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The FIFA World Cup is upon us and the fantasy league has just opened to the few hundred thousand fans who registered for FIFA's World Cup Fantasy game.
The basic idea is still the same. You are to select plays in your squad, who score points based on their performances. For the seasoned Fantasy Premier League players, there are a few subtle differences to note here. While the assigned total to spend remains 100 million, it is to be spent on a squad of 23 players. This brings the average cost to 4.38 million per player. Players are priced from 1 million to 10, and unlike the FPL, their values remain the same during the whole course of the tournament. You aren’t allowed any free transfers during the group stages, following which there are unlimited transfers in each knockout stage.
Hence, its of great importance that you find the garbage bin priced superstars that can turn your squad around and help you win that precious private league. Here are 5 players that can help you do so.
Kenneth Omeruo
Nigeria, CB | Cost 4
Kenneth Omeruo is ripe with potential at just 20 years of age, but he is already a regular starter for his international side, Nigeria. He played an important role in Nigeria’s success in the African Cup of Nations last year and has since had a successful season on loan at Middlesbrough. With a cost of just 4 million, Omeruo is tipped to have a great world cup ahead. His parent club, Chelsea, have recognized this and just offered him a contract extension. He is certainly worthy of being picked as a backup, if not a starter.
Julio Cesar
Brazil, GK | Cost 5.5
Brazil are one of the favorites to win the tournament, primarily because they are the hosts too. The 34 year old Julio Cesar may be past his prime, but he is definitely the first choice at Brazil. You may put Iker Casillas or Manuel Neuer above him, but in a fantasy league team, points matter and I am pretty sure Cesar can get you a few clean sheets, considering Brazil’s defence is one of the best in the tournament.
Kevin de Bruyne
Belgium, CM | Cost 5.5
Kevin de Bruyne may have suffered a torrid time at Chelsea because he didn’t get along with the special one, but the current Wolfsburg midfielder has had good times with his national side, Belgium. The likes of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois might be under the limelight, but the creative Kevin might provide the well needed push that his star studded side need to do proper justice in this world cup (Remember they didn’t even qualify for Euro 2012?) He’s priced at a relatively low 5.5 million and should be enticing enough for you to grab him.
John Obi Mikel
Nigeria, CM | Cost 5
Mikel may have had a bad time in the Premier League because of his role and the emergence of Nemanja Matic, but you should keep in mind that he is a different player altogether for his national side. Although his club role restricts him to the Claude Makelele position (with Ramires or Lampard given the license to roam forward), he is given much more freedom for Nigeria, while Ogenyi Onazi (also priced at 5 million) is tasked to stay back. Although Mikel is sure to start, and he might end up giving you just 3 points every match for playing. However, he has shown before that he can score some beautiful goals too! Mikel is your man for the game if you love the high risk-high return policy.
Asamoah Gyan
Ghana, ST | Cost 5.5
When star player Michael Essien was ruled out of the World Cup four years ago, Ghana exceeded all expectations by reaching the quarter-finals. Suarez committed the famous handball, which gave him an instant red and Ghana a penalty. Asamoah Gyan stepped up to take the penalty but blasted it against the bar. The Black Stars eventually bowed out of the competition in that game against Uruguay as their spirit crumbled. Four years on, I’m sure that this lad is raring to go. Don’t miss out on this goal poacher.
Don’t agree with the views? Did I miss an important player? Do let us know in the comments below.
