Champions League Fantasy: Defenders for every budget
Monday, September 6, 2021
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From those big-name defenders who could return points at both ends to the low-priced options who may make all the difference, UEFA.com has Fantasy managers covered.
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UEFA.com highlights a number of defensive players for those #UCLfantasy managers willing to splash the cash, as well as those looking for a bargain at the back.
PREMIUM OPTIONS
When taking into account the offensive threat posed by Trent Alexander Arnold (€6.5m), it is no surprise that the Liverpool full-back commands such a high price. With 59 #UCLfantasy points in 2020/21, Alexander-Arnold is a reliable selection at both ends of the field.
Whilst Alexander-Arnold is the most popular asset in the Liverpool defence, the #UCLfantasy numbers of fellow full-back Andy Robertson (€6.5m) are almost equally impressive. Robertson accrued 57 points in last season's competition, just two less than Alexander-Arnold, and also recorded one more clean sheet than his team-mate. Robertson also takes set pieces on occasions and, for those #UCLfantasy managers willing to maximise their investment on defenders, a Liverpool double-up could well prove a shrewd play.
Having moved to Paris Saint-Germain this summer from Italian champions Inter, Achraf Hakimi (€6.5m) will be looking to make a big impact at his new club as they hunt for a first UEFA Champions League title. Another flying full-back, Hakimi has long been a hugely profitable #UCLfantasy asset tracing back to his time at Borussia Dortmund, where he scored four goals in the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League.
MID-PRICED OPTIONS
Big things are expected at Manchester United this season and captain Harry Maguire (€5.5m) looks set to play an important role for the Red Devils both from an attacking and defensive point of view. The centre-back enjoyed an excellent UEFA EURO 2020 campaign for England and scored once again for his country during the recent international break. Maguire's aerial prowess from set pieces goes a long way towards making him a worthwhile #UCLfantasy investment.
Having also starred in this summer's European Championship, defender Joakim Mæhle (€5.0m) will be looking to carry his form for Denmark into this year's UEFA Champions League for Atalanta. Fielded as a wing-back, Mæhle registered two goals and an assist over the course of EURO 2020 and recently added a further goal and assist to his international tally. Mæhle offers excellent value for those #UCLfantasy managers hunting for defenders capable of attacking returns.
2020/21 UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea have established themselves as a formidable defensive unit under head coach Thomas Tuchel and Fantasy managers are spoiled for choice when choosing players in their back line. Their highest-scoring #UCLfantasy defender last season was centre-back Antonio Rüdiger (€5.5m), who recorded 63 Fantasy points, and the Blues are likely to gain a large number of clean sheets once again in 2021/22.
BUDGET OPTIONS
#UCLfantasy managers are always on the lookout for a budget defender that can rack up as many points as their more expensive counterparts. Based on his start to the season so far, Ajax's Noussair Mazraoui (€4.5m) may be one of those players. The Moroccan full-back has two clean sheets and a goal across the Dutch champions' opening three Eredivisie fixtures and his price tag could turn out to be excellent value should he carry this form into the UEFA Champions League.
For those #UCLfantasy managers looking for the ideal budget enabler to fill out their defence, Maximilian Wöber (€4.0m) of Salzburg also fits the ball. Despite his low price, Wöber is a regular starter for the Austrian champions, who have conceded just three goals in their opening six league games. The 23-year-old acquired 20 Fantasy points last season with 16 coming from his 53 ball recoveries and represents the ideal bargain purchase.
Another enticing option at the cheapest available price is Jérôme Roussillon (€4.0m) of Wolfsburg. The left-back has had an excellent start to the season for Mark van Bommel's side, not just helping them to two clean sheets in three Bundesliga matches, but also scoring the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Leipzig. Having started in all three of those games, Roussillon is expected to line up in Van Bommel's first XI over the course of Wolfsburg's UEFA Champions League campaign.