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FPL 2021-22: Team Selection Strategies – Midfielders

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Top performers from last season. Best premium, mid-range, and budget midfielders for your team based on attacking potential and fixtures. We take a look at the must-have midfielders for the upcoming FPL season.

The Premier League has played host to some of the best midfielders in the history of the sport. From the likes of Chelsea’s Frank Lampard, Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard, United’s Paul Scholes to City’s David Silva and Chelsea’s N’golo Kante. The role has evolved significantly with time. 

The midfielder’s role is crucial to winning a game. He has to have the vision to spot the gaps, the technique to create a play, the energy to dictate proceedings, and all the while the composure to stay in the game when things are not going the team’s way. 

Pep Guardiola deserves a special mention here with the way he introduced the tactics of his awe-inspiring Barcelona to the Premier League. Some still say his success was down to the talent of Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquests, but his use of False-9’s and False-8’s in the English system has opened the gates to a new era of football. 

But when it comes to FPL, it is all about the goals and assists, and of course bonus points. Mid-fielders are a prime candidate for captaincy with the potential to score 15+ points. 

Premium Option – Mohamed Salah – 12.5m

2020-21 stats: 

  • Minutes – 3079
  • Goals – 22
  • Assists – 6
  • Points – 231 

First six fixtures: NOR, BUR, CHE, LEE, CRY, BRE

2021-22 expected stats: 

  • xG (expected goals) – 19.32 
  • xA (expected assists) – 7.04
  • xGI (expected goal involvement) – 26.36
  • Mins/xGI (minutes per goal involvement) – 116.8

Liverpool’s sharpshooter has been the fan-favorite and go-to player for captaincy for the past few seasons. He has made the right-wing his own with his trademark runs and curling left-footer finishes causing nightmares for defenders. 

Liverpool were not the same of their title winning 2019-20 season. But a lot of it was down to the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Henderson for large parts of the season. The return of the team’s leaders means more stability at the back and a confidence boost for the team. 

Mid-range option – Mason Greenwood – 7.5m 

2020-21 stats: 

  • Minutes – 1824
  • Goals – 7
  • Assists – 2
  • Points – 106 

First six fixtures: LEE, SOU, WOL, NEW, WHU, AVL

2021-22 expected stats: 

  • xG (expected goals) – 6.13 
  • xA (expected assists) – 2.28
  • xGI (expected goal involvement) – 8.41
  • Mins/xGI (minutes per goal involvement) – 216.9

The United youngster had an impressive season with the senior team last time around. His blistering pace and powerful shots gave the team a much-needed boost from the bench when they were lacking creativity. 

But the possibility of Marcus Rashford missing out 2 months due to shoulder surgery means that Mason is now a first pick for the starting XI. He plays on both wings and in the box increasing his potential as an FPL midfielder.

Budget Option – Leandro Trossard – 6.5m 

2020-21 stats: 

  • Minutes – 2620
  • Goals – 5
  • Assists – 6
  • Points – 132 

First six fixtures: BUR, WAT, EVE, BRE, LEI, CRY

2021-22 expected stats: 

  • xG (expected goals) – 4.62 
  • xA (expected assists) – 5.86
  • xGI (expected goal involvement) – 10.48
  • Mins/xGI (minutes per goal involvement) – 250

The Brighton midfielder may not have the best numbers, but they have the best opening fixtures of any team in the league. They were one of the most unpredictable teams last season sometimes hammering their opponents and sometimes unable to perform. 

But too many high-priced options make the likes of Trossard more of a necessity than a choice to form your best squad. It is not easy to spread your money in FPL without some budget options and Trossard is a good choice in this area.

Conclusion: 

The options and combinations in midfielders will define the trajectory of your season. The talent and potentials are limitless. The point to remember is to not decide based on sentiment but rather on fixtures, form, and stats. Keep your eye out for regular updates on fitness and team rotations so that you are assured your pick is starting. 

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