The new Fantasy Premier League season is almost upon us. While you're chopping and changing your final lineups for the opening round of matches, remember that having a big name doesn't necessarily equate to being a big points earner. Case and point, Fernando Morientes.
This list commemorates the players who perhaps, unexpectedly went on an immaculate run of form to amass crucial points for teams in the Fantasy Premier League.
Andy Johnson (2004-05)
As top scorer of the Championship in the 2003-04 season, it was obvious that there was goals in the English striker. However, no one expected Johnson to finish the season in second place in the Premier League goalscoring table, just three goals behind legendary Arsenal striker Henry. Johnson scored 21 goals, which incredibly accounted for over half of his team's overall tally. This feat was made all the more impressive by the fact that Crystal Palace were relegated after placing 18th. Johnson's performances also earned him a spot on the PFA Team of the Year.
Benni McCarthy (2006-07)
The South African striker arrived at Blackburn following a lacklustre season for FC Porto. McCarthy had a rich vein of form in his first season in the English top flight, finding the net 18 times. He finished the season second in scoring charts, with only Didier Drogba outscoring him.
Elano (2007-08)
The Brazilian attacker was a relatively expensive transfer in his day but he more than made up for his inflated price tag. At least in terms of what he did for fantasy teams around the world. Elano's style highlighted the importance of picking proven penalty takers in your team. Not only did he end the season with a record of eight goals, he also made eight assists for Man City in the league.
Rory Delap (2008-09)
Does anyone remember the sensation that was the "Delap Special"? The Irishman brought the art of the long-throw assist to a whole new level. He created seven goals for Stoke City that season, all of which came from his bullet throw-ins.
Charlie Adam (2010 -11)
Adam embodied the big fish in a small pond mentality. Blackpool relied heavily on Adam's creative spark that season and nearly every one of their attacks went through the midfielder. This resulted in the Scot finding the net 12 times and making nine assists, which earned him a nomination for the PFA's Player of the Year. His best efforts couldn't stop Blackpool from being relegated but they made him a valued member of a lot of fantasy teams.
Gylfi Sigurdsson (2011-12)
The Icelandic attacking midfielder only joined the Premiership half way through the season but he made an instant impact. Sigurdsson joined the Swans on loan from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim, and after a string of impressive performances he found his way into every serious manager's fantasy team. His seven goals and three assists in 18 matches showed he didn't need much time to settle in English football.
Clint Dempsey (2011-12)
The American had always been a solid, reliable points earner in the fantasy league but in the 2011-12 season he kicked things up a notch. The striker ended with a record of 17 goals and six assists and was the joint-fourth highest scorer in the league that year. His performances earned him a lucrative transfer to Tottenham Hotspur the following season.
Christian Benteke (2012-13)
The estimated £7 million paid by Aston Villa to Genk for Benteke seems like a bargain now. The Belgian had an explosive first season in the Premiership scoring 19 goals and making four assists. With Van Persie and Suarez both having ludicrously impressive seasons, Benteke proved to be the most proficient of the so-called 'cheap forwards'.
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