Christian Norgaard, a 32-year-old Danish midfielder, has joined Everton for a modest £7 million fee from Arsenal. With a modest price tag of £5.0 million, Norgaard is a potential gem for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers, especially with his impressive defensive contributions (DefCon) and dead-ball threat. His arrival at Everton adds depth to the midfield, but his starting role is uncertain due to competition from other central midfielders.
Norgaard's journey began at Lyngby and Brondby, before a short stint at Fiorentina. He then joined Brentford, where he thrived under Thomas Frank's leadership, leading to promotion and a stable top-flight presence. Despite his success, Norgaard couldn't resist the allure of Arsenal, even as a backup player. His only league start came against Crystal Palace, where he played just 25 minutes.
Norgaard's defensive prowess is his standout quality. In his four regular seasons, he consistently ranked highly in tackles and CBIRT (clearances, blocks, interceptions, recoveries, and tackles) per 90 minutes. In 2021/22, he led the league in tackles and CBIRT, and in 2023/24 and 2024/25, he finished fourth. His ability to contribute defensively is a rare find in FPL, and his potential to rack up points through DefCon is enticing.
However, Norgaard's FPL appeal is limited by the £5.0 million midfielder bracket, which offers little. His dead-ball threat, ranking fifth for set-piece shots in 2024/25, adds to his appeal. Everton's strong opening fixtures further enhance his FPL potential, making him a tempting pick for those using a Bench Boost chip in Gameweeks 1 or 2.
Despite his defensive prowess, Norgaard's starting role at Everton is uncertain. He'll replace Idrissa Gueye, but he faces competition from Hayden Hackney, Tim Iroegbunam, and James Garner. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall can play deeper, and Merlin Rohl, despite recent success on the right, could revert to his natural position if a winger is signed. David Moyes' preference for seasoned veterans over raw youngsters adds another layer of uncertainty.
In conclusion, Norgaard's potential as an FPL midfielder is undeniable, especially with his DefCon skills and dead-ball threat. However, his starting role at Everton remains uncertain, and his success will depend on his ability to navigate the competition and earn Moyes' trust. With his modest price tag and strong fixtures, Norgaard could be an excellent fifth midfielder for FPL managers, but only time will tell if he lives up to the hype.
