5.5mn midfielders are rarely the sexiest picks in FPL. It’s not often that you get a player like Riyad Mahrez that breaks through, or even John Lundstram that is at least viable as an option. But it’s something we are always looking for.
In Fantasy Premier League, the pricing normally means that a 5.5mn midfielder is a defensive midfielder or bench player. This is to stop you having too much money to spread around your team and dominating your midfield.
Whilst we care about 5.5mn mids every year, this year, we should be really interested.
Why Should We Care About 5.5m Midfielders in FPL?
Two words. Mo Salah.
Two more words. Harry Kane.
Most of us have noticed that you can afford a very good midfield with only one premium asset, that premium being Erling Haaland. You can squeeze Rashford, Son, Saka and Martinelli in a team if you really try hard.
But Salah/Kane + a 5.5mn midfielder costs the same as Rashford+Son. A 5.5mn midfielder could be the key to picking up a second premium asset for your FPL squad.
A Pinch of Salt… Or Maybe a Big Dollop of Realism…
This is an exciting headline but we need to drop a dose of realism in here right at the start.
It is unlikely that we will start the season with any of these guys. This price point is traditionally not good for FPL and there is a reason these guys are all priced at 5.5. They’ve either never performed super well or don’t have a full season under their belt.
However, we will certainly be keeping an eye on these guys. And, will be watching their pre-seasons’ very carefully.
So, who have we got our eyes on?
Julio Enciso – Brighton
Enciso burst onto the scene at the end of last year. He made twenty appearances but only started seven games, scoring 4 times off 3.93 xG. He also got 3 assists but that was only off 1.18 xA.
He can play second striker or left wing which means he could be a natural replacement this year for either MacAllister or Trossard’s open spots.
He’s only 19 and last season he only played around 800 minutes. And, that was his first season in a European top flight league. His previous experience is the Paraguayan top league and the Copa Libertadores. All this is to say, he might not be ready for a full Premier League season.
Anthony Gordon – Newcastle
Gordon arrived at Newcastle in January this year and halfway through last season after his breakout year with Everton in the 21/22 season. Even in his breakout season he only got 4 goals and 3 assists. But, to be fair to him, that Everton team was dreadful.
Last year he only played 480 mins over 16 games for Newcastle which is about 30 minutes per game with Eddie Howe favouring more experienced players for the starting XI. He only got one goal in that time which is not fantastic…
However, Newcastle spent £45mn on this young guy and they clearly think he’s a future prospect. Something that has only been reinforced by him winning the U21 Euros with England, and, picking up the player of the tournament trophy. If he nails down a starting spot, he could be interesting, as long as he starts delivering some attacking returns as well.
Andreas Pereira – Fulham
Out favourite 12th man in FPL last year. He was only 4.5 and finished the season with 123 points. He was fantastic value.
This year, he comes in at 5.5 and, whilst I don’t really want to spend 5.5 on 123 points, there is a world in which he performs better than this. For example, he underperformed his xG by three goals last year.
On the other hand, he over-performed his xA by six… And, I am a little concerned that Fulham won’t be as good this year. Often teams like this get found out in their second year. But he is certainly one to watch.
Manuel Benson – Burnley
Benson is a winger who has suited Burnley’s attacking style in the championship. He picked up 15 goal involvements in the championship last year which is pretty good.
But, let’s face it. Right now, we don’t know if this Burnley team is any good. We will only know that after a bit of exposure to the rest of the Premier league. I think he’s probably my least favourite of this list because of that. Regardless, one to watch at the price.
That’s It!
We think it’s generally best to wait and see with this lot. But, if your team structure requires a 5.5 mid then these guys are interesting to consider. And, we favour Enciso as the best pick right now.
Have we missed anyone? Get in touch on Twitter and tell us about it!
Want to read more? Check out our price reveal piece.