Wednesday 21 August 2013 12:32, UK
Over half of all Sky Sports Fantasy Football bosses were rewarded for splashing the cash on Robin van Persie in the opening gameweek.
Barkley picked up just three less as he produced a standout display and scored a stunner in Everton's 2-2 draw at Norwich. The pair are bargains at £5.3m and £4.3m respectively and could well play key roles for their sides this season. Another cheaper option who showed potential to shine is Chelsea's Kevin de Bruyne, who assisted Oscar's opener against Hull. The attacking midfielder is a mere £4.5m but how many more starts he is handed by Jose Mourinho remains to be seen, while his services seem to have eluded the attentions of Fantasy bosses with a place in just two per cent of sides. Of the more popular picks, Philippe Coutinho (in 27% of sides) , Leighton Baines, (23%) and Jack Wilshere (23%) all failed to deliver, while the most popular summer signing, Roberto Soldado (18%), delivered seven points with a goal on his Tottenham debut.