RSL Fantasy: 10 Defenders to Watch

As kick-off for the 2024-25 season on August 22 approaches, it’s the all-important squad-building time for your Fantasy RSL side - and we’re here to give you a helping hand as you look to build your defence.

In the second of our series, here are 10 defenders you will want to consider for your Fantasy RSL side this season.

Saud Abdulhamid - Al Hilal (SAR 7M)

The Al Hilal right back is a fantasy dream, contributing to both defence and attack, which is why he racked up the highest number of points of any defender in Fantasy RSL last season (112).

His three goals and three assists, coupled with eight clean sheets since the launch of the game, make him a points-scoring machine. He might be the most expensive defender in the game, but potential owners are certain to be rewarded with big returns.

Aymeric Laporte - Al Nassr (SAR 6.5M)

The Spanish defender, fresh off winning the UEFA European Championship Germany 2024, was a rock at the back for Al Nassr last season, albeit in a season in which they conceded more than they’d have liked (42 goals). But his attacking threat, with three goals, makes him incredibly valuable when it comes to collecting points.

Roger Ibanez - Al Ahli – (SAR 6.5M)

The former AS Roma defender was one of the standout defenders last season as Al Ahli stormed to third place in the table. Ibanez ranked fifth last season for total points among defenders (84), with three goals and one assist helping boost his efforts. He also ranked fifth for defensive efforts, making him a safe selection when building your team. The Braizilian was his side's best performing defender in RSL Fantasy 2023-24 with 84 points, but that tally could be even higher if he could improve on his poor disciplinary record, having picked up six yellow cards and two red cards.

Pedro Rebocho - Al Khaleej (SAR 6.0M)

The full-back was a surprise top performer last campaign, with his points tally of 89, only bettered by Abdulhamid. Key to that was his ability to consistently rack up bonus points, amassing a total of 26 points, split evenly between attacking and defensive bonus points. The Portuguese contributed to his side producing seven clean sheets too.

Abdelkader Bedrane - Damac (SAR 6M)

One of the unheralded success stories of the 2023-24 season, Bedrane was hugely impressive for Damac (74 points) and, with a year of experience under his belt, expect this season to be just as good - if not better. Ranked No.1 for Defensive Bonus Points (22), he was also the top ranked player for defensive actions.

Kalidou Koulibaly - Al Hilal (SAR 6.5M)

Given how few goals they conceded in 2023-24, it’s hard to look past players from Al Hilal when it comes to defending - and few were better than Koulibaly. While not as big a goal threat as others, he is a rock at the back, keeping the equal-second-most clean sheets (8) and earning a valuable 16 Defensive Bonus Points as well.

Jack Hendry – Al Ettifaq (SAR 5.5M)

Another good value selection is Al Ettifaq’s Scottish defender, Jack Hendry. Playing alongside Marcel Tisserand (himself a worthwhile selection), the Al Ettifaq defence should be solid this season, which will help when accumulating points. Hendry ranked inside the top 10 for total points for defenders (79), and also inside the top 10 for value.

Nacho - Al Qadsiah (SAR 5.5M)

One of the newest arrivals to the RSL this season, the former Real Madrid captain is a headline signing for newly promoted Al Qadsiah. A dependable and reliable defender for years in Spain’s La Liga, Nacho brings a wealth of experience to Al Qadsiah, making more than 250 La Liga appearances and collecting four La Liga titles and six UEFA Champions League titles.

Saeed Al Rubaie - Al Okhdood (SAR 5M)

A great value selection, Saeed Al Rubaie was pivotal in defence for Al Okhdood last season as they only just managed to avoid relegation. His two goals added valuable points, earning 72 in total across the season. His six clean sheets equal Rebocho, and was even better than Laporte, while he ranked fourth for Defensive Bonus Points, with 16.

Alex Telles - Al Nassr (SAR 6.5M)

The full-back was one of Al Nassr’s key performers last season in their title challenge to Al Hilal. His 77 total points was the best of any Al Nassr defender, helped by an equal-league-best four assists throughout the campaign. Such is his propensity to get forward and join in the attack, Telles even registered 11 Attacking Bonus Points.