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With the FPL season coming to a close, our focus now switches onto the International stage. Today, NaturalFootyFan is on hand to pick out the best budget defenders for the official EURO 2016 Fantasy Football competition. One of the most crucial aspects towards being successful in the Euro Fantasy game is deciding on your defensive enablers - in other words the budget defenders (4.5m/5m) who will pick up the slack and allow you freedom to splash the cash on some big names, in more offensive areas. There are many ways of structuring out your defence in the upcoming tournament-long competition. However, our prediction, is that the vast majority of competitors will select one or two premium defenders in the 6.0 - 7.0m price bracket and then plug the gaps around them. This leaves a few spaces open for your budget players to make an inclusion, and maybe even hold their own in your starting XI. Many competitors will turn a blind eye on these picks; but in our opinion, taking into account the expensive price tags attached to the likes of Ronaldo and Greizmann, their value is unrivalled. It's the difference between falling on that first hurdle or mixing with the best in the latter stages of the tournament.
Budget Defenders For Euro Fantasy
Part 1:
Jose Fonte (4.5m)
Group Fixtures: Iceland, Austria & Hungary
The towering centre-half who plays his trade for Southampton in the Premier League, comes into this tournament with high hopes of cementing a place in the starting lineup alongside Real Madrid hot-head Pepe. Although captaining his side at club level for the past two seasons, Fonte lacks International experience, having managed just three starts for his country - two of which were friendlies.
Despite the question marks surrounding his chances of game-time in France, the Portuguese defender appears to be above the oldies, Ricardo Carvalho (37 years old) and Bruno Alves (34 years old) in the pecking order. From Portugal's last 5 fixtures, Fonte has played the same minutes as Pepe (270), while featuring more frequently than Bruno Alves (225) and Carvalho (0).
Yes, there's a risk involved with this pick, however, at 4.5m it's not the end of the world if he doesn't play every match. If Fonte successfully lodges himself in Fernando Santos' action plan, then his aerial threat and favourable fixtures are an added bonus to your side.
Sime Vrsaljko (4.5m)
Group Fixtures: Turkey, Czech Republic & Spain
With a terrific season for Sassuolo under his belt, the flying full-back will be fired up for the Euro 2016 Championship. Vrsaljko racked up four assists, and the same number of Man of the Match awards in his 35 appearances, which saw the club secure their best finish ever in Serie A (6th).
The defender who is comfortable on either side of the back-four, is high on confidence, and although situated in a tough group, will set his sights on helping his country reach the knockout stages.
Croatia have a very stubborn defence, with experienced heads as the foundation. Danijel Subasic (31yrs, 19 caps) in between the sticks, with Darijo Srna (34yrs, 129 caps) and Vedran Corluka (30yrs, 87 caps) key figures in the heart of defence. They conceded on just five occasions during qualifying.
In contrast, Vrsaljko provides fresh legs and new ideas to help them build on their impressive 20 goals during qualifying.
Cedric Soares (4.5m)
Group Fixtures: Iceland, Austria & Hungary
Again we turn to the Southampton and Portugal combo for our third pick. Cedric is an aggressive right-back, with bags-full of attacking potential. The 24-year-old has contributed with two assists and 1.1 key passes per game, in the Premier League this season.
We've touched on this already, but Portugal have very attractive fixtures. They are expected to progress in Group F without too much trouble, and having conceded just five times in eight qualifying matches, will enter each of their opening three fixtures as favourites.
Like Jose Fonte, there is a slight risk of rotation at full-back. He seems to be sharing minutes with Wolfsburg's Vieirinha, who is a very versatile player capable of playing in a number of positions. The pair started three matches apiece in qualifying, but with Vieirinha classified as a midfielder, and priced at 6.5m, Cedric gets the nod from us.
Eric Dier (5m)
Group Fixtures: Russia, Wales & Slovakia
Classified as a defender, but made the switch to defensive midfield look effortless this season, Dier will be handed the job of shielding England's back-four, after effectively filling this role for Tottenham Hotspur.
Although the combative midfielder is often rash in the tackle and a bit of a card magnet (10 yellows in the Premier League this season), the responsibility which comes with pulling on your country's jersey is often a maturity lesson in itself.
Dier chipped in with three goals and two assists for Spurs this season and is a regular threat from set-piece situations (winner vs. Germany for example). England should breeze through Group B, after scoring 31 and conceding just three times in qualifying - clean sheets are on offer.
Check Out Part 2 Here
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