FPL

The best premium FPL midfielders for 2022/23

We pick out the best premium midfielders as we continue our look over the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) price list.

Having already assessed the £8.0m midfielders in a standalone piece, here, we switch our attention to those priced up at £10.0m or above, plus Jarrod Bowen (£8.5m), who is the only player in that price rung.

Our look at mid-price midfielders in the £6.0m-£7.5m bracket will follow soon.

With unlimited transfers allowed during the World Cup downtime and a Wildcard to use before then, we’re mostly focusing on Gameweeks 1-8 in this series.

Opta stats on the players featured in these articles are available in our Premium Members Area, where you can now get a full year’s subscription for just £2.49 a month.

MOHAMED SALAH

Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) was the top-scoring player in FPL last season, as he won a share of the Golden Boot by scoring 23 Premier League goals.

His tally of 14 FPL assists, meanwhile, was more than any other player bar Jarrod Bowen.

The appeal of Salah lies in his consistency: he has produced 230+ points in each of his five campaigns on Merseyside (see below). Combine that with Liverpool’s favourable opening fixtures, and it’s easy to see why 58.0% of FPL managers have already signed up the ‘Egyptian King’.


We did see a dip in Salah’s form in 2022 when he returned from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but even during that spell (Gameweek 24 onwards), he remained a goal threat and ranked second among all FPL players for goal attempts, shots in the box and expected goals (xG).

Averaging 23.6 Premier League goals per season under Jurgen Klopp, Salah is as close as you’ll get to guaranteed points in FPL.

SON HEUNG-MIN

The man who shared the Golden Boot with Salah last season, Son Heung-min, is available for £12.0m in 2022/23.

The South Korean international produced 23 goals – none of which were from the penalty spot – and 10 assists last term, averaging 7.4 points per match.

Notably, he was directly involved in 51% of his side’s goals when on the pitch, a league-high figure amongst midfielders starting regularly.

PlayerTeamFPL goal involvement
Son Heung-minTottenham Hotspur51%
Jarrod BowenWest Ham United51%
James MaddisonLeicester City48%
Mohamed SalahLiverpool47%
Ismaila SarrWatford47%

* minimum 750 minutes played


Now, despite that inevitable prise rise, Son is still the third-most-popular FPL midfielder, only trailing Liverpool duo Salah and Luis Diaz (£8.0m).

After Richarlison’s (£8.5m) move to north London, Son may be afforded a bit more minute management and perhaps the occasional rest next season. However, that should be put in context, given that it applies to most top players representing those involved in Europe.

As for Tottenham Hotspur, they appear to be heading in the right direction under Antonio Conte. In fact, only Liverpool and Manchester City have had a better 2022.

Furthermore, Spurs have a decent start, with the Lilywhites hosting Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fulham during the first six Gameweeks, plus an appealing away trip to Nottingham Forest.

KEVIN DE BRUYNE

Kevin De Bruyne (£12.0m) produced 15 goals and eight assists in 25 Premier League starts last season to help Man City clinch the title.

After a slow start, the Belgian playmaker hit form at just the right moment, registering 21 attacking returns in 20 outings from Gameweek 17 onwards.

In that time, he also posted league-leading totals for bonus points (29), plus creative metrics like created chances and successful final-third passes.

It’s worth noting that De Bruyne massively outperformed his xG (+8.77) in 2021/22, but to counter that, he now has the prolific Norwegian forward Erling Haaland (£11.5m) to feed, which could potentially boost his assist numbers.

Pep Guardiola’s troops are the only Premier League team who avoid a ‘big six’ side in the first six Gameweeks, with their Etihad clashes against Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest particularly appealing for captaincy.

RAHEEM STERLING

Raheem Sterling’s (£10.0m) move to Chelsea has the potential to shake up the midfield category.

The England international was limited to just 23 starts in 2021/22, but still netted 13 goals and assisted a further seven, averaging a very decent 6.4 points per start.

His attacking output during his time at Man City is also worth noting: Sterling has hit double figures for goals in five successive Premier League campaigns, with only Salah, Harry Kane (£12.5m) and Jamie Vardy (£9.5m) more prolific over that period.

READ MORE: FPL new signings: Sterling back on watchlist after Chelsea move

With pitch time looking more assured again, Sterling could potentially thrive in Thomas Tuchel’s set-up.

As for Chelsea, they face only one of last season’s top six in their first seven outings and rank third on our Season Ticker for fixture difficulty during that period.

