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Defenders in Fantasy Premier League are often overlooked, as most people's attention is immediately on the midfielders and strikers. It's true that these attacking players can in most cases garner up considerably more points than defenders, but it's also vitally important than you know which players to choose when forming your backline. If you neglect the defence, you're bound to lose out on a great deal of points, just through carelessness.
We're now seven Gameweeks into the FPL season, so the cracks in your defence will have begun to show by now. If you're not quite sure where to start in terms of making repairs, then you've come to the right place.
Coming up is a list of the 10 best defenders that you can put into your squad. Some of these players are cheap and affordable, whilst others are on the more expensive side, but all of them will become assets to your squad, racking up points that you didn't know you were missing until now.
#10 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) - £5.9
Virgil van Dijk is a regular starter for Liverpool so there's no worry insofar as his playtime is concerned. He's managed to rack up 26 points from seven games thus far, which isn't as much as others, but definitely enough to see him get a spot on this list.
He's a consistent performer in real life, too, which is reflected by the decent amount of points he picks up week after week. If you're after a solid defender that you can put into the side, who'll hoover up any remaining points that your current defenders simply aren't getting, then van Dijk is the man.
#9 César Azpilicueta (Chelsea) - £6.4
There's a reason why Azpilicueta is one of the most expensive defenders on this list: last year he came third i the list for the defenders with the highest amount of points earned (170). He's been a safe and reliable option for FPL managers over the last few seasons, and it's very easy to see why.
So far this season, he's only managed to notch up 28 points - but there are still 31 games left to play, and by the end of the season he could easily get somewhere near his figure from last season.
Azpilicueta is a secure option to have in your team, if you're willing to part with the £6.4 required to sign him.
#8 Willy Boly (Wolves) - £4.6
Easily one of the cheapest players on this list, Willy Boly has cemented himself as part of Wolves' backline this season. He was a great asset to the Midlands club in the Championship last year, and has become even better following their promotion to the Premier League.
He plays virtually every game, which makes him a solid option in the backline of any FPL side. His price of £4.6m is a pittance in comparison to some of the other players on this list, and the fact he's already garnered 33 points from seven matches is enough to turn any FPL manager's head.
You can't go wrong with a player like this in your side.
#7 Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace) - £5.5
Patrick van Aanholt has been a sensation at left-back for Crystal Palace since moving from Sunderland a few years ago. His rapid acceleration, tricky dribbling, and eye for goal have made him a first choice option for many FPL managers. And he doesn't disappoint, either - he's got 35 points to his name so far this season, and you can expect a great deal more to come.
Van Aanholt is another player who plays frequently for their club, so there's no worry about having to replace him out just before a game starts because he hasn't made the team.
Van Aanholt is a powerful player to have in the FPL. When he's not only picking up cleansheets, he's firing the ball into the top corner of the opposition's net, thanks to his rocket of a left foot, meaning that the total tally of points he collects is doubled.
#6 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) - £5.1
With 36 points to his name already, the young right-back from Liverpool is a force to be reckoned with this year in FPL. Alexander-Arnold has been outstanding for the Reds recently, and only looks to be getting better with each passing game.
His speedy runs down the flank often see him pass the defender on the outside, before he whips in a cross for the attacking trio of Firmino, Salah and Mane. With an attack so strong, it's no wonder why he picks up so many assists, thanks to their ability to convert his crosses.
£5.1 is a fair price for a player of Alexander-Arnold's ability and if you didn't pick him the first time round, now would be the best time to do so, before his price rises even more than it already has.
#5 Harry Maguire (Leicester City) - £5.5
Off the back of a splendid World Cup performance, Harry Maguire is now regarded as a top defender in England. His performances for Leicester have confirmed his ability to defend, and nobody doubts just how good "Slabhead" can be in the future, under the right guidance.
He was hunted by Manchester United during the summer, but the deal ultimately fell through. This was an indication, however, of just how far Maguire has come in recent years.
Maguire is a constant threat from set-pieces, particularly corners. His towering height and sheer strength combine to make him a force to be reckoned with in the box. Defenders struggle to contend with him in aerial duels and he often comes out the winner, having scored is typical rocket-header past the goalkeeper.
Scoring points through both cleansheets and goals is what makes him an asset to any FPL side, and you'd be crazy not to have him in your squad this season. Maguire currently has 36 points to his name.
#4 Kyle Walker (Manchester City) - £6.6
In at fourth place is Manchester City's right-back, Kyle Walker. His staggering pace is what makes him such a threat for City, particularly on the counter-attack. Defenders struggle to keep up with him on the flanks and when he finds the space, he'll whip the ball in for the likes of Sergio Aguero or Gabriel Jesus and put City in the lead from out of nowhere.
With a price tag of £6.6, he's the second most expensive player on this list, but the cost is worth it when you consider how much he contributes to the games. So far this season, Walker has scored a total of 38 points from seven matches, which is very high for a defender.
#3 Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur) - £6.2
Like Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier was another previously obscure player who was catapulted into the limelight following a series of sublime performances at the World Cup. He's had a great time with Spurs in the Premier League this season as well, and already has 39 points to his name.
His style of play is similar to Kyle Walker, who also used to play at right-back for Tottenham. Both have rapid pace, and both are used to whipping in deadly crosses, picking up a lot of assists in the process. This is where the majority of their points come from, although neither one is averse to scoring the occasional goal, especially from distance.
Trippier's £6.2 value might be a bit high for some FPL managers at first glance, but if you view it as an investment, you'll be more than happy that you chose to sign him when you see how many points he's scored you by the end of the season.
#2 Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) - £6.3
Andrew Robertson has come on by leaps and bounds since signing for Liverpool from Hull City. Before the switch, he was overlooked by the majority of fans as just another young left-back. His potential was concealed at the time because most were distracted by Hull's poor performances in general. But it was only when Klopp took a gamble and brought him to Anfield that fans perked up and showed an interest - and boy, has it paid off.
Robertson not only has speed down the left flank, but he's also crucial for taking set-pieces. Free kicks and corners are his speciality, and he tends to swing them round to the far post for the likes of van Dijk or Matip to nod home.
He's well worth the £6.3 price tag, and one of only two defenders to have surpassed 40 points in the FPL so far this season. He currently sits on a total of 43 points from seven matches, which is very impressive.
#1 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) - £6.9
Marcos Alonso finishing near the top of the list is nothing new in FPL. Last season, he was one of three Chelsea players who finished first, second and third for the defenders with the highest amount of points. Alonso found himself in second place with 177 points, just one point behind teammate Gary Cahill.
Alonso's pricetag of £6.9 is certainly warranted, given that he's already managed to accumulate a staggering 54 points from just seven games. His marauding runs down the flank make him a constant threat to the opposition, and he often takes set-pieces for Chelsea, which notch up his goal tally even further.
A player as versatile as Marcos Alonso is always an asset to have in your FPL side, but it's the amount you'd have to pay to acquire him that turns the majority off. It's ultimately your decision, but Alonso has been a consistent performer in the FPL for some time now, and he doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon.
