Fantasy MLS: Players to Watch – Midfielders

If you missed the last two posts in our “Players to Watch” series, please check out our articles about Keepers and Defenders. And don’t forget to look at our other MLS Fantasy resources and Join our KCF MLS Fantasy league!

Fantasy MLS midfielders are they players who generate the most points as a group. They can really be the bread and butter of your team and good vice captain choices. There are several obvious options in the $9.0+ range, but it’s not possible to have 5 guys in that range. So here are some of the lower priced options that show some promise and could be a nice differential.

Khalifa Cissé
New England Revolution – $6.0m
Bristol City: 61 appearances, 2 goals

Cissé is a veteran of both the Premier league, the top Portuguese league, and is a current member of the the Mali national team (where he has had 5 caps). Having been successful in his past, he will bring a lot of experience and a physical game to the Revolution. Even though he has proven capable of scoring goals, Cissé is  Defensive Midfielder, and manages will need to consider that. If you are looking to gable on a new play who should be starting, this could be your man. Currently owned by 0.4% of managers.

Miller Bolaños
Chivas USA- $6.5m
LDU Quito/Chivas Loan: 80 appearances, 18 goals/24 appearances, 3 goals

Bolaños has the potential to be a greatly undervalued Fantasy MLS asset. He has a log history as a goal scorer is the top Ecuadorian league and has already scored 5 games for Chivas during the preseason. Chivas has given itself a facelift over the season, so it’s a little hard to tell how the changes are going to play out. But if goes well, it’s hard to imagine Bolaños not starting and being a key players in their offensive. Currently owned by 1.9% of managers.

Daigo Kobayashi
Vancouver Whitecaps- $7.5m
Shimizu S-Pulse: 29 appearances

Kobayashi proved to be a player who was quite capable to scoring early in his career and received a cap fro the Japan national team, but over the past few years he has struggled to find a home. But, Vancouver is quite happy to give him a spot in central midfield and take advantage of his technical play. If he’s able to bring that skill, he should be able to rack up goals and assists again. Currently owned by 3.6% or managers.

Diego Valeri
Portland Timbers – $8.0m
Lanús: 158 appearances, 26 goals

Valeri is a play maker, plain and simple. He’s performed well in Argentina’s top league for the past several years, and now Portland is hoping to cash in on his skill. Caleb Porter has brought a new style of play to Portland this year, and Valeri fits is perfectly. Success will depend a lot on if he is able to link up well with Will Johnson and other players, but preseason results seem to dismiss any fears of that not happening. He has the highest Fantasy MLS ownership of the five players listed here, but I think he is still a good buy. Currently owned by 8% of managers.

Juninho Pernambucano
New York Red Bulls – $8.0m
Vasco da Gama: 75 appearances, 22 goals

To say Juninho has a knack for scoring is an understatement. Since 1991 he has scored over 200 goals, including 7 for the Brazil national team. During this time he as developed a reputation as an expert free kick taker and should fit well into an attacking slot at New York. He is one of the two most expensive midfielders on our list, but I think he’s one that will put up to excellent numbers this season. Currently owned by 4.4% of managers.

There are definitely many good options for midfielders from the 8.0m-10m range. Depending on your setup, you may be using a lot offensive players or need to supplement with some inexpensive ones. Regardless, No Games and tough fixtures will make finding good subs a must, and keeping an eyes on these players (if they are not already in your team) will help you fill that need when it arises.

So are you bringing in any of these players or do you have your eyes on someone else? Leave a comment to let us know, or visit our Facebook page (might as well like it if do). Also, take some time to stop by r/FantasyMLS. It’s a great place to go if you want some advice on your team.