Dream Team’s top ten players this season features NINE midfielders – managers advised to change formation

THE 2023/24 Dream Team season is not quite three Gameweeks old but already a clear pattern has emerged.

At the time of writing, NINE of the top ten performers in the game are categorised as midfielders.

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Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen (£2.9m) is the only party crasher with 26 points – a tally that puts him level with Moussa Diaby (£3.3m) in joint-ninth.

That means there are no strikers inside the top ten at this stage – not even Erling Haaland (£8.4m)!

DREAM TEAM’S TOP TEN PLAYERS

1. Bukayo Saka (£6.1m) – 32 pts
2. James Maddison (£4.1m) – 31 pts
3. Eberechi Eze (£3.3m) – 29 pts
4. Solly March (£3.9m) – 29 pts
5. Rodri (£4.3m) – 29 pts
6. Raheem Sterling (£3.6m) – 29 pts
7. Bryan Mbeumo (£3.9m) – 28 pts
8. Jarrod Bowen (£4.6m) – 27 pts
9. Joachim Andersen (£2.9m) – 26 pts
10. Moussa Diaby (£3.3m) – 26 pts

Arsenal’s resident ‘Star Boy’ tops the pile having scored twice, earned six points, and ticked over with tackles, shots on target and big chances created.

Kai Havertz (£3.3m), Gabriel Martinelli (£4.3m) and Leandro Trossard (£2.9m) have all disappointed their backers so far this term but Saka has justified his price tag with plentiful returns.

Tottenham’s new No10 has captured the imagination of the fans and more than a few Dream Team gaffers – his ownership of 18.9% makes him the sixth-most selected midfielder.

Although perhaps Maddison deserves to be even more popular after a return of 31 points across the first three Gameweeks.

Completing the podium, the Eagles’ creator-in-chief owes his lofty ranking to his haul of 11 bonus points, the most among all players right now.

Eze has registered the most successful dribbles in the Premier League at this early stage and he ranks highly for accurate crosses and fouls won as well.

What’s clear is that Dream Team bosses are spoiled for choice in midfield.

The above list doesn’t even include popular options such as Martin Odegaard (£5m), Kaoru Mitoma (£3.8m), Bruno Fernandes (£6.2m), Luis Diaz (£4.2m) and Phil Foden (£4.5m).

Evidently, an XI with five midfielders appears to be the best strategy – either a 4-5-1 or 3-5-2 formation.

It should be noted that the midfield supremacy may not last as there are a number of defenders and strikers within striking distance of the top ten.

However, with the improved scoring system offering points for tackles, big chances created and shots on target, it’s clear that talismanic midfielders will earn just rewards.

Plus, with the new directive in regards to time-wasting and stoppages, it’s reasonable to expect fewer clean sheets, which could hinder the progress of Dream Team defenders this season.

Invest in an optimum midfield for maximum points!

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk