RSL Fantasy: 10 Midfielders to Watch

With goalkeepers and defenders covered already in our Fantasy RSL series ahead of the 2024-25 season, now it’s time to cast a careful eye through the midfield options before the top flight's big kick off on August 22.

To make the selection process slightly easier, here are 10 midfielders you need to consider adding to your side to give you the best chance of success.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - Al Hilal (SAR 10M)

The Serbian doesn’t come cheap, but he is absolutely worth the investment. Milinkovic-Savic led the way last season, amassing a total of 134 points - the most of any midfielder in the league. What makes him so valuable is his goal-scoring threat; last season, the Serb contributed a massive eight goals and 11 assists.

Riyad Mahrez - Al Ahli (SAR 10.5M)

Like Milinkovic-Savic, Mahrez is on the expensive side, but his ability to consistently deliver points makes him so valuable to any fantasy team. Six goals and eight assists saw the Algerian accumulate 117 points across the season - third behind only Milinkovic-Savic and Al Hilal teammate Ruben Neves.

Alvaro Medran – Al Ettifaq (SAR 8.5M)

The Spaniard was one of the stars of the league in 2023-24, starting the season with Al Taawoun before switching to Al Ettifaq for the second half of the campaign. His attacking nous makes him a great selection, and his 107 points placed him in the top 5 for midfielders last term. Medran also had the equal-most Attacking Bonus Points in the league, with 23.

Lucas Zelarayan - Al Fateh (SAR 9M)

Arriving from MLS side Columbus Crew ahead of last season, the Argentine-born Armenian international was a revelation in 2023-24. Anyone pulling in more than 100 points across the season is a sensational return, as Zelarayan did, with 102. He ranked in the top 10 for goals, assists, key passes and Attacking Bonus Points; in the latter, he was equal-best in the league, with 23.

Yannick Carrasco - Al Shabab (SAR 9M)

The Belgian international made a substantial difference to the fortunes of Al Shabab last season after arriving a few rounds into the campaign. With more expected of the Riyadh club in 2024-25, Carrasco will play a leading role in their fortunes and, after showing what he is capable of - six goals and three assists, on way to 90 points - this season should be a big one for him and Al Shabab.

Salem Al Dawsari - Al Hilal (SAR 10.5M)

No list, or perhaps Fantasy team, is complete without the reigning AFC Player of the Year. The Al Hilal legend continues to deliver year-in, year-out, and last season was no exception. Once again, Al Dawsari finished in the top 10 for total points (97), delivering seven goals and four assists to set himself apart as the leading Saudi star in the league.

Aschraf El Mahdioui - Al Taawoun (SAR 7.5M)

The 28-year-old midfielder has been a standout for Al Taawoun for a number of seasons since arriving in 2022, and he delivers excellent value as he coming in at substantially less than others on this list. When comparing his total points against his value (last season, he racked up 92 points), El Mahdioui is one of the best-value players in the league.

Moussa Diaby - Al Ittihad (SAR 7.5M)

One of the latest high-profile arrivals to the RSL, the 25-year-old French international shapes as a man to light up the new campaign as Al Ittihad look to bounce back from last season’s disappointing title defence. Winger Diaby starred for Aston Villa on debut in the English Premier League last season with six goals and eight assists - that bodes well for his introduction in Jeddah.

Franck Kessie - Al Ahli (SAR 9.5M)

The Ivorian had a sensational first season with Al Ahli, leading the way as one of the best midfielders in the league and helping Al Ahli to third in their first campaign back in the RSL. Six goals and five assists was a great return in his debut season in the green and white, leading to sixth place in total points for midfielders (105). However, expect even more of the AFCON champion through 2024-25.