Midfielders are often the most thrilling picks in Fantasy Premier League, and with good reason, writes FPL expert Blake Hurst. They not only benefit from goals and assists like forwards but also catch extra points for clean sheets and defensive contributions – an improvement that broadens the scope of viable midfield options this season. Beyond the obvious choices like Mohamed Salah and Bruno Fernandes, here are five under the radar midfielders who could add serious value and balance to your squad.
Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham, 6.5m)
Mohammed Kudus is quickly becoming a popular pick among FPL managers and it’s easy to see why. Priced at just 6.5m, he offers excellent value with promising fixtures ahead that could boost his attacking returns. Tottenham’s shape under Thomas Frank may not be flamboyant, but this manager’s tactical knowhow should see them find the net regularly. Kudus brings a blend of creativity and direct threat that makes him a steady presence in midfield for your team, while also offering excellent bonus point potential in tightly contested matches.
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton, 6.5m)
Ndiaye is Everton’s standout attacking figure and the team’s primary threat when it comes to goals. At 6.5m, he represents excellent value, particularly because he also takes penalties. Everton’s opening fixtures are favourable, allowing Ndiaye to capitalise on good scoring opportunities, with only tough matches against Liverpool and Manchester City in gameweeks five and eight. His sharp movement, set-piece involvement, and ability to produce in tight matches further enhance his appeal in Everton’s opening fixtures. Having him in your midfield setup provides a potent mix of goal threat, creativity, and consistent bonus point potential.
Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest, 5.5m)
Elliot Anderson has carved himself a niche as a budget-friendly midfielder who benefits hugely from FPL’s increased focus on defensive contributions all while taking some set-pieces. Last season, he would have earned an additional 36 points under the new defensive contribution system – a massive boost for a player priced at only 5.5m and offering week to week reliability. If you prefer a 3-4-3 formation, pairing premium midfielders with Anderson and a similar rotation option like Tijjani Reijnders creates great flexibility while taking advantage of favourable fixtures early in the campaign, potentially freeing up funds for upgrades in defence or securing an elite forward to maximise points output.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea, 10.5m)
Cole Palmer is one of those players who can frustrate you, blanking for weeks then suddenly producing a double digit haul seemingly out of nowhere. With Chelsea’s promising opening fixtures, Palmer’s potential to explode onto the scene is very real. If Chelsea can perform to their potential, Palmer’s combination of creativity and flair will make him extremely hard to resist as part of your fantasy midfield this season. He offers a kind of spark that can reward you with mega hauls. Palmer’s impressive set-piece involvement and penalties only boosts his appeal for managers seeking explosive, game-changing assets.
Cody Gakpo (Liverpool, 7.5m)
While Salah and Florian Wirtz get much of the attention, Cody Gakpo presents an enticing value alternative priced at 7.5m. His pre-season form was impressive, scoring four goals and providing an assist, which bodes well for a strong start. If Gakpo secures a consistent place in Liverpool’s lineup, he could significantly outscore his price tag with regular attacking returns. However, keep an eye on transfer rumours – if Liverpool sign Alexander Isak, his role might diminish, making Wirtz the safer pick for stability. One to watch for sure.
