It’s all about getting the biggest possible points haul, so virtual coaches have to pick the players who contribute goals and assists, keep clean sheets and stay out of the referee’s notebook.
Goal Fantasy Football is up and running — and it’s free to play. The mobile app can be downloaded through this link so that you can create and update your squad wherever you go.
The Fantasy Premier League game on the Premier League’s official website is also a popular choice for fantasy managers, but whatever game you use, we’ve taken a look at some of the best fantasy football midfielders, including a few bargains!
BEST FANTASY FOOTBALL MIDFIELDERS
Midfielders who both create and score goals, naturally, are the most valuable when it comes to the world of fantasy football, so playmakers are usually priced somewhat higher than their more defensive-minded counterparts.
So, for example, while N’Golo Kante was the undisputed best individual player in the league last season, he may not necessarily be the best choice when it comes to collecting points.
While creative midfielders are desired, it is also important to take into consideration a midfielder’s disciplinary record, with points deducted for yellow cards and whether they play in a team that is likely to keep clean sheets.
Here is a run-down of the best midfielders to pick in fantasy football.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool - £10.4m)
Liverpool’s new signing returned to the Premier League with a point to prove and he has, somewhat surprisingly, emerged as a rival to Harry Kane in the goalscoring charts. His displays for Jurgen Klopp’s side in recent weeks have seen his value increase considerably, but he enjoying the kind of form that means he is virtually guaranteed to get points.
Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City - £10.3m)
No player provided more assists in the Premier League last season than Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne and his attacking potency ensured his place in the top five scoring midfielders in fantasy football as a result. He has continued where he left off last term and is a key member of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City - £9m)
Raheem Sterling has become one of the key players at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola and the England international has scored 15 league goals. Sterling was initially under the £8m mark, but his value has risen in accordance with form and it continues to rise.
Christian Eriksen (Tottenham - £9.2m)
Denmark international Christian Eriksen is arguably one of the most underrated midfielders in the Premier League, but he is undoubtedly one of Tottenham’s main men. The midfielder has a keen eye for assists and possesses a tremendous shot, so picks up plenty of points. Interestingly his price has fallen after a dip in form, so may be worth picking up while relatively cheap.
Eden Hazard (Chelsea - £10.7m)
Much of Chelsea’s attacking play hinges on the work of Eden Hazard, who was involved in just under a quarter of the Blues’ goals as they reclaimed the Premier League title last season. Last term, Hazard was second only to Alexis Sanchez and Dele Alli in terms of the number of points he accumulated and the 26-year-old is sure to be among the highest scorers this season too. He has overcome an ankle injury and is playing catch-up, but his quality is undoubted.
Dele Alli (Tottenham - £8.9m)
Dele Alli has fallen well short of his sparkling form of last season, but the England international remains a solid acquisition for fantasy football managers. Alli has been involved in 11 goals for Spurs this season and he appears to have knuckled down after a slow start.
Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City - £8.6m)
Leicester City’s star man during their title-winning season, Riyad Mahrez took a while to get going in 2017-18 but he has now reminded spectators why exactly he is so highly rated. A resurgence in form has catapulted the Foxes star into the top 10 midfielder in this season’s fantasy football and, at £8.7m, he is relatively affordable.
BEST BARGAIN MIDFIELDERS
When looking at midfielders, it is a good idea to have a variety of players who are stars for their particular teams and sometimes you can unearth a gem that hasn’t been considered by the majority of fantasy football managers.
We’ve taken a look at some of the midfielders in this season’s Premier League who could be considered bargain buys, if you want to avoid splashing out on the marquee players.
Pascal Gross (Brighton - £5.9m)
Brighton have a tough task on their hands in their first ever season in the Premier League and one man they will be relying on to help secure their status is Pascal Gross. The new signing from Bundesliga side Ingolstadt scores goals and provides assists from play as well as set pieces. Crucially, he is much cheaper than some other options.
Abdoulaye Doucoure (Watford - £5.4m)
French midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has been one of Watford’s best players in the 2017-18 campaign. The 24-year-old has been ever-present and has managed to bag himself a few goals. His form has seen his price rise, but he remains a steal at £5.4m.
Jesse Lingard (Manchester United - £6.1m)
England international Jesse Lingard has shone in the new year for Manchester United and, at £6.1m he represents a serious bargain. With four assists and seven goals, the midfielder is showing Jose Mourinho that he has what it takes to flourish for the Red Devils.
Richarlison (Watford - £6.1m)
Watford brought relatively unknown Brazil starlet Richarlison to Vicarage Road this season and he has lit up the ground with a series of impressive displays. The former Fluminense attacker, who is just 20, has shown that he has a keen nose for goal and was a key reason for the Hornets’ positive early-season form.
BEST OF THE REST
There is no shortage of top midfielders to choose from in the Premier League and fantasy football bosses can populate their teams with highly rated, but mid-priced performers.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba costs £8m, while Juan Mata is much cheaper at £6.8m. Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son commands an £8.1m fee.
Former Barcelona winger Pedro costs £7.7m and Willian is even cheaper at £6.8m, while Everton midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson, who was one of the best points-getters last season, costs £8 million. Man United’s Anthony Martial is probably more of a forward, but he is also valued at £8m, while Liverpool’s Sadio Mane costs £9.3m.
Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, can be snapped up for £7m, while Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil cost £11.8m and £9.3m respectively.
