The Number One Fantasy Football Player In The World Is Former Liverpool Defender

When it comes to Fantasy Football, former Liverpool defender Nick Tanner is in a league of his own.

The 50-year-old, from Bristol, has established himself as the world's best Fantasy Football player this season with his team "winorloseonthebooze", a squad consisting of some of the finest talent in world football. And Crystal Palace full-back Martin Kelly (no offence Martin.)

Image: Fantasy Premier League

Image: Fantasy Premier League

Tanner, who made 40 appearances for European champions between 1988 and 1994, was actually a real life manager in the early 00's with non-league sides Welton Rovers, Almondsbury Town and Winterbourne United.

But the often turbulent world of fantasy football is where his greatest managerial achievements lie.

"It's crazy," Tanner told The Athletic. "I was keeping an eye on all the games as I knew there was a chance I could go top. Until recently I thought that table was just for teams in England until someone pointed out to me that it was across the world.

"To be in front of nearly seven million people is a great feeling. I was speaking to my old mate from Liverpool, Mike Marsh, and he said: 'How on earth are you No 1 in the world?' We were laughing about it."

Image: Premier League Fantasy

So what are the secrets behind Nick's unbelievable start to the Premier League season?

"Every Friday I'll sit down, have a few beers and look online to establish who is fit and pick my team." he explained. "I dropped Jamie Vardy for last weekend and changed the formation to 3-5-2 so I could play an extra midfielder.

"I couldn't see Vardy scoring against Liverpool but I played him the previous week as I knew he'd get goals against Newcastle [he scored twice].

"Having a football brain helps but luck plays a big part as well because a manager could decide to rest someone or there could be an injury you don't know about."

Image: PA

He also explains that you're better off having a "shit" defence and spending your money on goalscoring midfielders, just like he did with the likes of Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Mohamed Salah.

Do you know any Fantasy Football players who need Nick's tips?

Let them know in the comments below.

Topics: Football News, Football, Premier League, Fantasy Football

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_