OTHER CANDIDATES: THE PROS AND CONS

Jarrod Bowen was one of the surprise stars of the 2021/22 season, as he produced 12 goals and 17 assists in 34 Premier League starts.

As a result, he was one of just five players to break the 200-point barrier, ending the campaign with 5.7 points per match.

A price hike was always likely, then, and FPL managers will now have to part with £8.5m to secure his services.

Given that West Ham United face Man City, Spurs and Chelsea in the opening six Gameweeks, plus tricky opponents in Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion, it’s unlikely we’ll see him in many Gameweek 1 sides.

However, he could be a useful asset further down the line, perhaps from Gameweek 7 once the Hammers’ fixtures ease.

Bruno Fernandes (£10.0m), meanwhile, has dropped in price after an underwhelming 2021/22 season, in which he produced a fairly modest 10 goals and seven assists.

However, with a new manager arriving and penalties potentially reclaimed if Cristiano Ronaldo (£10.5m) departs, it may be premature to completely write off the Portuguese playmaker, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he appears back on the FPL radar before the year is out.

FPL POINTS PROJECTIONS

Our algorithm-generated FPL points projections for the 2022/23 campaign have been refreshed again in the last few days.

These will be further updated as pre-season continues and more team news information becomes apparent.

Who played the most minutes over the March international break?

465 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Birds of Prey
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Is there another 4.5 playing mid besides Andreas? Thx

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Possibly DaSilva but need to see more preseason games

      1. Fletch69
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I didn't think so.

        Colback will probably start more than most. Dasilva is also worth keeping an eye on

        1. nobwak
          • 8 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          No, Colback will not start.

  2. Mixed Bag
    • 6 Years
    1 year, 8 months ago

    Is Ronaldo likely to leave Man Utd?

    Also is Cucurella likely to go to Man City?

    I'd like this team, but it depends on those moves:

    Mendy
    Robertson / James / Trippier / Cucurella
    Salah / Dias / Mahrez / Rashford
    Haaland / Jesus

    The usual bench

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Ronaldo's situation- He desperately wants to leave, Man Utd have publicly said not for sale (though I suspect this only extends to premier league rivals) the problem is, apart from tentative interest from Chelsea (who man utd wouldn't sell to) and Saudi Arabia (who Ronaldo doesn't want to go to) nobody else is in for him! Bayern have said no but now they've lost Lewa they may potentially go in for him, if Ronaldo is willing to cut his wages by a hefty amount which he should be to "conquer" another league and play in the champions League. As it stands he'll be staying hanging around like a bad smell but I think him and his agent will find a way out

        Cucurella- man city have now shipped zincenko and have bid for cucurella, can't see any world where they don't have enough money or cucurella would prefer staying at Brighton so this is incredibly likely

        1. Mixed Bag
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Thanks for the thorough reply.

          I'm expecting the Ronaldo situation to turn sour - not sure how it'll affect the rest of the squad. There's real value there though. Might be worth the risk.

      • One Man
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I think his most likely destination is A Madrid, Simeone’s son liked a comment linking him to the club yday and word has it that his agent Jorge Mendes has been in talks with Atletico since the start of the month. If he really wants away it’s not in United’s interest to keep him as he’ll inevitably sour squad morale. I think he’ll move abroad, possible to Atletico as their new Suarez.

      • St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        I think Cucurella will go to City, but won't be nailed with Cancelo and Walker about.

    2. Fatboy_Slim
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Made a mistake in my last comment, Please suggest which draft I should go for:

      1) Balanced:
      Ramsdale
      Dias, James, Robertson, Dalot
      Son, Diaz, Mount, Rashford
      Haaland, Jesus
      Subs: 4.0, Andreas, Neco Williams, 4.5

      2) Threemium:
      Sanchez
      Dias, James, Robertson, Dalot, Neco Williams
      Salah, Rashford
      Haaland, Jesus, Kane
      Subs: 4.0, Andreas, 4.5, 4.5

      Thanks in advance!

      1. Mixed Bag
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        So Diaz + Mount Vs Kane + N Williams?

        Probably 1, unless you plan to wildcard early.

        1. Fatboy_Slim
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I do plan wildcard either after Gw 8 during international break, or before the world cup, based on the situation of my team....if that's the case should I go for 1 or 2?

          1. Mixed Bag
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            It's one of those 'how lucky are you feeling' sort of questions - 8 gameweeks with a thin squad is quite a lot. Could be good, but probably not the percentage play.

