Fantasy Football 2024: Crucial start sit decisions for Week 5

He is currently playing at Inter Miami, where he has made impressive results in the MLS. When looking at Messi’s individual accomplishments, it’s hard to look at anything else than the shining Ballon d’Or 1st place. Valuing a player is currently an arbitrary process where teams, players and representatives simply estimate what they are worth. Together with SciSports, FT aims to use advanced football data, current and future skill level as well as contract length and other details to create our unique internal calculation. From there we derive our own valuation for each and every player in the world’s major football competitions.

• A midseason ranking will also include true freshmen for the first time — so prepare for the slotting of studs like Jeremiah Smith and Ryan Williams.
• Whether it’s Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior or Jude Bellingham, the Brazilian hasn’t always claimed the plaudits he deserves.
• The 18-year-old centre-back has been pulling up trees in France this season already and is one of the key components behind Lille’s hugely impressive form and defensive record.
• Known for his mesmerising dribbling, speed and clinical finishing, Kylian Mbappe has been one of the premier players on an awesome France national team in recent years.
• He had a couple of seasons at Barcelona that weren’t exactly impressive when looking at his former achievements.
• He is not an all-action terrier, he won’t pitch in with the dirty work, but to count that against him is to miss the point entirely.

Lionel Messi

They are, of course, only a selection of the players at the top level on the global football scene. The next year will show whether they can keep their ranking at the top of the list or whether other top players will make their way to the list. The award celebrates the best 11 players in the world each year, and gives players who don’t have a realistic shot at winning the overall award, primarily defensive players, recognition for their work on the pitch. The appreciation and acclaim of Garrett continues as the Top 100’s highest-ranked defender. Cleveland’s daunting edge rusher was invincible through the first 11 games, securing 13.0 of his 14.0 season sacks during a span that included a memorable showcase of dominance against the Colts in Week 7.

Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

For the first time in over a decade, we were sincerely forced to ponder our No.1 selection. In-line with other players sliding down the rankings due to the standard of their current league, Lionel Messi’s reign at No.1 has drawn to an end, though he still remains a worthy entrant in this esteemed list. RadioTimes.com brings you our definitive list of the best football players in the world in 2024. Lists like these are generally a celebration of the glamorous side of sports, featuring players who most anticipated would be stars and lived up to the billing from a young age.

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Right-back was never the most glamorous position, but the game’s many evolutions have seen it become a thrilling and unpredictable spot on the pitch. The best in the game will marry a strong positional awareness with blinding speed, as well as the daring to surge forward and support their teams in attack. This year’s ballot had over 50 entries from all over the globe and from all areas of ESPN FC; from writers to reporters, from editors to producers, from behind-the-scenes staff to on-air talent. Gab Marcotti, Julien Laurens, Mark Ogden and Alejandro Moreno were just some of the key voters. Our rankings are divided into four lists and give readers the closest thing to a position-by-position « depth chart » across world soccer.

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It’s hard to believe he is just 23 years of age, but not long ago he was that teenage sensation starring at Red Bull Salzburg. A move to RB Leipzig and back-to-back 10-goal seasons resulted in the transfer to Liverpool last summer. He’s been part of a rebuilt Reds midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, and the versatile Hungary international can play wide or centrally. He has the ability to beat a defender one-on-one or deliver clinical vertical passes, while also showing he can put the right amount of touch on a through ball. Watt returned with a vengeance in 2023 following an injury-riddled season that temporarily halted his historic sack-collecting pace.

Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City

The Premier League is shaping up nicely, with an exciting title race, a surprise contender in Aston Villa, some big clubs underperforming and new boys Luton Town faring better than many expected. A breakout tournament from Foden may be the extra weapon they need up front to finally end their Euros title drought. The Belgian was almost unstoppable in the second half of the season for City and is on form at the right time with Euro 2024 beginning mid-June. Apart from his impressive statistics, the 20-year-old’s leadership qualities and winning mentality have earned him the status of a hero among the Bernabeu faithful. Depending on how Euro 2024 goes for Bellingham and England, he could well make the jump from Golden Boy to Ballon d’Or winner in the space of a year.

