Champions League Fantasy Football: Defenders

Liverpool and Real Madrid have both had plenty of high-scoring defenders throughout this season's UEFA Champions League as UEFA.com ponder the options for the final on #UCLfantasy, presented by Playstation.

• Goalkeepers in focus
• Fantasy tips for the final

Although attacking returns are welcome, the most common source of #UCLfantasy points for defenders are clean sheets, and Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool have recorded two more shut-outs than Real Madrid in the knockout stage. A number of Reds assets also represent significant attacking threats though, such as Ibrahima Konaté (€5.8m) who scored in both legs of the quarter-final against Benfica.

Other Liverpool defenders expected to roam forward whenever the opportunity arises are full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold (€7.0m) and Andy Robertson (€6.6m), who combine defensive efficiency with offensive potency, the former averaging an assist every other game in this season's UEFA Champions League.

For #UCLfantasy managers targeting ball recoveries as a primary source of points, centre-back Virgil van Dijk (€6.4m) appeals the most from a Liverpool perspective. The 30-year-old has gained 15 additional Fantasy points this season thanks to his 55 ball recoveries, nine more than Konaté, and given his aerial threat in the opposition box Van Dijk holds significant appeal – although an injury in the FA Cup final means his availability should be monitored.

There is no one stand-out option in Liverpool's back line. Alexander-Arnold has accrued 48 points, Konaté 47 and Van Dijk 46. All offer strong value via numerous point avenues and are well worth consideration.

Even allowing for Madrid's lack of a clean sheet over the course of the knockout stage, a number of their defenders still hold appeal for #UCLfantasy managers. Éder Militão (€5.8m) has 51 points to his name, the highest scorer among defenders ahead of the final, which is largely down to his mammoth 67 ball recoveries – contributing 20 points to his overall total. Four clean sheets across the group stage suggests Militão and Madrid do have the capability of shutting out Liverpool.

After not featuring in the memorable semi-final second leg triumph against Manchester City, two-time UEFA Champions League winner David Alaba (€6.1m) has returned to training ahead of the final, a huge boost for both Carlo Ancelotti and #UCLfantasy managers. The Austrian is only one point behind Militão, and although his price is a premium one, his attacking potential makes him a worthwhile investment.

Also worthy of mention is the experienced Nacho (€5.0m), who played 120 minutes on Matchday 12. Although he is not guaranteed a place in the team with the return of Alaba, his bargain price could make him the ideal cheap enabler should Ancelotti name him among his starting XI.