Lessons learned from the last 16 so far

We take a look at the lessons learned from the last 16 so far, from a World Cup Fantasy perspective. We focus on the games that have played and pick out any key players, injuries and other factors that can help with our future decisions.

Taking a look at the games that have played from the last 16 so far can benefit World Cup Fantasy managers. Reflecting back on team performances and key players can aid managers when it comes to using transfers, captaincy and chip strategy.

Netherlands

Netherlands were fantastic in their win over USA (3-1). Although defensively fragile in moments of the game, their offensive game was on point. Two of their key players so far have been striker Cody Gakpo (£7m) and midfielder Davy Klassen (£6m).

However, that could be changing. Defender Denzel Dumfries (£6m) and striker Memphis Depay (£8.5m) have shown that they have been instrumental in their World Cup qualifiers ahead of the tournament. Although both have been quiet in the group stages so far, it is clear their form is improving. Whist Depay scored, Dumfries scored and created two assists against USA.

Denzel Dumfries and Memphis Depay could be the standout options in the quarter finals for Netherlands. The Dutch face Argentina in the next round and there could be plenty of potential for both assets if Argentina play like they did against Australia.

Argentina

Argentina were dominant in their last 16 match against Australia. However, the 2-1 score line suggested otherwise. We have to acknowledge that the goal they conceded was from a huge deflection. But defensively, they did look ropey, even against a poor Australia.

A huge factor as to why Argentina didn’t win convincingly was their failure to convert their chances. Striker Lionel Messi (£10.5m) has been detrimental to Argentina’s success so far and there is a concern about the lack of quality around him to punish their opponents further.

One thing we have to appreciate is the fact that midfielder Angel Di Maria (£8.5m) did not feature in the match against Australia which, of course, is a blow offensively. Argentina do have cheaper defensive options but the Dutch look lethal and with a lack of offensive ability in their defenders, there is less appeal.

Lionel Messi is the standout option for Argentina but none of their other assets have showed too much to suggest they are a convincing pick.

France

Similar to Argentina, France have been heavily reliant on one player and that can be reflected throughout most of their performances so far. France beat Poland 3-1 in the last 16 but if it wasn’t for a late Poland penalty, France would have kept a clean sheet.

France defend well at times, but we also saw in the group stages they can be fragile. If it wasn’t for the creativity of defender Theo Hernandez (£5m), there could arguably be a lack of defensive options for France.

The player that France have held a heavy reliance on is striker Kylian Mbappe (£11.5m). Mbappe is world class, and he has given the French a secret weapon. But if their opponents kept him quiet, it is hard to see where their edge would come from.

Kylian Mbappe and Theo Hernandez are France’s standout options in World Cup Fantasy. Other than those two players, it could be difficult to invest in France for their quarter final clash against England.

England

England have looked very good so far. They finished as top scorers in the group stage and have looked progressively good defensively. The English dispatched Senegal in the last 16, with goals coming from different players.

One argument could be that England are yet to be tested by a stronger side, but that could be said for other nations. It could be difficult to pinpoint specific players because most have been fantastic. Midfielders Bukayo Saka (£8m) and Phil Foden (£8.5m) have been contributors towards the goals so have to be considered.

England face France in the quarter finals but overall have a better squad with more World Cup Fantasy options. If England keep Kylian Mbappe quiet, which is easier said than done, they could progress. There should be no hesitance to back the likes of defender Luke Shaw (£5m) and striker Harry Kane (£11m) as well as the likes of Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, even against France.