#EUROfantasy: Portugal picks
Saturday, June 25, 2016
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Portugal struggled through the group stage but Joe Walker insists that Fernando Santos' squad is still full of value – and then there's Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Making a case for Portugal's players is difficult, but bear with me. They've just put in their worst group performance, not winning a single game in a section containing debutants Iceland, Hungary and Austria. But having covered them throughout, trust me when I say that doesn't tell the full story.
They hit the woodwork three times, had two efforts ruled out for offside and have had more attempts at goal (69) than any other team. Couple with that the fact the three goals they conceded against Hungary were two deflections and a wonder-strike and surely their luck must change shortly.
In qualifying the defence was a rock-solid unit and in the first two games this continued. Full-back Raphaël Guerriero (€4.0m) is an absolute no-brainer for any fantasy manager. Don't be put off by his low price tag; the Borussia Dortmund man's tireless engine allows Portugal to follow their favourable tactic of attacking down the left, meaning he will pick up points at both ends.
In midfield João Mário (€6.0m) has impressed in a deeper role, while another bargain buy, Renato Sanches (€4.4m), has been Fernando Santos's go-to guy from the bench. His direct runs help drive the side forward while he is not shy of having a shot himself either.
Before the tournament started everyone would have said Cristiano Ronaldo (€12.0m) is a must in any fantasy side. The Real Madrid man may have come up short initially, but his display against Hungary last time out should be enough to convince you that, if he's not already in your squad, he needs to be signed.
Just one goal away from Michel Platini's EURO finals record of nine, would you bet against him surpassing it? He has been a man on a mission and, alongside Nani (€7.5m) – who also has two goals – will do all he can to help drag his side through against Croatia.