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Midfield is perhaps the most important position in the game of football. While strikers score goals and defences defend them, midfield is what gives meaning to both the departments.
Some of the finest players in world football play midfield and carry the responsibility of linking the back and front ends. The English Premier League is home to some spectacular talent in midfield who hold immense influence and control over the game.
Unsurprisingly, midfield is also a crucial outlet of points in the Fantasy Premier League, with bucketloads of them being obtained via assists and goals.
Here are five midfielders that are expected to shine this season and should be given a spot on your fantasy squad
#5 Dele Alli - £9.5
Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli seems to have found a purple patch of form and has decided to reside within it. And the numbers say it all - over the last two seasons, the 21-year old has scored a total of 28 goals in the English Premier League.
Alli, who moved to Tottenham in 2015 has taken no time in becoming one of the biggest sensations in world football, attracting the attention of some of the biggest clubs across Europe.
Naturally, the Englishman was a fixed entity in most fantasy sides last season and he didn't disappoint. Alli gathered an astonishing 225 points in the Fantasy Premier League - second only to Alexis Sanchez's tally of 264.
If you didn't include Alli in your side last season, you really should this year.
#4 Kevin De Bruyne - £10.0
Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne has slowly but surely transitioned into the undisputed king of setup play in England.
The Belgian wreaked havoc from the heart of a formidable Manchester City side, scoring six goals and assisting a whopping 18 more - resulting in his involvement in 24 out of Manchester City's total tally of 80 goals in the English Premier League.
The 26-year old bullied defences throughout the season and subsequently amassed a total of 199 points in last season's Fantasy Premier League.
De Bruyne will be rearing to go once again this season and is one of the safest bets, despite his double digit price tag.
#3 Eden Hazard - £10.5
Chelsea's Eden Hazard has been tipped to achieve greatness for quite some time now. The ostentatious midfielder has impressed thoroughly during his time at Chelsea. The Belgian set a personal best of 16 goals last season and looked fluent throughout.
Hazard has been not just a fan favourite, but also a Fantasy Premier League favourite. Given a spot on a majority of sides, the 26-year old justified his position after winning his owners a total of 224 points last season.
The Chelsea talisman is currently sidelined because of an ankle injury and is set to miss the first month as he's expected to make a return only in September.
Once he's back, though, he should take no time to break back into The Blues side as well as your fantasy sides.
Temporary replacement - Christian Eriksen - £9.5
Until Eden Hazard is declared fit, a suitable Fantasy Premier League replacement can be assumed to be Tottenham Hotspur's, Christian Eriksen. The Danish attacking midfielder enjoyed a rich vein of form, acquiring a staggering 218 points. The 25-year old also fits well within the budget you would have needed for Hazard.
#2 Paul Pogba - £8.0
Manchester United's former record holder for 'most expensive player' - Paul Pogba is one of the most exciting prospects in world football. He has a presence the size of an elephant and the skills to be its mahout. The effervescent midfielder was visibly being restricted by his defensive responsibilities last season.
The arrival of Nemanja Matic could liberate Pogba and quite literally set him free. The opportunity to link up with his best mate - Lukaku will further motivate the 24-year old to wreak havoc among enemy defences.
Valued at just £8.0, Paul Pogba could be an incredible steal, as long as you don't wait too long to put him on your squads.
#1 Alexis Sanchez - £12.0
Alexis Sanchez has become the vortex of a much-speculated transfer saga having categorically told Arsenal that he would like to leave the club. Arsenal, however, would rather let him walk for free once his contract expires in 12 months than sell him this summer.
The Chilean heartthrob has seemingly resigned to a stay at Emirates and will undoubtedly continue to play his heart out for the Gunners.
In what turned out to be complete domination last season, Sanchez ran away with the Fantasy Premier League spoils after piling up a towering total of 264 points - the most for any player in the league.
Should he stay at Arsenal, the 28-year old will invariably come out all guns blazing, week-in, week-out. Can't say about Arsenal, but his presence on your team can surely catapult you to the top in the Fantasy Premier League.