Ruben Dias — Center Back, Manchester City

They’ve now held the Buccaneers and Jets to seven and nine points over the last two weeks. The Ravens are very much a pass-funnel defense, as they rank 21st in EPA against the pass, but sixth in EPA against the run. Last week they completely shut down James Cook, who had four touchdowns in his last two games. Moss is the receiving back here, which helps him, but Chase Brown is going to continue to cut into his work after putting up a great game against the Panthers last week.

FIFA makes calls on CWC, Israel-Palestine

Continuously evaluate your rosterContinuously evaluate your roster throughout the season and make adjustments as needed. Be willing to drop underperforming players or make changes to your lineup if necessary. Monitor the waiver wireKeep an eye on the waiver wire and be ready to pick up players who may be undervalued or overlooked by other teams. Use our waiver wire assistant to view optimal lineups, waiver and trade suggestions, and league analysis.

READ MORE ON THE BEST 25 PLAYERS FOR EVERY POSITION IN WORLD FOOTBALL

But Baltimore’s star playmaker continued to be a marvel with his impulsive act, leading all QBs with 821 rushing yards (5.5 yards per carry; five TDs) as he powered the Ravens to an NFL-best 13 wins. It resulted in Jackson, 27, winning his second Most Valuable Player award, which makes him the second-youngest player to accomplish the feat. Jackson’s 70-spot jump from last year’s Top 100 ranking is the biggest improvement in 2023’s edition, and his talent ceiling is only rising after an enhanced showing. Mahomes, two-time holder of the Top 100’s No. 1 spot, is seemingly chasing his otherworldly accomplishments of season’s past at this point. The two-time MVP’s 4,183 passing yards and 27 touchdowns this past season neared his career-low totals of 2019, but those figures would be the magnum opus for many NFL quarterbacks of today and yesteryear.

Past winners of The Best FIFA Men’s Player award and FIFA World Player of the Year

Fans also have the chance to cast their votes for The Best FIFA Men’s and Women’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s and Women’s Coach and The Best FIFA Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper awards. The voting for the FIFA Puskas Award, for example, sees fans vote online for one of the 11 finalists drawn up by a panel of experts, with a final trio then decided. Haaland has been penalised as Norway did not qualify for Euro 2024, while Man City were knocked out of the Champions League in the quarter finals.

• Defenders are often left with the only recourse being to hack him down as his foul-winning ability is one of the best around.
• The best goalkeeper in the world, the second best player in this particular writer’s rankings, has been done dirty elsewhere in the voting pool, just because he wears gloves on his hands.
• Valuing a player is currently an arbitrary process where teams, players and representatives simply estimate what they are worth.
• Athapaththu has made 246 international appearances since her debut – at the age of 19 – in the T20 World Cup in 2006 and boasts a wealth of experience in franchise T20 cricket as well.
• He’s unlikely to match last season’s incredible tally but it won’t be for want of trying.
• It has proven to be an inspired decision, with the Frenchman seemingly capable of doing absolutely everything.’The sky is the limit’ is a cliché often overused in football when describing a player’s talent, yet somehow that may not do Saliba justice.
• So, if you are looking to throw a few bucks down on the big games, I’ve got you covered.
• There is, however, no greater affirmation of Rodri’s quality than the sheer difficulty Spain and Manchester City had losing in a low-scoring, high variance sport when the most authoritative midfielder was on the field.
• Wake is 1-3, but two of its losses were decided by a combined four points against similarly talented teams in Virginia and UL Lafayette.

Rodri (Manchester City)

The cool-headed Indian star was one of the leading performers at the Women’s Hundred tournament in England, where her monstrous six-off sealed the title for London Spirit. The Vikings defense is good, but they have allowed 22 receptions to tight ends, ranking them sixth-worst. Conklin isn’t going to blow anyone’s socks off, but he has caught nine of 15 targets over the last two games and should be in line for another shot at a decent workload this week. Cooper has had some bad drops this season, but he’s getting open and getting targets, which is about all you need when facing the Commanders secondary. Washington has allowed 10 passing touchdowns to wide receivers and intercepted no passes. The Jets defense is solid, but they have been more effective against the pass than the run.

