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Dream Team 2016/17: Low cost playmakers who will score similar points to the big boys

With a £1million prize pot on offer, it's important to find the hidden gems that will boost your team

WE'VE tightened the purse strings for our  game this year.

You’ve still got £50million to spend on 11 players but with Sergio Aguero boasting an £8.0m price tag, you’ve got to be a little more thrifty.

 The Argentine striker will cost a cool £8million
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The Argentine striker will cost a cool £8millionCredit: PA:Press Association

We want to reward knowledgeable players more than ever.

Which means you’re going to need to identify a few cheaper options for your midfield.

Here are five reasonably priced (£3.0m – £4.5m) playmakers that will score similar points to the big boys.

 Dusan Tadic could be a real bargain at £3.5m
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Dusan Tadic could be a real bargain at £3.5mCredit: Reuters

1. Dusan Tadic (3.5m)

Southampton’s Serbian creator is prone to fluctuations in form but if you catch him when he’s hot then there points to be had.

After Christmas last season his assist and chances created stats were up there with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Dele Alli.

 Santi Cazorla is bound to grab his fair share of assists
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Santi Cazorla is bound to grab his fair share of assists

2. Santi Cazorla (4.0m)

A fit again Santi Cazorla is a creative force to be reckoned with. His passing stats are always sublime and should earn him regular 7+ ratings.

Plus, he’s likely to take any penalties Arsenal are awarded, which is a nice bonus.

 Erik Lamela proved many of his doubters wrong last season
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Erik Lamela proved many of his doubters wrong last season

3. Erik Lamela (4.0m)

You could go for Dele Alli or Christian Eriksen but why not save yourself a million quid and opt for the Argentine No11?

Due to his magnificent displays in the Europa League, Lamela actually finished the season with more Dream Team points than Alli. He’s looked sharp in pre-season too…

 Gylfi Sigurdsson could celebrate his new Swansea contract with some fine performances
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Gylfi Sigurdsson could celebrate his new Swansea contract with some fine performances

4. Gylfi Sigurdsson (3.5m)

The Icelandic playmaker is a real Dream Team darling. If Swansea score a goal, more often than not it’s because of Sigurdsson’s ingenuity.

Free-kicks, penalties, long-range strikes and high pass completion. Smells like plenty of delicious points.

 New Liverpool signing Sadio Mane will be key in Jurgen Klopp's first team plans
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New Liverpool signing Sadio Mane will be key in Jurgen Klopp's first team plansCredit: Getty Images

5. Sadio Mane (4.5m)

Lightning quick and fearless. Expect the Senegal international’s career to slip into a higher gear at Anfield.

He should cause Premier League defences serious problems in conjunction with Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.

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