Euro 2016 is fast approaching and if you are anything like us, you’ll be trying to fit all the top players in your squads, with the odd differential or two, which hopefully will see you flying high in the fantasy football leagues. With all the talents in midfield, it can be said we are a bit spoilt for choice when it comes to midfielders, but who do you bring into your team?
Here are some of the top midfielders, who we think could prove to be the difference in your fantasy football teams this summer:
Kevin De Bruyne – Belgium
Belgium’s squad just screams talent and it is clear there are a lot of options. The latter stages of the Premier League saw Eden Hazard return to good form, just at the right time for the Euros! Kevin De Bruyne is back from injury, and the likes of Dembele, Fellaini and Witsel are also brilliant in the middle of the park for Belgium. Their group contains games against Italy, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland, so it could be argued it is a tough group, however it is likely to be an open one too! Kevin De Bruyne looks to be a fantasy football favourite, as he found the back of the net 16 times and created 12 too during an impressive season with Manchester City.
Paul Pogba – France
Paul Pogba will be everyone’s pick out of the French squad, and for good reason too. He’s simply world class. Pogba has already won the European Championships with France’s under-21’s and will look to complete the feat with the senior team. Since making his debut for France in 2013, he has proven his class and emerged as one of the players France rely on to not only find the back of the net, but also create those goals too. There are other options in the French midfield, and if you’re looking for a winger to spice it up, Kingsley Coman looks like he’s going to have a sensational career. He’s pretty much taking over from Frank Ribery for both France and Bayern. Although, his game time could be limited with him being in competition with Dimitri Payet.
Mesut Ozil – Germany
Another player familiar to us fantasy Premier League managers is Mesut Ozil, who on his day can be unplayable. Mesut Ozil had a fantastic season, as he narrowly missed out on the Premier League assist record. However, he did have a few off days, where he did go missing, leaving fantasy football managers extremely frustrated. Ozil is a key player for Germany nevertheless and will look to start picking up those assists in Euro 2016.
Cesc Fabregas – Spain
Spanish midfielders will be hot property this summer, but it’s hard to find the right one. Iniesta is instrumental in the play, but rarely gets on the end of a through ball or actually plays the final pass. In addition to this, it is likely he will be highly priced and due to this there may be better valued options. Another option could be Cesc Fabregas, who if he starts could also be a great option. As Spain usually have the majority of possession, it will be the likes of Fabregas and Iniesta pulling the strings and with games against Turkey, Croatia and the Czech Republic, we could see some big fantasy points from the Spaniard!
David Alaba – Austria
A lot of fantasy managers will go for Austria’s David Alaba, as he plays a crucial role for his country. For Bayern Munich, he plays in defence, however when it comes to international football he plays his trade in midfield. With 44 caps and 11 goals for Austria, he will be a highly picked player, for good reason too. Alaba is generally a complete player and is very good from set pieces too. Therefore, with games against Hungary, Portugal and Iceland, the Austrian will want to impress and help his team progress from the group stages.
Budget Options
Stoke’s Swiss Shaqiri will be a good differential and won’t use as much of the budget as those premium midfielders. He is a key player for his country, as he’s solely the star man and all eyes are on him. If you’re looking for someone who will have low ownership, this guy is your man. With many looking to Paul Pogba for French cover, if you fancied a cheaper option and a differential, then West Ham’s Payet is worth a look at. With the absence of Valbeuna, Payet will benefit hugely. The flamboyant midfielder scored an impressive free kick on his debut earlier on in the year and he’ll be looking to build on that come the tournament.
Written by FPL Avids (@FPLAvids)
