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The start of the Premier League brought with it the start of an event which fanatic football fans have been waiting for since the end of last season, namely - the Fantasy Premier League or FPL.
FPL gives the fans a chance to create a team comprising players from all over the league within a fixed transfer budget, and are rewarded points according to the performances of the players with a variety of prizes at stake.
The first game week of the league was a really exciting one, with regular wins for the heavyweights, while some new signings made their mark on the league by producing eye- catching performances.
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Many FPL players would be rejoicing at having selected top scoring players on their team, while others might be ruing the missed chance. However, it is still too early to jump at conclusions as there are still 37 matches to go in the season, but here we take a look at the top performers from game-week 1.
#5 Jose Holebas (FPL price: £4.5 million)
Jose Holebas plays for Watford as a left-back, and he was instrumental in Watford's win over Brighton in the opening weekend.
He was a rock at the back for Watford, for 90 minutes he helped the team keep a clean sheet. His attacking play was equally impressive as it was he who assisted both of the goals in the 2-0 win.
The clean sheet coupled with two assists resulted in him scoring 13 points in the FPL this week, this places him 5th in the overall rankings. He could have scored even more if not for the yellow card he received during the game.
Not many FPL users would have preferred him as their first choice defender, but maybe it is time to rethink now. At just £4.5 million, he can turn out to be a very astute buy.
#4 Richarlison (FPL price: £6.6 million)
Richarlison earned a big money move from Watford to Everton, reuniting with former boss Marco Silva. Question marks were raised over the transfer fee, but he answered his critics in style by scoring both goals in a 2-2 draw with Wolves in the opening weekend.
His first was a brilliant instinctive finish in the penalty box after a scramble, while the second one was an excellent finish after driving into the box when played on by Cenk Tosun.
However, he couldn't guide his team to victory in the first week as Wolves made a comeback after Phil Jagielka was somewhat harshly given a red card. If Richarlison continues such performances on a regular basis, then his high transfer fee may soon look like a bargain.
#3 Benjamin Mendy (FPL price: £6.6 million)
Benjamin Mendy was sidelined for most of last season, but this time around, he seems hungrier than ever, and looks like he wants to show the world why he is the most expensive left-back at the moment.
Benjamin Mendy was instrumental to Manchester City's successful start to their title defense, as it was him who created both of City's goals scored by Aguero and Bernardo Silva respectively.
Add to that the clean sheet City maintained, and the full 90 minutes Mendy was on the pitch, it makes him the third highest rated player during this game week in FPL.
We all know the emphasis Guardiola puts on the attacking play of his full-backs. Mendy has to shrug off the disappointment of the previous season and contribute significantly, possibly aiding City win successive titles for the first time in their history.
#2 Roberto Pereyra (FPL price: £6.0 million)
Another name from the Watford squad which makes this list is that of Argentine winger Roberto Pereyra who scored both of the goals in their 2-0 win over Brighton.
Pereyra can play as a winger or as a midfielder, and has the ability to venture into scoring positions. This paid off against Brighton.
His first goal was a sumptuous first time volley from a Jose Holebas cross, whereas his second one was an exquisite curling finish past Matt Ryan after again being played on by Holebas.
After being linked with former boss Walter Mazzari at Torino in this summer, Pereyra underlined his extreme importance to this new look Watford side. Costing just £6.0 million, Pereyra is a risk worth taking for the FPL fans.
#1 Sadio Mane (FPL price: £9.6 million)
Sadio Mane started where he left off last season as he opened his league account with a well taken double.
Liverpool are altogether a totally different proposition when Mane is in the team. He brings that extra bit of energy, that blistering pace which leaves defenders dazzled and hopeless.
Liverpool are second favorites for the title this year behind Manchester City, and they showed their title credentials with a 4-0 mauling of West Ham. Salah opened the scoring for Liverpool, but Mane scored the second and third for the Merseysiders to ensure the win.
This performance helped him score 16 points to be the joint highest scorer this week along with Roberto Pereyra. Already the pick of more then 26 percent players of the FPL, this performance justifies his inclusion, and surely he's a must pick for next week.
