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Four GWs have passed us by, and perhaps the most significant lesson we've learned in the FPL so far has been not to ignore the value that defenders bring to our squads. The player sitting pretty on top after the first month of the round of matches is Marcos Alonso on 44 points, that is 5 clear of the nearest rival Sadio Mane (39).
Made is a premium midfielder who comes at £10 at the time of writing. Alonso meanwhile comes at £6.7 and is currently the costliest defensive option in the game. In comparison the highest scoring forward Sergio Aguero (20) comes at £11.3. This tells us about the value per point that the defenders bring to the Fantasy sides.
This season has fortunately also thrown us many more such high scoring defensive options. Perhaps it is time to go defence heavy in the FPL finally.
The 7 best options to choose are:
#7 Marcos Alonso (£6.7) - Chelsea
Alonso is obviously the first and probably the best in line fantasy option available to us this season. He got double figures returns in the first three GWs and only missed doing the same in the fourth round by a solitary point.
Always an FPL heavyweight, there were however considerable doubts about his prospects due to the arrival of Sarri. Alonso used to play as a wing-back under Antonio Conte which gave him a lot of attacking freedom leading to regular goals. All that seemed at risk with the new manager and it was believed that his attacking returns would be stunted.
Alonso has put all those doubts to rest in the opening matches giving an almost unbelievable return. He has provided at least an assist every match totalling to 5 in 4 games and has also scored once. While also keeping two clean sheets and grabbing 9 bonus points his total has been 44 points in 4 matches.
His current price is highly volatile and will probably hit £7 before the Premier League resumes after the international break. Players who haven't brought the Spaniard into their side yet are advised to do so quickly.
#6 Kieran Trippier (£6) - Tottenham
Trippier had a fantastic World Cup for England and has returned to the EPL amidst huge expectations. The right-back seems raring to be delivering on those after having two 11 points hauls in successive matches. He has scored a goal and assisted once giving a total return of 23 points.
Last season Trippier had provided 7 assists in total grabbing 18 bonus points and giving a total 113 points in only 1913 minutes. This was a remarkable total for a defender and made him great point scoring bargain.
This year he has also taken over the free kick duties and has already dispatched one beautifully against Fulham. The Spurs defence also offers plenty of clean sheets. Expect Trippier to get a decent return this season.
#5 Jose Holebas (£4.7) - Watford
Watford have started this season magnificently. They've won all 4 of their games heading into the international break. One of the key players in their squad who has made this possible is their veteran Greek international full-back Holebas.
Making marauding runs forward and having a great eye for crosses, Holebas has already matched his tally of 4 assists from each of the last two season. He has also scored once and taken his total points to 34 which is remarkable for someone at this price.
Talking about his price; it will not stay the same for too long and is highly expected to head closer to the £5 mark before the next round of fixtures begin. Holebas does have a tough couple of games coming up, but given his attacking talent, you'd expect the points to keep flowing.
#4 Luke Shaw (£5.1) - Manchester United
Manchester United haven't had the best of starts but they did show signs of getting things back on track with their win against Burnley. One player who has been a bright spark in a pessimist looking season for United has been Luke Shaw.
The resurgent Left Back has been making some good forward runs this season and was rewarded with his first ever goal for the club in the opening game. Shaw has so far had a total of 8 attempted shots as a defender which is only second behind Marcos Alonso at 12.
He has along with his goal bagged one assist as well. His points total is 21 as of yet which is not the best but does show the potential for the rest of the campaign. If Manchester United can get their act together, Shaw will be a great option in the FPL this season.
#3 Andrew Robertson (£6.1) - Liverpool
The Scottish left back was a revelation at Anfield last season and has begun the current one much in the same regard. His talent for picking out players in the box has already led to 2 assists while Liverpool's defensive rigidity has given him further 3 clean sheets, taking his points tally to 32.
Robertson is great with the ball at his feet and has the tactical awareness to make runs at the right time with great effect. There is every chance that he will significantly better his attacking statistics and points return from last season. With the Liverpool side currently looking devastating, it just only makes his fantasy appeal even stronger.
Note:
If you want a cheaper attacking alternative to Robertson, then by all means go with Alexander-Arnold who is priced £5. The right back is equally talented at making attacking runs and has also been on free kick duties.
#2 Hector Bellerin (£5.5) - Arsenal
Logic would currently tell you to stay away from the Arsenal defence as they are letting in goals left right and centre. Rightly so the Spanish right-back has scored only 7 points in total after his team shipped in 8 goals in 4 matches. This, however, does not take away take the fact that Bellerin offers plenty of attacking threat when going forward.
Bellerin has made many attempts to cross from the right wing which was especially evident from the game against Chelsea and he also managed to grab an assist against West Ham.
The upcoming fixtures for Arsenal certainly seem favourable and might just propel a bit of defensive stability from the side. Bellerin could meanwhile offer a good deal of attacking returns- something that he has done very well in the past seasons. Around 12% of managers have given Bellerin a place in their side at the time of writing. It could just turn out to be a good punt in the weeks to come.
#1 Benjamin Mendy (£6.4) - Manchester City
He was absent for nearly the whole of last season with an injury but has definitely shown what the Fantasy crowd had been missing out on. With a peach of a left foot, Mendy has hammered crosses in game after game, accumulating 5 assists in 4 games. His points total currently stands at 32 with which is greater that even that of Sergio Aguero who is priced almost £5 higher than the defender.
Taking advantage of City's possession play, Mendy has spent most of his game time playing as a left Winger. His quality on the ball and an eye for good cross has so far made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the FPL. City's defence also gives the Frenchman plenty of opportunities to grab clean sheet points.
Also Read: Mendy a must have the FPL this season?
While Kyle Walker on the opposite flank is equally capable as we saw from his thunderous strike against Newcastle. Mendy offers way more attacking threat and points scoring opportunities.
It is highly likely that Mendy will grab at least a 150- 200 points haul this season.
