Yesterday’s article covered just a few of the premier defenders available in FPL. However, there are more defenders valued between 7m and 6m in the game. Here are some more of those defenders:
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea, £6m)
The Spanish defender has been an FPL favourite down the years, having attracted major bonus points in seasons gone by. Last season was not a terrible one for the Spaniard, as he scored once and picked up six assists, which is a decent return, especially when you consider he also helped Chelsea to 16 points. His total bonus points tally of 11 was his worst in five seasons.
Like many of the Chelsea players, the arrival of Frank Lampard as the Blues boss and how he wants to play will have implications on whether the full-back will be an attractive FPL option. The Spaniard’s team Chelsea are still one of the favourites to seal Champions League football season. despite a transfer ban.
Kyle Walker (Manchester City, £6m)
The England international was previously pretty effective at delivering assists. However, the former Sheffield United star has played much of his football of late at centre-back for the Citizens.
City had the second-best defensive record behind Liverpool last season, which helped Walker pick up 18 clean sheets. However, an attacking return of just one goal and assist was a disappointing return.
Next season, the defender could once again play as a centre-back, which would pretty much take away his appeal as an FPL option, as there are defenders who can deliver at both ends of the field in the game.
Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea, £6m)
The Germany international ended the season with just 118 points, as he missed games through injury. He did manage 12 clean sheets while picking up a goal and two assists, as well as nine bonus points.
It is unclear if the highly-rated centre-back will be fit the start the campaign, as it seems he is still recovering from a knee injury. He could be a decent FPL option for later in the season, as Chelsea tend to keep lots of clean sheets. However, like Walker, there are probably better defensive options out there.
Ricardo Pereira (Leicester, £6m)
The Portuguese full-back enjoyed a promising debut campaign at Leicester following a big-money switch from Porto last summer. He collected ten clean sheets, but it was his attacking play that caught the eye last season.
The former Porto star scored twice and produced eight assists, underlying his attacking threat. The fact that he can and has played as a winger for the Foxes also adds to his appeal as an FPL option.
However, the £6m price tag may well put people off from having him in his team. If he can build on his promising opening campaign, he could prove to be a bargain later in the season.
Matt Doherty (Wolves, £6m)
The Republic of Ireland international surprised everybody last season with his attacking prowess and became one of the bargain options in defence. However, his attacking returns should not have come as a surprise, as he had been a big threat in Wolves promotion.
Doherty collected eight clean sheets in defence, while also scoring four goals and producing seven assists. His performances last season have seen his price rise to £6m, which like Pereira, may lead to FPL bosses looking elsewhere. He will still provide the same attacking threat and Wolves may be better defensively after a year in the top-flight.
Strategy
In the last few seasons defenders that also contribute attacking returns have been highly valued. This season many FPL bosses will be going heavy with the premium defenders, as the top forwards offer little value. Selecting three or four premium defenders may seem costly, but it is also a virtual guarantee that you will score big points every week.
Will any of the above premium defenders be in your FPL team?
