Haaland winks at millions of Fantasy Premier League players

Participants in Fantasy Premier League create their own team with a fictional budget and score points based on the performances of the chosen players in real life.

The game allows players to select a squad of real-life footballers, whose performances on the pitch translate into points in the fantasy league. Managers in the game must carefully choose their team each week, balancing star players with budget-friendly options to maximize their points tally.

One of the key strategies in Fantasy Premier League is the use of special chips, which can significantly impact a player's score. Among these chips, the Triple Captain button is a fan favorite. This wildcard allows fantasy managers to select a captain for their team whose points will be tripled for one game week instead of the usual double points for the captain. Since it can only be used once per season, picking the right moment to activate the Triple Captain can make or break a player’s chances in the overall standings.

The home match against Ipswich Town was seen by many participants as an ideal moment to use the Triple Captain chip on Erling Haaland, considering his form and favorable fixture. The 24-year-old Norwegian striker did not disappoint, scoring three times in Manchester City's 4-1 win. His hat-trick not only secured a comfortable victory for his team but also rewarded the fantasy managers who placed their faith in him. Following the match, Haaland shared a lighthearted photo on Instagram, posing with the match ball and captioning it, 'Did you triple captain me?' His cheeky message delighted many of the game's players. In fact, a remarkable 477,386 managers had activated their Triple Captain chip on Haaland, reaping the rewards of his stellar performance. Fantasy Premier League now boasts over eleven million participants worldwide, illustrating the game's immense popularity and the impact of top players like Haaland on the virtual footballing community.

After the game, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Haaland. Speaking to the BBC, Guardiola noted the positive effects of the summer break on the striker. 'Last season, he struggled, especially at the beginning. He felt tired and often had little issues. Now he is very fresh again. His statistics are incredible,' said Guardiola, highlighting Haaland’s rejuvenated form and his significant contribution to the team's early-season success.

However, when asked in another interview whether Haaland is the most complete striker he has ever seen, Guardiola was careful to temper his praise. 'The most amazing forward I have ever seen is Lionel Messi,' he responded. This remark reflects Guardiola's longstanding admiration for Messi, whom he coached during his time at Barcelona, but it also places Haaland’s achievements in a broader context. While Haaland’s recent performances have been outstanding, Guardiola’s comments suggest there is still a long way to go before he can be compared to a player of Messi's legendary stature.

Overall, Haaland's hat-trick and his light-hearted engagement with Fantasy Premier League players illustrate his growing influence both on and off the pitch. As Haaland continues to impress in the Premier League, his popularity among fantasy football enthusiasts and real-life fans alike is sure to grow, making him one of the most exciting players to watch this season.