Wesley Sneijder is world class
We took a look at some of the best defenders to keep an eye on in our World Cup Fantasy vs Reality: Defenders preview and now we tackle some exciting attacking prospects in our review of the men in the middle…
Use these suggestions when forming your World Cup fantasy football sides as well as betting on various games throughout the group and knockout stages. Here are the best of the best:
- Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben (Holland) – They met in the Champions League final, and both will be a major part of the Netherlands’ quest to reach the World Cup final. Robben possesses the pace, technique, and left footed boot that can come up with the incredible strike. Sneijder can split open the defence with a pass, and control the ball in tight areas with brilliant dribbling. These two should turn out as fantasy footie studs and support the amazing Van Persie in Holland’s attack. Robben is 66-to-1 to win the Golden Boot. I’d probably lay a few bucks on that at bet365 if I wanted to back a goalscoring midfielder as a dark-horse.. Honorable mention: Kuyt / Van der Vaart
- Xavi / Iniesta / Fabregas (Spain) – OK. OK. I’m choosing the “obvious” stud midfielders first, but let’s at least get them out of the way. Spain, along with Brazil, are big time favorites to win the competition and with Villa / Torres up front – someone needs to provide the assists. That “someone” is most probably Xavi – his touch and vision are absolutely amazing – but Iniesta and Fabregas should get in on the action too. I’d go Xavi first, then the other two if picking a fantasy football team. Spain are the favorites at 3-to-1 to finish the World Cup as the highest scoring team, so you need a Xavi in your squad.
- Kaka (Brazil) - 26 goals in 73 appearances from midfield for Brazil. Most probably the country’s penalty taker. Silky smooth. No brainer. Brazil are second favorite (behind Spain) to finish as the highest scoring team. Honorable mention: Elano and Robinho. Neither could do it in the Premier League this past year (both went out on loan) but when it comes to the national team, they can both score goals.
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - No brainer. I won’t even discuss C-Ron at this point, because if you are reading this blog, you are well aware of his brilliance… Honorable mention: Simao
Now let’s take a look at a few “less obvious” selections for your fantasy footie pleasure:
- Thomas Muller (Germany) – He’s a very attacking midfielder / second striker who should be listed as a midfielder across most World Cup fantasy football games. The Bayern Munich youngster has some goals in him – he’s only 20 years old but scored 19 times this year for his club. Bad news: Only 1 appearance for the national team ever. Good news: With the injuries to the German national side (Ballack, etc.) Muller could play a big role. If he starts, he’s an under the radar stud at the World Cup who could do some major damage. Keep an eye on him.
- Marek Hamsik (Slovakia) – Scored 12 goals from his midfield position for Napoli this season. Another youngster (only 22 years old) – he may not have a “big name,” but he’s got a big game. He is 300-to-1 to win the Golden Boot, so that’s probably out of the question, but a goal or an assist in the group stages would be a nice cherry on the top for any fantasy manager who selects this silky smooth Slovakian.
- Steven Pienaar (South Africa) – Sure, we all know Pienaar from the Premier League but he’s only scored 2 goals in 46 appearances for the South Africa national team. Nevertheless, he must be mentioned as the Bafana are ready to shine on home soil. Pienaar is the crucial link between the midfield and the attack, and no host nation has ever failed to make it out of the group stages. If South Africa does make it to the knockout rounds, expect Pienaar to have played a big part.
Do you think we missed anyone? Can Lampard & Gerrard play together? Will Ribery lead France to glory? Let us know in the comments or send us a message on Twitter.
Good luck to all fantasy football managers.
Related posts:
I'd go with Ángel Di María (Champion with benfica) and experienced -former Man Utd- Juan Verón.
Yep, both Argentinians; yep, I'm Maradonian/Argentinian
Nacho –
Great shout on Ángel Di María. He is another youngster with potential… I think he will be in the starting 11 but of course Messi is the man to choose from Argentina from a fantasy perspective…
Does Veron still start for Maradona?
No mention of the Italians? What about De Rossi, Camorenesi, and Pirlo (when he gets back from his injury). Couple others getting time too – Pepe and Montolivo. They did not look too good in their opener, but I am sure the 'Azurri' will finish the group stage strong!
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