing De Bruyne at the top of her watchlist rather than an immediate acquisition.
The FPL expert suggests that Fantasy Premier League managers should refrain from buying De Bruyne at the moment and instead keep a close eye on his involvement in the upcoming FA Cup tie against Spurs on Friday, January 26. This strategic approach allows managers to gauge De Bruyne’s playing time and fitness development before committing.
To sum up, Bonfield’s advice is to exercise patience and monitor De Bruyne’s performance in the FA Cup tie before considering him for Fantasy Premier League squads.
Also Read: Mohamed Salah Injury: What does it mean for FPL Managers