World Cup 2018 fantasy football: Who are best defenders to pick?

Goal helps you pick your defence for the tournament by taking a look at the best options plus a few bargain picks

Choosing your World Cup fantasy football team can certainly be a stressful task.

When you're working to a budget it can be incredibly frustrating trying to pack the best players into the team and sacrifices in one area will almost certainly be required to strengthen another.

The key is to strike a balance that will yield the greatest possible points return, but that is easier said than done.

With World Cup fantasy football games set to begin, Goal is here to help you choose the best back line for your team.

Best World Cup fantasy football defenders

When considering which defenders to choose for your fantasy football team you will have to take a number of key factors into consideration, such as the following:

Ideally you should aim to fill your back line with goal-scoring defenders who play in teams that are likely to keep clean sheets, or full-backs who like to get involved in attacks.

After those factors are taken into consideration you should keep in mind the disciplinary history of those you may select because a player getting sent off will cost you points.

Of course, the more games your selected players are involved in, the more points they can potentially gather, so it is worth choosing players with a good chance of reaching the closing stages of the tournament.

Below, we run through some of the best possible picks for World Cup fantasy football.

*Note - prices based on Goal's fantasy football game

Fresh from leading Real Madrid to their third Champions League title in as many years, Sergio Ramos will look to help Spain to a second world title in Russia.

The centre-back has a knack for scoring goals on big occasions and has bagged 13 for his country so far, albeit not at a major tournament.

Ramos is one of the most expensive defenders in World Cup fantasy football and, while his quality is not in question, his tendency to pick up cards is a risk.

Reigning champions Germany are chasing a record-equalling fifth World Cup this summer in Russia and Joachim Low has put together a squad that is more than capable.

One player who will be desperate to make an impact on the highest stage is Joshua Kimmich, who has emerged as the team's successor to Philipp Lahm.

Kimmich provided nine assists and two goals during the qualification phase, so he has the potential to pick up plenty of points.

Brazil will expect to challenge for the title and they have plenty of talent littered throughout their squad. Real Madrid left-back Marcelo is one of their star men and his influence is obvious.

The flying full-back loves to get involved in attacks and will undoubtedly contribute to any success they have in Russia.

Branded 'Superman' by Pep Guardiola, Nicolas Otamendi will be the main man in Argentina's defence at the World Cup this summer.

The 30-year-old is impressive attacking corners, something that reflected in the fact that he scored five goals for City last season.

Barcelona's Jordi Alba is one of the best attacking full-backs in the world and he forms part of a formidable Spain defence.

Alba has scored eight times for his country during his career and he is known to set his team-mates up by joining in with attacking plays.

Best World Cup fantasy football bargain defenders

Of course, a huge part of fantasy football success is making your budget stretch as far as possible, which means picking up the odd bargain here and there.

Below is a selection of defenders who are somewhat cheaper to buy, but who still offer gamers a strong chance of picking up points.

Monaco's Djibril Sidibe has impressed at club level over the past few years and has emerged as France's chief right-back ahead of the World Cup.

The 25-year-old scored twice and contributed seven assists in Ligue 1 in the season just passed and he will be eager to link up well with Kylian Mbappe and co.

Mexico may not be considered among the favourites to win the tournament but they seem to have a knack of reaching the knock-out stages and they have plenty of talent in their squad.

Sevilla wing-back Miguel Layun tends to push high into the left wing in Juan Carlos Osorio's team and is considerably cheaper than other, more vaunted, full-backs.

Portugal arrive in Russia as European champions and they are among a clutch of nations with realistic ambitions of winning the World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo will be the main threat, but the team captain and talisman will be relying on service from the likes of Raphael Guerreiro.