The Bundesliga is making its return this upcoming Friday, and along with it, the revamped Fantasy game is ready to roll! Are you wondering which players should be your top picks to gain an edge? Worry not, as bundesliga.com has got you covered.
For every position within the game – goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards – our scout has pinpointed a must-have choice and an intriguing differential option that’s more likely to help you gain an advantage. This season, with the flexibility of five transfers per matchday, you have ample room for maneuvering.
Goalkeeper
Must-have
Frederik Rönnow (Union Berlin), 9M
Among active Bundesliga goalkeepers last season, only Wolfsburg’s Koen Casteels had more points than Union Berlin’s Frederik Rönnow (203 vs. 191). Surprisingly, Rönnow is the seventh-most expensive goalkeeper in this season’s game at just 9M. With a potentially busy game against Mainz on Sunday, and Union Berlin being favored to win, selecting him is almost a no-brainer.
Differential
Marcel Schuhen (Darmstadt), 5M
Marcel Schuhen had an impressive 77.4% save percentage for shots on his goal last season. Although goalkeeper points aren’t multiplied by stars like outfield players, it’s wise not to overspend on goalkeepers. The cheapest reliable starters come in at 5M, and among them, Darmstadt’s Schuhen stands out for having the highest save percentage in Bundesliga 2 last season. Facing Eintracht Frankfurt should keep him busy, which is a good thing for your Fantasy points.
Defender
Must-have
Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen), 14M
Jeremie Frimpong was last season’s highest-scoring defender in Fantasy with a remarkable 305 points. Despite interest from clubs both domestically and abroad, he’s chosen to stay with Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Even against tricky opponents like RB Leipzig, Frimpong’s eight goals and seven assists last season suggest his attacking contributions will outweigh any defensive challenges.
Differential
Pascal Stenzel (VfB Stuttgart), 4M
With Josha Vagnoman’s foot injury sidelining him until mid-September, Pascal Stenzel is poised to claim an uninterrupted role as VfB Stuttgart’s right-back. As an attacking presence on the flank, Stenzel offers more going forward than the popular budget option Ivan Ordets from Bochum, yet both carry the same 4M price tag. Facing Bochum at home is a fixture that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Midfielder
Must-have
Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), 15M
Jamal Musiala earned 293 points last season while categorized – arguably inaccurately – as a forward. Now designated as a midfielder in Fantasy, each goal and assist he contributes will result in more points. With another year of experience under his belt, and considering he registered 22 goal-involvements last season, his potential is enticing.
Differential
Dani Olmo (RB Leipzig), 14M
Leipzig’s Dani Olmo has mirrored Musiala’s positional shift, transitioning from a forward last season to a midfielder this season. Despite missing 18 games due to injury last season, Olmo still tallied 156 Fantasy points. A recent Supercup hat-trick against Bayern indicates he’s regained form and fitness at a critical juncture. Additionally, his ownership is currently only at seven percent.
Forward
Must-have
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), 13.5M
Harry Kane stands as one of the world’s premier strikers, and he’s a standout choice for Bundesliga Fantasy. With few players capable of filling Robert Lewandowski’s shoes at Bayern, England’s record goalscorer could fit the bill. Kane’s opening match against Werder Bremen offers a favorable fixture, and to sweeten the deal, his price has dropped to 13.5M from 15M before the Bundesliga kickoff.
Differential
Niclas Füllkrug (Werder Bremen), 14M
Up against Kane and Bayern is another striker worth considering: Niclas Füllkrug. As last season’s joint-top scorer in the Bundesliga with 15 goals, Füllkrug tallied the second-most points among forwards after Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani (276 vs. 307). While Friday’s opponents might deter some managers, Bayern’s Supercup loss to Leipzig hints that their defensive solidity might still be a work in progress.
By – Sahiba Suri