As Fantasy Premier League managers gear up for the new season, one player who’s starting to generate buzz is Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Priced at £7.5 million and owned by only 7.2% of FPL managers last season, Mateta could be a exciting addition to your forward line.
The 6’4 tall frontman has been fantastic in his 2024 Olympics campaign for France netting 4 times in the 5 matches.
Many FPL fans are hopeful for Mateta to carry his goalscoring streak into the Premier League and are banking on him.
Here’s a deep dive into why he might be worth considering for the new season, and whether his impressive performance last season was a fluke or a sign of consistent potential.
Mateta might be one underrated fpl asset guys on a crazy form from the ending of last season 🤔 pic.twitter.com/r52QtfdM9F
Mateta’s standout statistic is his remarkable 6.5 points per 90 minutes, which is exceptional for a forward in his price range. This high rate of points per game suggests that he could be a valuable asset if he maintains regular playing time.
Overperformance and Shot Accuracy
A key consideration with Mateta is his performance relative to expected goals (xG). Last season, he scored 16 goals from an xG of 10.9, marking the third-highest overperformance in terms of goals minus xG (G-xG) in the league.
This suggests that Mateta significantly outperformed his expected goal tally, which could be both a sign of exceptional finishing or a potential concern if it was merely a streak of good fortune.
Moreover, Mateta had the third-highest shot-on-target percentage of any player last year. With the current FPL bonus system placing more emphasis on shot accuracy, this statistic further boosts his potential for earning additional points.
Performance Before and After Glasner
Comparing Mateta’s performance before and after the appointment of manager Oliver Glasner provides further insight into his potential. Under the Australian, Mateta’s stats dramatically improved:
● Goals: 13 (compared to 3 before Glasner) ● Assists: 2 (compared to 5 before Glasner) ● FPL Points: 100 (compared to 65 before Glasner) ● FPL Points Per Game: 7.69 (compared to 2.6 before Glasner)
This significant improvement suggests that Glasner’s tactics and setup have had a positive impact on Mateta’s output, further enhancing his appeal as an FPL asset.
Recent Success at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Mateta’s form extends beyond the Premier League. In the Paris 2024 Olympics, he has continued to shine – being the third-highest goal scorer in the tournament so far.
In the quarterfinals, Mateta’s goal saw France defeat Argentina to qualify for the semifinals. France took a 1-0 lead in the 5th minute as Mateta scored an inch-perfect header from a corner by former Crystal Palace teammate Michael Olise.
He followed it up by scoring a brace in the semi-final against Egypt by mixing power and class to break down a sturdy defense, as they made a comeback to win the match 3-1, after being a goal down. Mateta’s equalizer in the 83rd minute forced extra time in a match that was slipping away from the French.
Mateta’s performances last season were highly impressive and were a standout in key moments, with his impact evident in matches against top teams like Manchester City and Liverpool.
His form had led to significant consideration for FPL managers, especially during critical periods such as game weeks 20 to 34. His current form and contribution suggest that he is not just a fleeting star but a player capable of delivering consistently.
Can He Sustain His Form?
The big question for FPL managers is whether Mateta can maintain his high level of performance. His significant overperformance last season could indicate either a period of exceptional form or a potential to keep up such performance. While it’s impossible to predict with certainty, his consistent shot accuracy and high points per game are promising indicators.
Jean-Philippe Mateta’s combination of high points per game, low ownership, and impressive performance metrics make him a compelling choice for your FPL team for the next season. The substantial improvement in his statistics under Glasner, combined with his recent success at the Paris 2024 Olympics and his strong performances in crucial matches, adds to his appeal.
While there are valid concerns about whether his overperformance can continue, his low ownership and potential for high returns make him a smart differential pick. Crystal Palace also had a strong preseason which sparks hope for a good season for both Mateta and his team. Even if some charges of recency bias may arise, Mateta was one of last season’s biggest surprises and could provide significant value in the upcoming campaign.
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