The best World Cup 2022 fantasy football defenders

Virgil van Dijk has made a name for himself as one of the top centre-backs in the world with his performances for Liverpool in the Premier League. He is a solid choice to lead the defence for Netherlands who find themselves in a group that has hosts Qatar, Ecuador and Senegal.

Van Dijk is one of the 10 most expensive defenders who all cost £6m each.

Argentina are considered to be one of the main contenders for the 2022 World Cup.

When a team is touted a favourite, its defence is expected to play a major role and Lisandro Martinez - who has started his Manchester United career strongly this season- will be one to watch out for during the tournament.

Joao Cancelo has been in stupendous form for Manchester City and he will hope to take it to the World Cup as Portugal aim to make a mark.

Cancelo, who costs €6m, is the most picked defender in the World Cup fantasy football game, with 45.5% of managers selecting the full-back.

Virgil van Dijk isn't the only Netherlands defender to have takers in the World Cup fantasy football game. Denzel Dumfries has been selected by 25.2% of players - more than have taken up the Liverpool talisman.

He costs the same as his national team partner but provides a greater chance of goals and assists.

Marquinhos is a solid choice to be one of your defenders as he is a sure-fire starter for Brazil. He is also part of a backline that is capable of keeping a clean sheet or two during the tournament, especially early on.

Brazil will take on Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon in the group stage.

At €5.5m, Antonio Rudiger is not the most expensive option in defence but he is also not the most affordable.

Germany's overall strength at the back and Rudiger's consistency at international level could give anyone who selects him plenty of points during the course of the tournament.

Kieran Trippier has played his part in Newcastle's progress and impressive climb up the table this season. He will be expected to showcase the same talent and vigour in Qatar.

The full-back, who is in 32.3% of the total teams entered in the game, is the second-most picked defender in World Cup fantasy football.

There is a good chance of Benjamin Pavard being deployed as a right wing-back in Qatar, which should put him in the right areas to earn goal and assist points.

Priced at just €5m, the Bayern Munich man is tough to turn down.

Atalanta's Joakim Maehle is part of around 20% of the teams that have entered the World Cup fantasy football game.

A breakout star at Euro 2020, his dynamism and creativity make him a popular choice among players.

Croatia's Borna Sosa is the most-picked defender under €4.5m in the game. Croatia could be a surprise package in the World Cup and the Stuttgart defender's price makes him an attractive option at the back.