First knockout round of the new FIFA international tournament: here are three budget-friendly defensive tips for fantasy managers
With victories for Real Madrid and Al Hilal over Salzburg and Pachuca, the group stage of the Club World Cup has officially concluded. The competition now moves into the crucial knockout phase: from the Round of 16 onwards, every match is decisive in the race for the title. In the Gazzetta dello Sport Fantasy Club World Cup, it`s also time for key decisions. Only 16 teams remain, and fantasy managers must carefully select the most reliable, and also affordable, players still in contention. After analyzing low-cost midfielders and forwards, it`s time to focus on the defense: here are 3 low-cost defenders to consider for the tournament`s Round of 16.
Sergio Ramos (22 Credits)
At 39 years old with 30 trophies in his cabinet, Sergio Ramos is one of the veterans on the field at the Club World Cup. And when you enter the knockout stage, experience can truly make the difference. The former Real Madrid stalwart has already proven his worth in the group stage, leading Monterrey with authority. He scored on his debut against Inter and delivered another solid performance (rating 7) against Urawa Red Diamonds. Even without scoring bonuses, as in the match against River Plate, he still managed an excellent 6.5, invaluable for the defense modifier. With a fantasy average of 7.8, Ramos has confirmed himself as an absolute certainty for fantasy managers. Now, in the Round of 16, he will be called upon to lead the defense against Borussia Dortmund, but beware: the Spanish center-back could also be a protagonist in the offensive phase again. At only 22 credits, his reliability and potential for bonuses make him a very attractive choice.
Stanisic (11 Credits)
After a season marked by a long layoff due to knee ligament surgery, Josip Stanisic is finding continuity and space in the Bayern Munich defense. The Croatian full-back is showing he has returned to a good level at the Club World Cup. In all three group stage matches, Kompany trusted him, starting him every time. And Stanisic (valued at 11 credits) responded with solid and reliable performances. The only slight dip came against Boca Juniors – where he got a 5.5 – but without looking out of place. Now, with the quarter-final match against Flamengo, could be the game for his definitive resurgence. For those looking for a low-cost gamble in defense, Stanisic is a name to consider.
Vitinho (7 Credits)
In the group stage, Botafogo defenders stood out with unexpected bonuses and high ratings. Among the protagonists is Vitinho, a Brazilian full-back whose value has risen from 1 to 7 credits. With a fantasy average of 6.8, the defender collected a 6.5 in all three matches against PSG, Atletico Madrid, and Seattle Sounders, the latter also enriched by a valuable assist. Solid performances, without mistakes, make him one of the defensive revelations so far. In the Brazilian derby against Palmeiras, he will have to face the young talent Estevao, but his journey so far shows that Vitinho can hold his own even against much more established opponents. A low-cost option that can still provide satisfaction.