FootballTransfers (FT) is a project designed to fulfill the massive interest in the transfer market and provide a realistic, algorithmically-driven valuation of football players. The FIFA Fair Play award recognises exemplary behaviour that promotes fair play, sportsmanship and compassion in football. It can be awarded to a player, a coach, a team, fans or even entire footballing communities. Just as with The FIFA Best Men’s Player, there is an award for the best female player each calendar year as well. It started in 2001, 10 years after the men’s award was introduced, and brings more recognition and attention to women’s football. No matter where, no matter when, no matter how, Robert Lewandowski continues to score goals at a frightening rate.

SRB v CRO – Men’s Gold Medal Match Water Polo Olympic Games Paris 2024

Man Utd’s season has been far from dreamy, but one shining light has been midfielder Mainoo. The promising prodigy has a ridiculously low £8m release clause in his contract, and as such Boca currently trying to tie him to a new contract in order to maximise the fee they receive. However, such a valuation has interested the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Brighton, all of whom are eyeing a move for Barco. Liverpool have been touted with an interest in the youngster as they continue to explore the Bundesliga market, and Beier reportedly has a release clause of just £26m inserted in his current contract. The French Under-21 international has been linked with some of the top clubs in Europe, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool in the Premier League, as well as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain on the continent. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.

Sunderland’s youth playing beyond years

Should we give more weight to performances in major competitions like the World Cup and the Champions League? If there is a player who excelled in the Champions League (think Divock Origi a few years ago) but was ordinary in the league, he probably shouldn’t be in your ranking. A leg-spinner of great promise, the 25-year-old has already claimed 54 T20 wickets at an average of 15 in 53 matches for Scotland. Maqsood’s contributions https://st-bet.net/ could elevate the Scottish team to the next level, especially given the spinner-friendly conditions in the UAE. The dependable spinner could turn this World Cup into a breakthrough international tournament for herself and her country, who are making their T20 World Cup debut. All 10 teams will rely on the experience of their big-name players to lead them all the way to glory in the October 20 final in Dubai.

• Warren is a jack of all trades for Penn State, even playing wildcat quarterback and throwing touchdown passes.
• There is no one in the world who can find the back of the net like Kane while also setting up their teammates and even with chaos surrounding him he was consistently excellent for Bayern Munich.
• Messi continues to dominate games – both subtly and explicitly – for club and country.
• Easily the best defensive midfielder in the world, he’s quickly become the best midfielder, and now best player.
• It’s hard to believe he is just 23 years of age, but not long ago he was that teenage sensation starring at Red Bull Salzburg.

Harry Kane

Iowa has been shut out against the last three ranked teams it has faced, and if the Hawkeyes fall behind here, they are not equipped to come back. Ohio State has playmakers all over the place, and the Buckeyes will put up a big number in advance of the game at Autzen next week. NC State got the win against NIU last week but had just 171 yards, were plus-4 in turnovers and got a non-offensive touchdown. Wake is 1-3, but two of its losses were decided by a combined four points against similarly talented teams in Virginia and UL Lafayette. You could hold out in hopes of a six here as well, as I think you might see one. The attacking midfielder, who has made five appearances for River Plate’s senior side, and looks all set to join Man City in January.

• You could hold out in hopes of a six here as well, as I think you might see one.
• It resulted in Jackson, 27, winning his second Most Valuable Player award, which makes him the second-youngest player to accomplish the feat.
• The Portuguese midfielder has really come into his own over the last season, becoming an integral part of a Paris Saint-Germain team that made it to the semifinals of the Champions League while also winning Ligue 1 and the French Cup.
• If the Hogs can protect Taylon Green, there’s a chance they can hang around here.
• Jordan Henderson is another Liverpool legend who left for the Saudi league in the summer of 2023.
• It took Anthony Gordon a while to get going after his acrimonious departure from Everton for £40 million last January.