    3. Ninjaa
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 8 months ago

      Sanchez 4m
      Cancelo TAA James Dalot Neco
      Salah Sancho Mount Ramsey A. Pereira
      Haaland Jesus Greenwood

      Thoughts??

      1. Fatboy_Slim
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Downgrade Sancho to Rashford and upgrade Ramsey as he is a minutes/position risk...rest is amazing

        1. Fletch69
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I'd stick with Sancho. Think he'll have a big year. Ramsey is a risk but there's always one £5.5m mid who'll have a good season. Just need to be quick enough to jump across to the right one.

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Many thoughts rushing around, who'll be the next pm?

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Not Tugendhat, unfortunately.

        • Fletch69
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Very nice, love the Dalot pick and a few other differentials in it. Best of luck as I think that might be decent

      3. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        A) Bailey and Tomiyasu
        Or
        B) Andreas and Zinchenko

        1. Mixed Bag
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Andreas is actually a great pick - on set pieces, attacking and a great price.

          Also the 5m defenders are an awesome price point.

          1. Paqueta Rice
            • 3 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Thank you

      4. Donnie Chen
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Ok, one more AvB - changes in caps

        A.
        Sanchez
        Cancelo James TAA
        Salah Bailey GREALISH RASHFORD
        Jesus Wilson HAALAND (or maybe KANE)
        Subs: (Steele/Andreas/Vestergaard/N Williams)

        B.
        Sanchez
        Cancelo James ROBERTSON
        Salah Bailey SON NETO
        Jesus Wilson HAVERTZ
        Subs: (Steele/Andreas/Vestergaard/N Williams)

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          A

        2. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          A

      5. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Cancelo with a 4.5 keeper

        Or Dias with ederson?

        1. Paqueta Rice
          • 3 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Cancelo & 4.5 imo

        2. The Sarjeant
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Cancelo and a £4.5m keeper, for sure.

        3. Donnie Chen
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          I had this conundrum - decided Cancelo + 4.5 - I think Pep will push him forward more this season, he's clearly got a lot to offer there.

      6. linkafu
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Some comments?

        Mendy
        Tomiyasu Chilwell TAA Dalot
        Salah Rashford Marhez Harrison
        Kane Vardy
        Caballero Walker Andreas Stansfield

        1. Mixed Bag
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Walker on the bench seems unnecessary - downgrade to N Williams then upgrade elsewhere.

          Nice otherwise though

          1. Donnie Chen
            • 13 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Yep agree with this

      7. DannyDrinkVodka
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        A) Laporte + Mendy+ 2 bench fodder 4.5 midfielders
        B) Cash + Ederson + Leon Bailey

      8. Saviour22
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Meslier
        Taa James tripper Cancelo Cash
        Salah Diaz Son Rashford
        Jesus

        How is it

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          brilliant

          1. Mixed Bag
            • 6 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Best 541 I have seen.

      9. Saviour22
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Meslier
        Taa James tripper Cancelo Cash
        Salah Diaz Son Rashford
        Jesus

        Any changes

        1. Donnie Chen
          • 13 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Not sure about Salah + Diaz - maybe get City/Chelsea mid in there?

        2. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Not since last time you posted 😛 Just messing.

          For that format, go for it. Part of me would want to consider Martial ahead of Rashford.

          For that you'd need to find another paying 4.5m MID (there will be some, better than the FWDs currently) - but also drop Trippier/Cash to a 4.5m.

      10. wanny180
        • 4 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Rip it apart, pretty template and no Salah, which does concern me but hoping points from elsewhere will make up for it. Think Sterling will be on fire.
        any suggestions welcome.
        Pickford
        Cash. v Dyke. Koulibaly. Dias.
        Diaz. Sterling. Guimaraes. Son.
        Haaland. Jesus.
        Begovic, N Williams. Andreas. Taylor.
        Cheers

        1. Mixed Bag
          • 6 Years
          1 year, 8 months ago

          Personally I'd rather have 2 x 8mids than sterling + Bruno g.

          Not sure about Pickford, I can't see why he'd improve on last season.

          Go with your gut though - that's what the game should be about.

          1. wanny180
            • 4 Years
            1 year, 8 months ago

            Thank You, Which 2 would you pick and I think Everton have got to improve surely lol..

      11. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 8 months ago

        Best 5.5 mid?