The Scout says Brazilian defender is a big threat from set-plays but that may change next season
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When building a Fantasy Premier League squad, knowing the set-piece takers for each club can give managers the edge over mini-league rivals.
Ahead of 2019/20, The Scout analyses which players to target.
Chelsea
David Luiz’s threat from free-kicks and corners makes the Chelsea centre-back one of the standout defenders in FPL.
The Brazilian scored three goals, all from set-pieces, on his way to 164 points, more than any other Chelsea defenders this season.
His underlying statistics show why.
He placed fourth-top for attempts on goal from set-piece situations, including headers, with 29, and his nine attempts from direct free-kicks were bettered by only seven players in FPL.
David Luiz’s prospects were raised after Marcos Alonso, one of his main rivals for free-kick duties, dropped out of the Chelsea starting XI in the final months of 2018/19.
Looking ahead to next season, the future of Eden Hazard will have a significant impact on Chelsea’s threat from set-pieces.
Hazard was fouled 42 times inside the final third of the pitch, more than any player in the Premier League in 2018/19.
This meant Maurizio Sarri’s men often had free-kicks in advanced areas, boosting the appeal of their main takers, David Luiz, Willian and Alonso.
On the spot
The role as Chelsea’s first-choice penalty-taker will also be influenced by Hazard’s future.
The Belgian took four of their five spot-kicks this season, converting all of his attempts.
Jorginho took and scored Chelsea’s only other penalty and could be the player to profit from the spot next term if Hazard leaves.
Opportunity for Willian
The dead-ball delivery of Willian is also a major influence on Sarri’s side.
The Brazilian created 29 chances from set-pieces, compared with the 17 of Hazard.
Of the 215 corners Chelsea were awarded, Willian and Hazard took a combined 203, with 111 and 92 respectively.
Having also fired eight shots from direct free-kicks, Willian’s influence on set-pieces could grow further next season.
