World Cup 2022 fantasy football: Best midfielders to pick
By Max Parsons
We are truly in the full swing of things! We're in the midst of a World Cup like no other, although some things never change, with many managers picking their fantasy teams.
With the plethora of names on show and the breadth of creative quality to choose from, it's a wonder how anyone's whittled down their shortlists to just a handful of midfielders.
If you're struggling, though, fear not! 90min are on hand to give you their top 10 picks.
- World Cup news
- World Cup 2022 fantasy football: Best forwards to pick
- World Cup 2022 fantasy football: Best defenders to pick
- World Cup 2022 fantasy football: Best goalkeepers to pick
10. Frenkie de Jong (Netherlands, $8.5m)
Often a very frustrating player, Frenkie de Jong's sensational quality invariably rears its head in every game he plays in - it's his often-fading influence during matches that disappoints.
Even so, he's a pivotal figure for a hopeful nation in Qatar and is undoubtedly the bright spark in their midfield. His stunning ability to make things happen from deep and provide a strong presence in the final third definitely makes his admittedly plump $8.5m price tag a risk worth taking.
9. Angel Di Maria (Argentina, $8.5m)
An Argentinian stalwart, Angel Di Maria is without a doubt past his prime, but he's still favoured on the international scene.
He might have kicked off his 2022 World Cup with a bitterly mediocre display against shock-providers Saudi Arabia on matchday one, but the Juventus man oozes assists - with a strike force of Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez alongside him, he's bound to rack up a couple, surely.
8. Leandro Trossard (Belgium, $5.5m)
You might not have expected to find this man on this list, but here he is!
Rapidly becoming a very sought-after asset in the Premier League, the diminutive Belgian consistently demonstrates his class and tangible quality in England's top flight - an increasingly prominent role in his national side has been the reward.
He will undoubtedly feature for the Red Devils this winter and is an absolute danger for any defence. We have no clue how he's priced at just $5.5m.
7. Jude Bellingham (England, $7.5m)
19-year-old Jude Bellingham has to be regarded as one of the world's best midfielders at the moment.
The Borussia Dortmund powerhouse is a ridiculously frightening prospect and already boasts the all-encompassing quality of a top central midfielder - one of which is a goal-scoring knack, which he has only recently added to his repertoire.
With a tally of no fewer than nine strikes for BVB heading into the 2022 World Cup, the teenager netted England's first of the tournament and, after a thoroughly central display in the Three Lions' thumping of Iran, he's not likely to slow down.
6. Gavi (Spain, $7m)
Spain have a wealth of midfield class to select from, but $7m-priced teenager Gavi might just be the pick of them all.
The youngster demonstrated his stunning ability in his nation's thunderous 7-0 opener against Costa Rica and, if he carries on in that vein, the 2022 World Cup will certainly be a breakthrough - and fantasy point-heavy - tournament for the Barcelona man.
5. Bernardo Silva (Portugal, $9m)
Portugal will be searching for their first World Cup triumph this year and with the midfield quality they boast, you simply can't bet against them.
One of their chief creators and demonic dribblers is Manchester City's Bernardo Silva. Although $9m is a hefty fee to pay for a midfielder in your side, his awe-inspiring creativity and decisive product make him a good option to have throughout the tournament.
4. Leroy Sane (Germany, $9m)
Okay, Leroy Sane was an unused substitute in Germany's shocking matchday-one defeat to Japan - but don't disregard him from fantasy selection.
Hansi Flick was the coach to reignite his injury-hindered form at Bayern Munich and, working together in the national setup, the winger has been a prominent figure since the manager's appointment.
$9m may put many off, but it should only be a matter of time before Sane gets going at this tournament.
3. Jamal Musiala (Germany, $8m)
As is the case for Jamal Musiala, who has practically become an undroppable for Flick's Germany.
A glittering youngster who seems to only get better and better each passing week, Musiala has arguably been the Bundesliga's stand-out performer this campaign so far, and will certainly play a key role in his country's World Cup journey.
Without a favoured, out-and-out, number nine to rely on, Musiala will be one of the key men that the Germans look to for flashes of genius as they aim to make it far in Qatar.
2. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, $11m)
It's tough to weigh up Belgium's chances at this tournament - a squad undeniably littered with brilliance, but an ageing one nonetheless.
Even so, they're expected to push for the later rounds and it's no secret that Kevin De Bruyne is the danger man. A player capable of landing the ball on a sixpence from anywhere on the field, he's a walking fantasy point - whether you want to splash out a whopping $11m on him, however, is your call completely.
1. Bukayo Saka (England, $8m)
Our top pick for World Cup fantasy football, however, is going to be Arsenal and England starboy Bukayo Saka, who you can select for just $8m.
He's favoured by Gareth Southgate and, following his performance in the Three Lions' 6-2 opening-day win over Iran, you can see why. A goal-scorer, a fearsome dribbler, a hard worker and a playmaker - the guy can do it all!
Saka's already got his maiden World Cup appearance off to a scorcher, and we don't foresee him cooling yet.