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The introduction of attacking fullbacks has changed the way modern-day football is played. They are expected to contribute as much to attacking forays as they do in defense, and many teams rely exclusively on them to provide width. The scoring system in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) with six points for a goal from a defender means that they can be a rich source of points.
Even the way the Bonus Points System (BPS) is tailored means that any attacking contribution leads to them picking up bonus points, and when combined with a clean sheet these can lead to massive FPL point hauls. For the first time in the history of FPL, two defenders breached the 200 point mark in the 2018/19 season and this article aims to identify the candidates who I believe can achieve a similar output –
1) Trent Alexander-Arnold (LIV, 7.0m) –
The young Liverpudlian became a household name in the 2018/19 campaign after his impressive displays and is without a doubt the number one defensive asset in the game. Over the last eight gameweeks of last season, only Digne (19) created more chances than the Englishman's 18 and no defender came close to matching his six assists. His total of 13 assists was one more than Robertson despite playing nearly 600 minutes less.
Set piece duties are a huge part of his appeal and he took 38 of the Reds' corners in this period. He is also proficient at free-kicks and would hope to improve on his goal tally of just one from last season. The Reds' defense itself needs no introduction, keeping a whopping 21 clean sheets last season. Though he was rotated with Gomez at times last season, his importance to Liverpool's attacking play cannot be overstated and given the experience of a full season under his belt, he should only see more minutes this season.
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2) Andrew Robertson (LIV, 7.0m) –
The highest scoring FPL defender since the game began, Robertson racked up a massive 213 points last season, outscoring all forwards in the game. Given the price tag of the players he outscored (Aubameyang 11m, Aguero 12m), 7m seems like an absolute bargain for the Scot. He created just one fewer chance than Alexander-Arnold in the aforementioned eight week period but beat him for 'big chances created' (four vs three). In fact, the Scot was the second most creative defender in the league overall with a total of 50 chances created.
With Moreno leaving Liverpool, he has no competition for the left-back role with Milner the only possible deputy and is less prone to rotation than Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool's system relies heavily on their fullbacks to provide the width and Robertson is a constant presence on Liverpool's left side and can be expected to at least match his assist tally from last season.
3) Lucas Digne (EVE, 6.0m) –
The Frenchman took to the Premier League like a duck to water after his move to Everton from Barcelona. Displacing Leighton Baines from the Toffees lineup was no easy task but Digne achieved it with aplomb. No defender created more chances than the Frenchman's 71 last season or attempted more crosses than his 280. He also took 34 shots in his 35 appearances, sixth highest amongst defenders, and only Duffy (five) scored more than his four goals.
Like Alexander-Arnold, set-piece duties are a big part of Digne's appeal and the Frenchman took a total of 89 corners last season and also attempted 22 free kicks. The fact that he registered only five assists can be put down to the Toffees' woeful finishing but the signing of Moises Kean from Juventus should help Digne in that regard.
4) Aymeric Laporte (MCI, 6.5m) –
Signed in January 2018, Laporte had an impressive first full season under Guardiola, featuring for more minutes than any Man City outfield player (3056) and registered three goals, three assists and 18 clean sheets in the process. A center-back would not normally make my list but the Frenchman's attacking threat is quite significant given the quality of set-piece takers Man. City have at their disposal.
He took a whopping 26 goal attempts, six of which were 'big chances'. Extremely comfortable and confident on the ball, he also created 13 chances, which indicates his assists were no fluke. Kompany's departure means that he is now the defensive lynchpin of this Man City side and is less likely to see rotation as a result. The Champions conceded only 21 goals last season whilst keeping 20 clean sheets and investment in their defense is a must.
5) Cesar Azpilicueta (CHE, 6.0m) –
Few players have displayed the consistency of Azpilicueta since he became a regular for Chelsea. The Spaniard has registered over 3000 minutes in each of the last four seasons, no small achievement given the managerial merry-go-round at Stamford Bridge. He has registered at least five assists in each of those last four seasons and also chipped in with a total of six goals. There are a lot of uncertainties around Lampard's team sheet but not around the Spaniard - he is absolutely nailed on.
The Blues have racked up at least 15 clean sheets in each of the last three seasons and after the gameweek, one trip to Old Trafford face only one 'top-six' team (Liverpool) between gameweek 2-12. With FPL scores of 170, 175 and 158 in his last three seasons, it would take a brave man to bet on Azpilicueta not featuring in the list of top 10 defenders by season-end.
