Official Fifa World Cup game – Budget Goalkeepers and Defenders

As we are now into the latter stages if the World Cup the number of potential bargains decreases. This is due to the fact that a large number of the teams remaining in the tournament were expected to be there at this stage. However, there are still potential bargains available at this stage of the competition. Today, I will be analysing the bargain defenders and goalkeepers who have a good points scoring potential in the Official Fifa World Cup game.

GOALKEEPERS

Jasper Cillesen

Cillesen is the cheapest goalkeeper in the  game who is guaranteed to start. He has collected 27 points throughout the tournament and at 3M, looks to be a must have in your fantasy team whether he is your first choice goalkeeper or your back-up goalkeeper. He also has arguably the easiest match against Costa Rica and it would be expected that the Dutch prevail. However, the Costa Ricans have shown all of us that they thrive as being the underdogs, a role they will happily take against the Dutch. Whilst Cillesen may be cheap, I don’t expect him to make too many saves due to the Dutch dominating the game.

Julio Cesar

Despite not having the greatest tournament so far, in terms of points collected, Brazil’s number one Julio Cesar really came to the fore in their last 16 win over Chile, making numerous saves. Whilst a clean sheet again does not look likely against free-scoring Colombia, expect Cesar to make many saves if his side are to progress. At 5.5M, he could prove to be a great value for money player.

DEFENDERS

Giancarol Gonzalaez and Christian Gamboa

The entire Costa Rican defence is available for less than 4.5M in the McDonald’s fantasy game and these two looked nailed on for a starting XI berth. Given Oscar Duarte’s ban, Gonzalez will have to play a pivotal role in the heart of the Costa Rican defence. Having already obtained 42 points, at 4M it looks like Gonzalez will be adding significantly to that score if he recovers as many balls and blocks as expected. His team-mate Gamboaprovides his owners with an attacking threat. Gamboa loves to get forward and whip crosses into the box so he has the potential to provide an assist or two if Costa Rica are to progress. At 3.5M, Gamboa is another Costa Rican defender worth having in your team.

Daley Blind and Stefan De Vrij

Both available at 4M, these defenders have had a great tournament so far. Both are guaranteed starting roles against Costa Rica on Saturday and they look like potential budget options who provide their owners with great value for money. Blind has collected 30 points so far compared to De Vrij’s 38. Whilst De Vrij will be collecting points for blocked shots and recovered balls, Blind will be gaining points for balls delivered into the area. Blind is also versatile and if the Dutch do change their formation from 5-3-2 to 4-3-3, Blind will slot in in the centre of midfield. Both these men will start whatever formation the Dutch opt for against Costa Rica on Saturday.

Daniel Van Buyten

As the second highest points scorer in the entire game, it is hard not to pick Van Buyten in your fantasy team. Available for only 4.5Mi, Van Buyten has been a rock at the heart of the Belgian defense alongside Vincent Kompany. Despite his challenging looking fixture against the Argentinian attack, Van Buyten will again remain the king of blocked shots and recovered balls. Whatever the result, expect to see Van Buyten lead the way for blocked shots and recovered balls at the quarter final stage.

Jose Maria Bastanta

With Marcos Rojo banned for Argentina’s match against Beligum, Bastantais expected to deputise. Despite having only played 15 minutes of football at this world cup, Bastanta looks like a great budget option given his friendly price of 4M. Despite not being a threat from corners like Rojo, Bastanta is more accurate with his crosses than Rojo, so he will gain points for balls delivered into the area.