FPL: The 5 Best Arsenal Players For Your 2022-23 Season Fantasy Team

Arsenal had a mixed 2021/22 Premier League season. The improvement of their young players and collective progression were two of the biggest positives to take away from last season. However, the season did end in disappointment for the Gunners as they failed to finish in the top four despite being in the Champions League spots for the bulk of the season.

That being said, let’s have a look at the best players you can pick in your fantasy team ahead of next season from Arsenal.

5. Emile Smith Rowe (£6.0m)

One of Arsenal’s very own, Emile Smith Rowe, had a massively improved season. In the 2020/21 season, he scored 2 goals and assisted 4. However, last season, the improvement was eye-catching as he scored 10 goals and provided 2 assists in 33 league games. He had an xG of 5.8 last season and exceeded his xG by almost double whilst also creating 1.9 shot-creating actions per game.

Smith Rowe is another Arsenal player with a great attitude which is key at such a young age. His work rate is excellent, and he never complains about playing in different positions. His numbers are getting better season after season, which is exciting for Arsenal fans, and at £6m he’s a worthwhile pick to explore for your fantasy team.

Competition for places at Arsenal is increasing, which could push Smith Rowe to make further progress this season and try to get near double figures for goals & assists in a team that will have a proper striker in Gabriel Jesus next season.

4. Martin Ødegaard (£6.5m)

Another impressive young player for Arsenal is Martin Ødegaard. He was deployed as a no.10 by Arteta but had the freedom to roam in between the lines. The inside right position was where he was at his best and was most effective.

He scored 7 goals and provided 4 assists in 34 Premier League appearances last season. Not the greatest numbers, but the numbers will surely get better this season with Jesus joining the club. Ødegaard also completed an impressive 2.2 key passes per game, the most in the Arsenal team. He also created 6 big chances, the second most after Bukayo Saka. The Norwegian also recorded an excellent 3.9 shot-creating actions per game and exceeded his xG of 4.8 last season.

Ødegaard has huge potential, and the next step for the youngster would be to reach double figures for goals and assists with better players joining the club this summer; it should take Ødegaard’s performance to the next level.

3. Aaron Ramsdale (£5.0m)

One of the biggest surprises last season was Aaron Ramsdale’s impact on Arsenal. After being relegated for two seasons in a row with Bournemouth and Sheffield United, everyone was shocked when Arsenal spent serious money on the goalkeeper. A transfer that was heavily criticized ended up as one of the signings of the season.

Ramsdale had a tremendous impact on Arsenal. His vocality from the back was one of his best attributes which Arteta wanted and did not see much in Leno’s personality.

Ramsdale made 2.6 saves per game and registered a save percentage of 70%. His distribution was another excellent factor in his game. The 24-year-old had 4.7 long balls and 2.1 chipped passes per game and scored a total of 135 points in the FPL last season.

At £5m and considering his average saves per game & his distribution numbers, Ramsdale is a useful pick at goalkeeper for the new season. Arsenal’s defence isn’t the best in the league and they shipped in 48 goals last season so Ramsdale could face more shots per game than other keepers with tighter defences, which is why he could get those extra valuable points in 2022/23.

2. Gabriel (£5.0m)

Gabriel was a key player for Arteta last season. The Brazilian is a strong, quick, and powerful defender who is also good at distributing the ball.

He completed 2.5 long balls and 1.7 chipped passes per game and registered an 81% passing success rate in the opposition half. Gabriel also recorded 2.3 progressive passes per game for Arsenal in the Premier League last season.

Gabriel scored 5 goals in the league, with 3 coming from headers. He is a physically aggressive player and won 65% of his duels last season.

He has formed a great partnership with Ben White in a functional defense where both the center halves complement each other’s skillset, although they’re not the best at getting shutouts. However, at £5m and accumulating a cool 146 points last season, he could be a pick in your defence that could go under the radar, which is what we expect, which is why selecting him for your fantasy team could be a viable option.

1. Bukayo Saka (£8.0m)

Bukayo Saka had a great season with Arsenal. Despite being just 20 years old, he was arguably their best-attacking player. His versatility and consistency are two of his most significant attributes.

He played all 38 games in the Premier League last season. Saka scored 11 goals, the most in the league for Arsenal, and provided 7 assists, joint most along with Lacazette. Saka was top for the most goal involvements in the Premier League for Arsenal. The youngster had an xG of 9.7 and an npxG of 8.2 last season. Saka also registered 142 shot-creating actions last season (3.7 per game).

With Arsenal making exciting signings this summer, they will be keen to finish in the Champions League spots. Although he’s slightly over-priced, Bukayo Saka will be an important player for Arteta’s Gunners next season.