Meet the ball boy starring with Harry Kane, who could be a Euro wildcard and upset Alonso

Expect more trophies to follow for the little fellow with a big heart – and a bank balance swelled to the tune of £21m a year. Henderson is now the highest paid English footballer in history and still has hopes of making the Euro 2024 squad. The Senegalese striker will always have the affection of Liverpool fans for his role in their Premier League and Champion League triumphs alongside Mo Salah and Robert Firmino. Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer in history and naturally his salary reflects his status. Despite frequently stating his desire to play for Real Madrid, Mbappe opted against joining the Spanish giants and instead committed his future to Paris in a deal that apparently gives him control over coaching appointments and player recruitment. Neymar Jr’s sensational transfer from PSG to Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal has made the Brazilian the highest paid footballer in the world – and by some margin.

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Most sports journeys, though, are not linear but a lengthy road to landing in the right place at the right time can be a triumphant one. Look no further than their UEFA Champions League campaign, when they made a surprise run to the quarterfinals despite drawing Serie A champions Inter in the round of 16. Oblak was one of the best goalkeepers in Europe last season, making 38 saves — the fourth-most in the competition — and posting a 74.5% save percentage, behind only Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel. It was not just his stability that helped Atleti reach the last eight, either. He was arguably one of the heroes of their round of 16 triumph, making two stops in a penalty shootout as the Spanish side overcame a 2-0 aggregate disadvantage to force spot kicks.

Vinicius Junior has just delivered for Real Madrid in the biggest game in football, again. Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe continue to top the continent’s scoring charts. Just like their counterparts on the opposite flank, the best left-backs combine pace and intelligence to be a threat in attack or in defense.

When considering a possible drop in touches while also facing a team that is one of the top run defenses, the stars are not aligning for Moss. After starring in Ligue 1 with Lyon, Ferland Mendy departed for Real Madrid in 2019 and made an immediate impact. But he’s stepped up when it has mattered most and his well-rounded skill set means he’s one of the most complete left-backs in the world. Wendell was a late bloomer on the international scene, only making his Brazil debut in 2024. It did, however, come just in time to play as his country’s first choice left-back at that year’s Copa America.He has garnered attention for his role in Porto’s recent dominance in Portugal and could add to his trophy cabinet during the twilight of his career. Be prepared for bye weeksPlan ahead for bye weeks by having backup players ready to fill in for your starters.

• Goncalo Inacio may be the Sporting CP centre-back set for a big move this winter, but his fellow defender Diomande is certainly one to watch.
• Wingers have become a little antiquated in the modern game, but there’s still plenty of benefit to having fast, forward-thinking players in wide positions.
• A sure-handed model of consistency, Kelce was a force to be reckoned with during Kansas City’s successful run at back-to-back Super Bowls, catching 32 balls for 355 yards and three touchdowns.
• Backing the manager to the hilt is a pre-requisite for a healthy working relationship, and if Emery continues to hit the sweet spot in terms of transfer business and level of performance, there’s no reason why the good times can’t continue to roll at Villa Park.
• Lois Openda has had no issues adapting to the Eredivisie, Ligue 1 or the Bundesliga during his career so far.Now bossing it with RB Leipzig in Germany, the Belgian striker is going from strength to strength.
• Several rising megastars could justify throwing their names, their talents, their achievements into the conversation.

If the Hogs can protect Taylon Green, there’s a chance they can hang around here. Curious to see the Vols off the idle week and an emotional win at Oklahoma where the offense put up season lows. As always, I look forward to sharing my best football bets and gambling nuggets (Bear Bytes) with you all throughout the season. One of English football’s most enduring partnerships ended when Harry Kane left Tottenham Hotspur for German giants Bayern Munich.

Despite being out of action since then, Erling Haaland remains the Premier League’s joint-top goalscorer alongside Mohamed Salah. He’s unlikely to match last season’s incredible tally but it won’t be for want of trying. « Sometimes, I score a goal and get an assist but I might still be unsatisfied with myself, » Sane said earlier in the season. « I have very high demands of myself there, which I always want to meet. » While he is a key figure for Bayern, it remains to be seen how he fits in for Germany this summer with Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz potentially their first-choice front three. These are your showboats, your certain goal scorers, your free-roaming forces of nature.