This article will focus on the five must have players for your fantasy football teams as the World Cup quarter finals kick off.
The Group stages were what can only be described as pulsating (other than that France vs Denmark game) as every team scored at least two goals, oh and the fact that ‘its coming home’. After the thrilling last 16 games, we now move onto the quarter finals and the players who we feel will be the stars throughout.
With just eight teams to choose from, I have decided to focus on a player from each position, read on to find out who they may be.
Goalkeeper
My first pick is the only goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in all three of the group stage games, Fernando Muslera. Even though they could be seen like having the easiest group of all eight groups, Uruguay have a very solid defence and goalkeeper and it was hard for me to choose between him and Diego Godin, but I have gone for Muslera due to the fact that he has picked up two extra points in save points than the standard six points for a clean sheet.
France will be a huge test for them, and with the likes of Griezman and Mbappe, France have arguably the strongest team at the World Cup, so it could be hard for them to keep a clean sheet. But, if Uruguay are to progress I do feel that it will be down to the defence, and they may go very far in the whole tournament, so he should certainly be a player you are looking at to put into your teams.
Defender
My second pick is the Belgium and PSG wing back, Thomas Meunier. Even though it has been arguably a disappointing World Cup for him so far, Meunier is always an attacking threat and did produce an assist in the 5-2 win over Tunisia. However, he should have had more in that game and in the first game against Panama, if some of the other players around him were more clinical in front of goal.
What is an exciting prospect for Meunier though is Belgium’s quarter final against Brazil. For us neutrals, this game should be terrific and if Belgium are to progress then they will be looking to their key men such as Meunier to perform.
Midfielder
My midfield pick is arguably the best player at the tournament so far, and in my opinion Brazil’s key man, Philippe Coutinho. The former Liverpool man is showing the kind of form everyone expects him to have, and has two goals and an assist to his name already. Even though he has been selected by 49.2% of people (at the time of writing on the official fantasy game) it is hard to believe that people do not actually have him in their team. Listed as a midfielder means that he has the added bonus of an extra point for each goal compared to strikers, and also a clean sheet point.
Forwards
Last but certainly not least is the current top goal scorer at the World Cup, and England’s main man, Harry Kane. What hasn’t already been said about him? Arguably the most clinical striker in the world and the man who could be key to England’s progress throughout the World Cup, Harry is having the tournament of his dreams. Two goals in his first game against Tunisia, a hat-trick against Panama and a goal against Colombia means he is the current highest point scorer on the whole.
Up next for Harry is Sweden, and he will be hoping to keep his current form up in this game. If England are to progress then it may be down to him, so I feel he is a must in your teams as England could go far in the tournament due to the side of the draw we are in.
Written by Jack (@jack_hollinrake)
