fantasy premier league new player profile – Aleksandar Tonev

New player profiles

Aleksandar Tonev is a 5 foot 10 inch  23 year old  Bulgarian International winger who has transferred from Lech Poznan to Aston Villa for 2.816m pounds.

Background

Aleksandar Tonev is a  winger who started his career in 2008 for CSKA Sofia.  One of the 3 years he spent there was on loan to lower division Sliven OFK 2000.  He then moved to Lech Poznan in 2011 before moving to Aston Villa in June 2013.  He was recommended by Stylian Petrov who had this to say about him

“I played alongside Aleks, so I know a little bit about what kind of a player he is. The main thing is that the manager likes him as well and the way he plays,” said Petrov.

“I think Villa fans have one exciting player on their hands. I think the club has been monitoring Aleksandar for a few months, they have watched some games and some DVDs.

“He doesn’t have a dominant foot which is really interesting and the main thing about him. He is quick, he is an exciting player and I think Villa fans will see he is a good player.

“He is the kind of player who can really make an impact in this young, exciting team. We spoke last night and he is really looking forward to it. He knows that it will be a challenge but he is ready for it.”

He’s a two footed pacy winger.  He’s probably similar to NZogbia in the sense that he can play as a winger or an attacking central midfielder although NZogbia is very one footed.  He also has the ability to shoot and score from distance.  He wasn’t an undisputed first choice at Poznan which is a little disturbing

Stats

 

 Aleksandar Tonev Stats   
 SeasonTeamMatches Goals Assists
2012/13 Lech Poznan2643
2011/12 Lech Poznan2832
2010/11 CSKA Sofia232
2009/10 Sliven OFK 20002313
2008/09CSKA Sofia4
Total 104 10 
   

He’s played 14 goals in the Europa League for Poznan and Sofia for 1 goal and no assist.  His Bulgarian International record is good however with 9 games for 4 goals and 1 assist.  This was greatly assisted by a hat trick against Malta though.  He’s played a number of age group games for Bulgaria.

Fantasy premier league perspective

The first question to ask is will he start.  Lambert isn’t the most predictable of managers but he did stick to a 4-3-3 towards the end of the season with Weiman and Agbonlahor either side of Benteke.  Other wingers such as NZogbia and Albrighton have fallen out of favour and Holman fell out of favour and has left the club.  Winger seems to be a pretty easy position for Lambert to lose faith with.  However, none of those were Lambert purchases though which seems to make a difference given the loyalty the absolutely awful Bennett had at LB.  Tonev given a reasonable investment maybe given a chance as a Lambert purchase.  However its hard to see either of Agbonlahor or Weiman being moved out to make space.  Its possible if he goes to 4-4-2 he could play on the left with Agbonlahor a secondary striker but thats a bit of a gamble.

Even if he starts its a bit of a stretch to think that he will make a major impact on the league.   Given the uncertainty of his starting role he could be a value play at the right price. Translating his last season at Poznan returns to Villa, which is a stretch given the difference in leagues and league position,  would give him 6 goals and 5 assists and a total points of around 120 allowing for some Lambert rotation.  This would make him in the low 20’s rank of midfielders, similar to say Routledge.

Personally I think there’s too much game time risk given the other players in his position and the unpredictability of Lamberts selection.  That,s even before you start to question his quality and the very difference in the league that he’s come from.  A positive preseason, selection wise and a keen price is the only chance in my mind that he could be in my opening day team

Stats from the excellent www.transfermarkt.co.uk

 

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