Henderson and Sa among six under-the-radar fantasy football players you need to bring in for 2022

Sean Fisher
26 December 2021

Jordan Henderson back view Liverpool Nov21

While the concept of fantasy football suggests it’s all about owning the star players, it’s often the cheap hidden gems that provide the best value, here are six from this season.

Having key players scattered throughout your squad is obviously important in fantasy football, but with virtually every player owning Mohamed Salah and Joao Cancelo nowadays, their points don't actually help us catch up to our rivals.

Therefore, the best way to close or build a gap is to pick and choose a few differentials who can really make the difference.

Obviously the fewer people that own that player, the more points you're likely to gain on your opponents if they score big, but it's a risk that can often backfire.

Additionally, with a new free hit gifted to all players by Fantasy Premier League this week, there's plenty of transfers on the horizon. To help you pick and plan your moves, Planet Sport outline six hidden gems that have gone under the radar this season.

Jose Sa (£5.1million)

The Wolves keeper is a surprisingly overlooked asset this season. Brought in to replace Rui Patricio, the 28-year-old shot-stopper has shone under Bruno Lage, and racked up plenty of points in the process.

In fact, Sa's 83 total points this season tops the charts for all goalkeepers, six clear of Aaron Ramsdale in second.

But, while Arsenal's new No. 1 has seen his ownership rise to 19.8% as a result of his form, Sa's still sits at just 4.5% even though he's scored more points.

Perhaps it's due to most thinking Wolves will drop off as the season progresses, but Lage's side have proved in recent weeks that their defence is up there with the best.

Having only conceded one goal to both Liverpool and Manchester City, Wolves also kept a clean sheet against Chelsea last week - their seventh of the season.

It has left them with just 14 goals conceded over the first 18 games, making their defence the third best in the league behind only Manchester City and Chelsea.

Ben Davies (£4.5million)

Since Antonio Conte's arrival in north London, Spurs have improved massively in the Premier League, going unbeaten in five games.

However, while the Italian was expected to get more out of Harry Kane, perhaps the player that has seen the biggest turnaround is Ben Davies.

Overlooked by Nuno Espirito Santo, the Welsh defender hadn't made an appearance for Tottenham in the first 10 gameweeks, but has been an ever-present under Conte.

Three clean sheets in the first five games paired with two assists against Norwich means Davies has hauled in 29 points this season.

It's not a figure comparable with the top defenders of course, but his record of almost six points per-game ranks only just behind both Joao Cancelo and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

But, while the latter will put you back a hefty £6.8million or £8.3million, Davies' price tag is just £4.5million. As Conte continues his push for top four in the second half of the season, it might be worth investing in Davies sooner rather than later.

Jordan Henderson (£5.1million)

What if I told you that Liverpool's captain has scored more points than Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Mason Greenwood this season?

Usually central midfielders are a no-go in fantasy football due to their lack of goal involvements, but Henderson has played in a slightly more advanced role for the Reds this year, with Fabinho adopting most of the defensive duties.

The 31-year-old has racked up two goals and three assists as a result, and while they may not be groundbreaking numbers, benefiting from clean sheets and consistent game time means his total points sits up at 62.

His £5.1million price tag makes him the cheapest midfielder out of the top-20 highest scorers. So, with just a 2.6% ownership and the guarantee of consistent points, he could be one to keep an eye out for in 2022.

Pablo Fornals (£6million)

West Ham have enjoyed a great start to the season, and are well in the running for a top-four finish.

David Moyes has worked wonders, and much of his success has come down to fielding a consistent starting XI.

Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen have been the two fantasy assets snapped up by most managers, but it's surprising that Fornals doesn't receive the same amount of attention.

That's because the Spaniard has played in every Hammers game this season, and with four goals and two assists, he's amassed an impressive 64 total points - just 12 behind Bowen.

He's £500,000 cheaper than his fellow midfielder, and is owned by just 1.9% of players.

There's very little risk that he's rotated by Moyes, and he could play a crucial role in their battle for Champions League qualification.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (£4.8million)

Arsenal were the summer's biggest spenders in the Premier League, but while most of the attention was cast to Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu has largely gone under the radar.

The Gunners acquired the Japanese defender for £16million from Bologna, and he's already justifying his fee.

He's featured in every fixture since gameweek four, and has been a huge factor in Arsenal's improved defence.

Deployed at right-back, he may not pick up as many goal contributions as others in his position, but 68 total points with a price tag of just £4.8million is certainly nothing to scoff at.

He's owned by just 6.2% of players but has scored more points this season than Ben White and Kieran Tierney, both of which have more owners.

Arsenal are in great form as we approach the New Year, and their defence has been scoring highly. If you're wanting a cheap investment into Arsenal's defence, Tomiyasu is your best option.

Gabriel Martinelli (£5.3million)

Martinelli's recent form has caught attention, and following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's axing as captain, he's likely to get far more game time as a striker despite being billed as a midfielder in fantasy football.

The 20-year-old Brazilian was overlooked at the start of the season, with Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe all preferred by Mikel Arteta.

But, since gameweek 13, Martinelli has featured in six consecutive games for the Gunners, and has been in superb form.

In fact, of his 52 total points, 42 have come in the last six weeks. That's an average of seven per-game, and at only £5.3million, that's hard to ignore.

However that clearly isn't the case, as with just a 4.9% ownership, he clearly is being overlooked by most managers.

But, he's entering 2022 full of confidence, and with some favourable fixtures against Norwich, Wolves, Burnley and Brentford coming up, we recommend you turn towards Arsenal's free-firing Brazilian soon.