Fantasy Premier League

FPL signings: White increases Tierney potential

By The Scout 2 Aug 2021
White and Tierney, Arsenal

The Scout on why Arsenal’s new defender can boost left-back’s prospects at both ends of the pitch

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The Scout looks at the Fantasy Premier League potential of the summer signings ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Ben White (ARS) £4.5m

The centre-back’s arrival at Arsenal can improve the appeal of the club's key defenders in Fantasy this season.

White was a major influence in defence for Brighton & Hove Albion last term.

The Seagulls kept 12 clean sheets, the joint-fifth best record in the Premier League.

White's 22 blocks were a team-leading total for Brighton, while his 62 interceptions were bettered only by the 64 of midfielder Yves Bissouma (£4.5m).

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While that suggests White's departure may be bad news for Brighton’s defence, he will boost an Arsenal backline that impressed last season.

The Gunners matched Brighton's 12 clean sheets, while their total of 39 goals conceded was bettered by only Manchester City and Chelsea, with 32 and 36 respectively.

In particular, White’s signing could profit forward-thinking left-back Kieran Tierney (£5.0m).

The Scot was Arsenal’s most attacking defender last term, combining a goal and four assists with eight clean sheets over his 26 starts. 

Assist potential

The underlying numbers highlight Tierney’s impact on Arsenal's attack.

His 125 crosses ranked second for Mikel Arteta’s side in 2020/21, while his 31 chances created placed third.

Tierney's highlights

Encouragingly, the Gunners' early schedule gives Tierney the chance to immediately make his mark.

According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings, Arsenal's encounters with Brentford, Norwich City and Burnley in the first five Gameweeks all score just two.

When his improved potential for clean sheets is combined with his attacking displays, Tierney can warrant the extra outlay as Arsenal's go-to defender this season.

Also in this series

Part 1: Clinical Daka adds to Leicester options
Part 2: Sancho will give managers midfield dilemma
Part 4: What Ings' arrival means for Watkins
Part 5: Grealish can boost De Bruyne’s output
Part 6: Lukaku could shake up Fantasy teams
Part 7: Varane boosts Shaw and Fernandes

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