After scouting through the pool of budget defenders to pick ahead of next season, we turn our attention to lucrative options in the midfield position. With an assorted range of midfielders available at bargain prices, we have put together stand-out performers; bound to repay you with the points you need.
In this series, we look at budget picks in every position ahead of the upcoming season; helping you draft a perfectly balanced squad in your quest of becoming the ultimate Fantasy Manager.
Yves Bissouma (£4.5)
Amongst the first names on Graham Potter’s team sheet, Bissouma is an excellent option for managers to bring off the bench. Bissouma started 35 games for Brighton last season; establishing himself as a crucial player for the Seagulls.
Although primarily selected to guard the backline, occasionally, the Mali international is also given the license to get forward as a supplement to Brighton’s attacking output. The midfielder managed to get off 42 shots last season, with one ending in the back of the net. Seven of these shots were from within the box, while only three ended up being on target.
Nevertheless, Bissouma is a proven option for managers not wanting to not miss out on the smallest returns. Given the Seagull’s set of fixtures early on in the season, Bissouma is a suitable option in case of any injuries/suspensions to key players.
Jordan Henderson (£5)
Although having missed a significant part of Liverpool’s campaign last season, Henderson should be a regular starter for the Reds once fit. With Georginio Wijnaldum having left the club on a free, Henderson is expected to take on a more offensive role with the likes of Thiago and Fabinho sitting behind to provide additional link-ups to Liverpool’s attack. Liverpool’s captain played 1704 minutes last season – scoring one and assisting two.
With the Red’s determined to make a strong comeback from last season’s setbacks and, with senior players returning from long-term injuries, Henderson will be a vital part of Liverpool’s ambitions going into next season. Liverpool begins their campaign with a couple of easy fixtures and will look to gain momentum and build on it for the remainder of the season.
Stuart Dallas (£5.5)
Having managed to stack up a sensational 171 points last season, Dallas is a mouth-watering prospect for managers looking for a way into the Leeds United line-up. Classified as a defender last season, Dallas provided the goods for Marcelo Bielsa’s free-flowing attacking brand of football. Primarily starting games in the left-back or on either side of the midfield, Dallas put in consistent performances, establishing himself as a starter in Biela’s squad.
The multidimensional player managed to score eight, assist three whilst keeping 12 clean sheets during last season’s campaign. Priced at an affordable £5.5, Dallas is a proven alternative to his teammate Raphinha (£6.5) in the midfield category. With managers likely to double up on Leeds, Dallas is a constant threat down the wings with the potential to score big points in the Leeds United side.
Emile Smith-Rowe (£5.5)
Amongst Arsenal’s consistent performers last season, Smith-Rowe is a decent alternative compared to the Gunner’s highly-priced attacking options. The 20-year-old midfielder scored 74 points last season – assisting five and scoring two goals. An exciting prospect in the Arsenal set-up Smith-Rowe is expected to play more minutes next season; picking up from his good form towards the end of last season’s campaign.
With Arsenal looking to bolster their defensive options and increase their attacking threat ahead of next season, Smith-Rowe is set to be a significant part of Gunner’s resurgence given his ability to get dribble past players, make runs into the box and carry the ball into the attacking third. Although the Gunner’s begin their campaign with some tricky fixtures, Smith-Rowe sis a lucrative option given he is almost certain to come off the bench and find space in the opposition third. In addition, with Arsenal solely focused on domestic competitions, Smith-Rowe is almost certain to get minutes and is expected to be a starter going into next season.
Ismaila Sarr (£6)
With the ability to run past defenders and put in a decent cross, Watford’s talented winger is a highly coveted pick amongst those promoted to the Premier League this season. Moderately priced for the abilities on offer, Sarr is a vital part of Watford’s attacking channel; providing the crosses for the likes of Troy Deeney and Andre Gray to feed off.
In addition to being a constant threat down the flanks, Sarr also managed to score 13 goals and provide four assists in the Championship last season. His 86 shots, of which, 57 were inside the penalty area were highest compared to his teammates during last season’s campaign.
The Senegalese also fouled 5 out of the 10 times during games last season which led to a penalty. With a searing pace at his disposal, Sarr is a risk worth taking for a Watford side keen to remain in the Premier League.
Honourable Mentions: Billy Gilmour (£4.5), Douglas Luiz (£4.5), Todd Cantwell (£4.5), Ashley Westwood (£5.5).
