Read on for midfield marvels to inspire your team to glory

There are going to be classic encounters in the midfield wherever you look during the Euros, as the most creative playmakers, dynamic enforces and skilful wingers match up against each other.

Here's a selection of midfielders we think could make invaluable contributions to your fantasy football team this summer.

Mario Gotze - £10.5m

Runners-up four years ago, Germany arrive at Euro 2012 with a great chance of going one step further thanks to a talented crop of youngsters.

While the likes of Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira have been picking up the accolades for some time now, our fantasy football pick of the crop is Mario Gotze.

The Borussia Dortmund playmaker, who will turn 20 next week, has recovered from hip surgery four months ago and helped Dortmund to retain the Bundesliga title this season.

Described by former Germain captain Matthias Sammer as "one of the best talents that Germany has ever had," Gotze played only 17 games in the Bundesliga last season due to his injury.

However, he still managed to contribute with 6 goals and 5 assists and will add fountains of speed, creativity and technical ability to Joachim Lowe's side.

At £10.5m, in Fantasy League Classic, he's a whole £2.5m cheaper than Ozil so could be great value.

Xabi Alonso - £11m

While youth could be Germany's best weapon, defending champions Spain are likely to rely heavily on experience in their bid to retain their European crown.

Xavi and Andres Iniesta may be the eye-catching names in midfield, but Xabi Alonso is just as essential to Spain's game plan as the Barcelona duo.

Often undervalued despite his consistency, Alonso was the keystone for Real Madrid this season.

Indeed, it was around him and Cristiano Ronaldo that Jose Mourinho was able to build a team that could break Barca's stranglehold on the Spanish league.

Expect him to sit alongside Sergio Busquets in front of the Spanish back four, providing extra support in defence but capable of launching lethal attacks at any moment.

He'll cost you £11m but next to his team-mates this is a very good price.

Christian Eriksen - £8.5m

£8.5m is remarkably good value for a player who has been running rings around everyone in the Dutch league for Ajax since appearing at the World Cup in 2010 as an 18-year-old.

Still only 20, Christian Eriksen's remarkable skill and knack for creating openings have earned him comparisons with another great Dane, Michael Laudrup.

Up against a host of attacking threats in Group B, you can expect Denmark to be set up for hitting on the counter.

All forward play is likely to be instigated by the talented feet of Eriksen, who scored seven times in 20 appearances to help Ajax scoop yet another Eredivisie title last year.

Joao Moutinho - £9m

At £9m, Moutinho is great value.

In the company of some illustrious team-mates, Euro 2012 could finally be the tournament when he impresses on a scale many have been predicting for years.

A versatile midfielder, he’ll help out in defence before springing forward and unleashing the terrifying talent of Nani and Ronaldo ahead of him.

He scored three goals and delivered six assists in 28 appearances last season for Porto, so you can expect him to get into good areas and give himself a decent chance of notching up some valuable fantasy football points.

Moreover, while there are a few people who are unfairly dismissing Portugal this summer, this would be a mistake.

It’s going to take some effort to dislodge Germany and the Netherlands from the top two places in Group B, but the Portuguese have proven their firepower and only need to shore up their defence to become genuine contenders.

Rasmus Elm - £7m

Although not as big a name as some of the stars making their way to the Euros, Rasmus Elm could be a fantastic addition to your fantasy football team.

Earning a valuation of just £7m, the Swede scored an impressive 10 goals from 17 starts for AZ Alkmaar last season, helping his side reach a highly respectable fourth in an increasingly competitive Dutch league.

Elm possesses a great physical presence, as well as superb balance and plenty of technical ability.

He's also scored a few blinders in the past and certainly isn't afraid to shoot from distance.