Cash strapped? 5 bargain strikers to balance your Dream Team after splashing out on Erling Haaland
ERLING Haaland (£8.5m) dominated Dream Team last season.
It’s therefore understandable that, at the time of writing, the Norwegian poacher features in 85.5% of teams created ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
But Manchester City’s No9 comes at a cost, at £8.5m he’s a full £1.5m more expensive than the next-most costly player.
Backing Haaland means budgetary concessions will have to be made elsewhere and so we’ve assembled five bargain strikers for your consideration.
Nicolas Jackson (£2.5m)
This suggestion hinges on whether or not Chelsea get another centre-forward through the door before the transfer window closes.
However, given that you are free to make as many changes to your XI as you like before Gameweek 1 gets underway, why not see how the Blues’ new signing looks up top at just £2.5m?
Jackson averaged a goal or assist every 99.9 minutes in La Liga for Villarreal last season.
The 22-year-old Senegal international predominantly plays through the middle, a position Chelsea have struggled with for a while now, but he can play wide on either flank as well.
Christopher Nkunku (£4m) is the most high-profile attacking arrival at Stamford Bridge this summer and while the Frenchman can lead the line, he’s often more comfortable playing off a more traditional striker.
Essentially, there’s a chance Jackson could get plenty of minutes up front and if Mauricio Pochettino can get Chelsea purring again then £2.5m will look a very generous starting price indeed.
Brennan Johnson (£3m)
Ten goals and three assists may seem like nothing more than a respectable 2022/23 tally but those figures don’t do justice to the Welshman’s overall performances.
For a long time, Johnson’s partnership with Morgan Gibbs-White (£3m) was the be all and end all of Nottingham Forest’s attack but, such was the effectiveness of their dovetail, Steve Cooper’s side staved off relegation through some gutsy performances at home.
The 22-year-old’s dynamic play style should see him benefit from Dream Team’s new scoring system.
He would have plundered 176 points in 2022/23 had the new process been implemented – serious value for money.
Evan Ferguson (£3m)
Brighton’s teenage talent is a rotation risk as he recently admitted that he’ll probably have to share playing time with the other strikers but he’s got all the attributes to establish himself at the top of Roberto De Zerbi’s pecking order.
Ferguson averaged a goal every 134.4 minutes in all competitions last season, aided by the fact he’s more physically developed than your average 18-year-old.
The Seagulls play enterprising, attacking football which ensures plenty of chances for the centre-forward.
With European fixtures to bolster his schedule, the Irish starlet should have ample opportunities to show his abilities in the coming months.
Carlton Morris (£2.5m)
Having paid his dues in the lower leagues, Luton’s No9 found another gear last season, scoring 20 Championship goals to help his side to the promised land of the top flight.
Only three players scored more goals than Morris in the second tier last term.
In recent years, several forwards have successfully transferred their Championship form to the Premier League – Patrick Bamford scored 17 league goals upon Leeds’ promotion, Ivan Toney thrived prior to his lengthy suspension, and Aleksandar Mitrovic was almost a must-have in Dream Team at times in 2022/23, particularly during the first few Gameweeks.
Gaffers may be hesitant of backing of newly-promoted striker but there’s value to be had if done wisely and Morris may well fit the bill – keep an eye on his early returns.
Joao Pedro (£2m)
Much of what applied to Ferguson is relevant here too but with the added bonus that Brighton’s new signing costs just £2m!
Dream Team bosses will know Pedro from his exploits with Watford, though in truth he was hampered by the Hornets’ chaotic nature.
Now 21 years old, the Brazilian will get the chance to strut his stuff amid better team-mates, in a cohesive, exciting set-up.
Minutes are a concern but his price tag makes him an enticing option for those in need of a genuine bargain.