Defenders form the backbone of any successful FPL squad, writes FPL expert Blake Hurst. With the introduction of an additional two points for exceeding 10 defensive contributions per match, the landscape for picking premium backline assets has shifted. Last year’s points leaders would have looked very different had this rule been in place. Here are five defenders who may not be on your radar, but could make a big impact for your FPL side this season.
James Tarkowski (Everton, 5.5m)
James Tarkowski is arguably the standout choice among defenders for the opening gameweeks. Last season, no-one racked up more defensive contribution points than the Everton defender – he would have scored an extra 44 points under the current rules. Everton posted one of the league’s best defensive records, conceding only 44 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets, largely due to their tight, organised system. Their opening run is favourable, including matches against Leeds, Wolves, and West Ham in GW6. While Tarkowski offers limited attacking threat, his consistency for accumulating defensive stats makes him a reliable pick, even as fixtures get tougher.
Maxime Estève (Burnley, 4.0m)
On paper, Burnley’s appeal as a defensive unit is minimal, but Maxime Estève offers the sort of budget value FPL managers can easily overlook. Priced at just £4.0m and boasting 6.97 defensive contributions per 90 minutes last season, he’s an ideal bench player or, in the early weeks, a rotation enabler. What really boosts his appeal is Burnley’s fixture against Sunderland at home in GW2 – a potential bench boost opportunity for many FPL managers. You may not want to start Estève most weeks, but having a nailed on 4.0m defender who snatches the odd additional point could be valuable later in the season.
Patrick Dorgu (Manchester United, 4.5m)
While there’s understandable hesitation about picking a Manchester United defender, especially after last season’s defensive woes, Dorgu may be the sort of differential that sets you apart from your rivals. He impressed in pre-season with driving runs and advanced positioning, hinting at attacking returns if United’s new look front three hits form. Despite some tough opening fixtures, Dorgu rotates well with a West Ham defender, for example, Aaron Wan-Bissaka or El Hadji Malick Diouf. If Dorgu can convert his pre-season promise into league form, he could offer a rare attacking outlet at the back as a low owned differential.
Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton, 4.5m)
Brighton’s new signing Maxim De Cuyper is recognised for his strong attacking output, particularly at set-pieces. Despite a mixed fixture list for Brighton, pairing their defenders with an Aston Villa player, such as Ezri Konsa, can help FPL managers optimise their defensive returns through rotation. De Cuyper is expected to integrate well into Brighton’s tactical approach, which prioritizes full-back involvement in forward play. This could allow him to deliver steady points for both defensive work and attacking returns. For FPL managers eager to get a jump on the competition, De Cuyper stands out as one of the most exciting and potentially rewarding defensive prospects this season. If you’re seeking an edge, his attacking threat and expected game time make him one to strongly consider for your squad at the 4.5m price bracket.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham, 5m)
Under Thomas Frank’s leadership, Spurs look far more robust than they did last season. Cristian Romero stands out thanks to his set-piece threat, elite defensive contribution rate (8.3 per 90min), and Tottenham’s exciting early run of fixtures. With their new-found solidity at the back, Spurs are likely to rack up more clean sheets especially early on, and Romero could also chip in with goals from corners. If he maintains his current performance level, expect his ownership to climb – don’t wait for him to become a template pick, as active FPL managers often gain crucial rank boosts by acting before the crowd. Van de Ven is another option if you need to save .5m.
