Vote: First Half Fantasy Premier League MVP

It’s been an absolute cracker these first 19 weeks, with plenty of the usual suspects performing at a very high level, but also several surprises. Who is your pick as the best of the best in terms of helping fantasy teams achieve glory so far?

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Tottenham Forward Harry Kane

There seems to be a bit of a feeling that it’s been a disappointing half-season for the Spurs’ hot-and-cold talisman. If you truly believe that, what planet are you living on? Utopia? Come back to the real world, please. Kane is still the most lethal striker in the league, bar none:

• 15 goals (tied for #1 in league), one assist, 108 shots (#1), 41 shots on target (#1), 13 crosses
• Impressive versatility, with seven goals via right foot, six w/ left foot, and two headers
• September 2017 Player of the Month
• 114 points in Official FPL (#4 overall, #1 among forwards)
• 260 points in Fantrax (#2 overall)

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Liverpool Winger Mo Salah

Following a brief stint with Chelsea before bursting onto the scene at AS Roma of Serie A, Salah has returned to take the Premier League by storm for ‘Pool, netting a league leading 15 goals. Usually doing so in dazzling style, it’s definitely all about both form and function for the Egyptian national. Take a gander at the left-footed wizard’s eye-popping stats and accolades for the league and in fantasy:

• 15 goals (tied for #1 in league), three assists, 71 shots (#2), 37 shots on target (#2), 519 passes, 42 crosses, zero yellow or red cards
• November 2017 Player of the Month
• 145 fantasy points in Official FPL (#1 by a wide distance)
• Selected by 58% of managers in Official FPL (again #1 by a big margin)
• 266 points in Fantrax (#1 overall)

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Man City Winger Raheem Sterling

Sterling has had his share of critics over the past few years, but those voices have gone silent as the Sky Blue blur is truly coming into his own this season.

• 12 goals (tied for third most in league), four assists, 46 shots, 17 shots on target, 21 crosses
• 125 points in Official FPL (#2 overall, #2 among midfielders)
• 188 points in Fantrax (#6 overall)

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Man City Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne

KDB got off to a slow start with no goals or assists in his first three games, playing in a less advanced role as expected. Since then, he has bombed forward at will, orchestrating the lethal City attack and richly rewarding those who kept the faith.

• Six goals, eight assists (tied for #1 in league), 43 shots, 23 shots on target, 108 crosses
• 116 points in Official FPL (#3 overall, #3 among midfielders)
• 249 points in Fantrax (#3 overall, #1 among midfielders by a wide margin)

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Man United Goalkeeper David De Gea

We’ve always known that David De Gea was good. Great, even. Now we know that the Spaniard is otherworldly brilliant, thanks to putting together an amazing first half highlighted by an epic 14-save performance in the 3-1 win at Arsenal.

• 13 wins (#2 in league), 10 clean sheets (#1), 70 saves (#2), only 14 goals conceded
• 100 fantasy points in Official FPL (#1 at the position by a comfortable gap)
• Owned by 44% of Official managers (#2 overall)
• 210 points in Fantrax (#1 among keepers by a huge margin)

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Chelsea Defender César Azpillicueta

There hasn’t been a single defender who has separated himself from the crowd, but among several outstanding performers, César Azpillicueta has been the most consistently excellent across the Official and Fantrax platforms thanks to his contributions on both the offensive and defensive end.

• One goal, five assists, eight clean sheets, 39 crosses, 25 interceptions, 64 clearances, 91 duels won
• 95 points in Official (#2 among defenders)
• 157 points in Fantrax (tied for #1 among defenders)

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