IT’S early days in regards to the 2025/26 Dream Team season but with the world’s most compelling fantasy football game now live, it’s time to start mulling over options.
Throughout the build-up to Gameweek 1, we will publish a series of articles focusing on specific players who, for one reason or another, demand special attention.
The subject of our first SCOUT REPORT is a midfielder who was overlooked by far too many managers last season… Youri Tielemans.
PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW: OVER £100,000 IN PRIZE MONEY!
Dream TeamNot to be overlooked[/caption]
The Aston Villa midfielder finished ninth in the rankings among players in his position in 2024/25 having racked up 286 points.
Despite the fact he spent the majority of the campaign among the best performers in the game, his ownership remained relatively modest throughout and never passed 10%.
One reason for this is that Morgan Rogers fulfilled the needs of Dream Team bosses in regards to the Villains’ fixtures but there’s no doubt Tielemans was underutilised.
Not by Unai Emery though, the Belgium international played more minutes than any other outfield player among his team-mates last term.
AlamyTielemans is the first name on Villa’s team sheet[/caption]
Tielemans scored just five goals but contributed ten assists to the cause.
What makes him such a useful asset is his all-round game; he’s equally effective with or without the ball.
The 28-year-old made 113 tackles in all competitions last season, a tally bettered by just eight midfielders.
His completeness was best evidenced by his impressive haul of 51 bonus points – only Ryan Gravenberch earned more among all players.
Needless to say, players who offer multiple routes to points should not be underestimated and Tielemans fits that description to a tee.
Play Dream Team now!
Play The Sun Dream Team ahead of the 2025/26 season
Free to play
Over £100,000 in total prize money
Play in Mini Leagues against your mates
Submit a team for Gameweek 1 to enter £5,000 prize draw
Play via Dream Team’s app or website today!
APVilla are among the favourites to win the Europa League this season[/caption]
Villa fans will have been disappointed that their side missed out on Champions League qualification but Dream Team managers should be licking their lips at the prospect of Emery’s men embarking on a Europa League campaign.
Manchester United and Tottenham players provided lorry-loads of points on Thursday nights last season and most would agree Villa have operated at a higher level than those two teams in recent times.
The fact Tielemans is virtually a guaranteed starter boosts his viability for the first few Gameweeks of the season, when it can be easy for gaffers to make mistakes in regards to minutes risks.
Villa start 2025/26 with a tough test against Newcastle but their opening fixtures appear rather friendly in general – they are due to face two of the promoted clubs (Sunderland and Burnley) within their first seven Premier League outings.
Open to residents of UK and Rep of Ireland, 18+ only. T&Cs apply.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
