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World Cup fantasy football: Why this defender could be a hidden gem

  • is the best fantasy football game to play this summer
  • Belgium are much fancied - and their formation makes some of their players attractive prospects

The World Cup really is picking up momentum.

After the spellbinding entertainment Spain and Portugal produced on Friday night, Saturday's fixtures spoilt us with tremendous displays from Iceland and Croatia.

And the action keeps on coming.



 Still recovering from this
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Still recovering from thisCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Belgium get their campaign underway on Monday night against minnows Panama - and the nature of their setup under Roberto Martinez makes a number of their players true fantasy football favourites.

Martinez's ambitious 3-4-3 is packed to the brim with attacking talent, with Kevin De Bruyne's deeper role testament to that.

De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku may be the obvious choices for , but we believe a lesser light deserves your attention.

 Meunier is a real outlet on the Belgium right
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Meunier is a real outlet on the Belgium rightCredit: AFP

PSG defender Thomas Meunier isn't from the traditional, Gary Neville school of right backs and is absolutely integral to Belgium's system.

Meunier will line up at right-wing back but will spend far more time bombing forward than going the other way.

That natural instinct dates back to when he used to play up front for previous club Club Brugge - and his attacking numbers reflect that.

 MNM
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MNMCredit: AFP or licensors

This season he produced four goals and five assists for PSG despite typically having to play second fiddle to Dani Alves.

And his record in World Cup qualifying was sensational too, ending up with five goals and eight assists - including four in one game - in just eight appearances.

He's been picked by 6.4% of Dream Team World Cup managers so far but we think that number should be a lot higher.

 Look into his eyes
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Look into his eyesCredit: Getty - Contributor

In fact Meunier has been selected less than Gary Cahill - who reportedly won't start for England - and N'Golo Kante, who is a defensive midfielder not known for getting points.

Meunier will not only pocket those crucial defensive points but will be a threat further up the field too.

Talk about finding yourself a man who can do both.