FIFA World Cup 2022 Fantasy: Top 10 best Defenders to choose from

The countdown for the mega footballing event, FIFA World Cup 2022 has already begun. Soccer players who have emerged as stars in different leagues across the world have now been called up to play for their national colors and bring the prestigious World Cup home. For Fantasy enthusiasts who will start fielding their XI in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Fantasy starting next week, the excitement will only grow. However, choosing the ideal fantasy side is not an easy task since there is a large pool of players across 32 playing nations to choose from. Not to worry, we have got you covered. In this FIFA World Cup 2022 Fantasy guide, we are going to share some Premium as well as Budget Defenders for fulfilling the Defensive and Keeping duties in your Fantasy side.

Best Defenders in FIFA World Cup 2022 Fantasy

1. Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands) – 6.0 million

Though a Premium choice owing to the high price, this 26-year-old Dutch Right Back would be a go-to pick for many Fantasy enthusiasts. The Netherlands team has a pack of players who can facilitate as Wing Backs in their 3-5-2 setup. The duo of Dumfries and Timber will often be seen going toward the midfield line or even further up.

Hence, besides Clean Sheets, the duo would also look to contribute with goals. If we look back at Euro, Dumfries has scored twice. Keeping a Defender who can earn you 7 bonus points on a given day, by scoring is an absolute bargain. Moreover, the Netherlands team are firm favorites to finish 1st in their group. Hence the chances of bagging a Clean Sheet would always be on the up.

2. Kieran Trippier (England) – 5.0 million

Another player that falls in the Premium Category. However, there is no good reason why you shouldn’t pick him. Trippier is the definite starter in England’s starting XI owing to a string of injuries. Kyle Walker is ruled out till the Group Stage at least and Reece James won’t be fit the whole Tournament.

This 32-year-old English professional footballer is in fine form and can potentially give attacking threats to the opposition, even from the set pieces, as he is the free-kick and corner-kick taker of the English side. England is likely to finish first in their group and Trippier is definitely a handy choice in fetching you some points in the Group Stages.

3. João Cancelo (Portugal) – 6.0 million

It is very hard to go past this 28-year-old Manchester City Left Back. Although an expensive pick, he is flexible enough to facilitate both as a Right Back and also as a Left Back depending on the team’s needs.

He is hitting form and has two Premier League goals and counting when it comes to this season’s Premier League. He is without any doubt a essential player for Portugal’s chances in this edition.

4. Luke Shaw (England) – 5.0 million

With Trippier and Luke Shaw both priced at 5 million, Fantasy fans would feel themselves in a dilemma. However, Shaw being the only Left Back on the English side carries that advantage and would be a sure starter. If we trace back to Euro 2020, he provided 3 assists and also scored in the final for his side. He also had a decent enough outing this season with two assists and counting, across all competitions. If he continues from where he left last Euro, he is going to be a bargain.

5. Pervis Estupinan (Ecuador) – 4.5 million

Looking for budget options? Well, there is no better choice than 24-year-young Estupinan. The Brighton Left Back, Estupinan has shown great character so far in his character.

With the first match against the underdogs and Tournament hosts Qatar, he can be a good choice as the chances of maintaining a Clean Sheet is high. Also, the fact that Ecuador conceded only twice in their last 5 outings makes him a strong contender for a Fantasy spot.

6. Rasmus Kristensen (Denmark) – 4.0 million

Another budget option can come in the form of 25-year-old Danish footballer, Rasmus Kristensen. At the WC, Denmark will want to build on their successful Nations League campaign, and Kristensen might be crucial. Despite not being able to match his goal-scoring efforts at Salzburg, he hasn’t been in poor shape since moving to the Premier League. Similar to Uruguay, the Danes have a chance to win at least two Clean Sheets against Australia and Tunisia, unless we see an upset. Denmark recently switched from back 4 to back 5, so he might be the real deal.

7. Joakim Maehle (Denmark) – 4.5 million

Another Danish guy, Joakim Maehle is another cheap option who can facilitate as a Left Back as well as a Left Wing Back. This young Turk top-scored for the Danish side in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and would be preferred over his teammate Kristensen. Also, the fact that Denmark has to opportunity to bag two clean sheets in the Grop stages makes him a worthy pick.

8. Borna Sosa (Croatia) – 3.5 million

Crotia are not essentially the favorites in Group F with Belgium in the house. However, if you want to go big on Attacking Midfielders and Forwards, you need to resort to cheaper options when it comes to your Defense-line. Sosa has been impressive at the Club level this season, with 8 assists for the Bundesliga side, Stuttgart. Coming to his National stats, he has made 8 appearances for the Croatia side and has a goal and an assist to his name. Belgium would undoubtedly give tough competition to the Croatian side, but if you look at Matchday 1 and Matchday 2, they would be up against Morocco and Canada. There are high chances that he might fetch you some points in those games.

Best Goalkeepers in FIFA World Cup 2022 Fantasy

1. Diogo Costa (Portugal) – 5.0 million

A cheap yet effective pick, the Portuguese keeper has registered 3 clean sheets to his name along with 3 penalty saves in the UEFA Champions League campaign. He is sure to grab the attention of most Fantasy enthusiasts.

2. Alexander Dominguez (Ecuador) – 4.5 million

He might not be a popular choice, but Alexander Dominguez is definitely a Budget option. As someone who is playing the World Cup opener against the hosts Qatar, he has a good chance of getting us a clean sheet. To back that up with stats, Ecuador has managed five consecutive clean sheets in their last 5 matches across all competitions.

Two of these clean sheets have come against the pretty competitive sides in Mexico and Japan. This speaks volumes about their Defense unit and somewhat negates the risk of going after this 35-year-old Ecuadorian, who is a sure starter in the Opener. There is only a single game on an opening day. So, you will be anyways subbing him out after the first game.

That’s it for the FIFA World Cup 2022 Fantasy Best Defenders Guide. Did you find our list of Best Defenders of the FIFA World Cup 2022 useful? Let us know in the comments.

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