Last season saw both attack-minded and last ditch defenders rack up points for Fantasy managers in equal measure. Join us as we take you through some of the best FPL defenders to select for your teams in 2023/24.
Best FPL Defenders 2023/24
Budget FPL Defenders
Rico Henry – Brentford (£4.5m)
Although Brentford goalkeeper David Raya appears to be on his way to Arsenal after agreeing personal terms, much of his success between the sticks last season can be attributed to a strong Bees backline.
For our first budget defender pick, we are spotlighting Rico Henry, who earned wide-spread plaudits for his role in Brentford’s top-half finish.
With many calling for Henry to receive an England call-up, he ranked as the joint-10th best defender for big chances created (5) and joint-ninth for finding himself in those advanced positions (3).
The Bees also picked up 12 clean sheets last season, meaning the likes of teammates Ethan Pinnock (£4.5m) and Ben Mee (£5m) are also worth a mention.
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Connor Roberts – Burnley (£4.5m)
Included in our FPL bargains for 2023/24, Burnley’s Connor Roberts represents a notable attacking threat.
For those unfamiliar with his exploits in the Championship last season, the Welshman could often be found bombing forward in Vincent Kompany’s high-pressing system.
Four goals and six assists from right-back is a commendable return, while he also played a major role in helping Burnley keep 18 clean sheets.
Mid-Range FPL Defenders
John Stones – Manchester City (£5.5m)
Handed the same price as last year, John Stones enters the new season as a treble winner. Whether he returns to his new-found defender/midfield hybrid role remains to be seen, but he will be listed in his natural position.
Although Manchester City frustrated many FPL players after conceding meaningless, lacklustre goals, they actually ranked highest for fewest conceded, as well as least big chances and shots allowed.
Stones averaged around four points per-match – the most of any City player – and the champions have managed to avoid any of the big six in their opening six fixtures.
Pervis Estupinan – Brighton (£5m)
One of Brighton’s standout performers from last year will start on his end-of-season price point of £5m, which is still worth snapping up.
The Ecuadorian hit a rich vein of form towards the tail end of the year, culminating in a dazzling 17-point game against Arsenal.
Although his season average isn’t as high as many people may think (just over three per game), the Seagulls face Luton, Wolves and West Ham in their opening three fixtures, which is enough for us to include Estupinan in this list.
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Premium Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool (£8m)
This year’s most expensive defender, Trent Alexander-Arnold, has bundles of potential for FPL managers this coming campaign.
Jurgen Klopp’s tactical shift that saw Trent become the focal point of the team in central midfield. It appears to be a stroke of genius, with the Reds going on a 10-match unbeaten run to very nearly salvage a last-minute Champions League spot.
In that run, Liverpool’s new creator-in-chief registered seven assists and chipped in with a stunning free-kick against Leicester.
Whether the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboslai alter his new-found position remains to be seen, but his mesmerising return to in the final few months of last season is enough for any FPL manager to take a chance.
Kieran Tripper – Newcastle (£6.5m)
This list would certainly not be complete without last season’s highest-scoring FPL defender, Kieran Trippier.
The Newcastle captain enjoyed perhaps his best ever season as he led his team to a staggering fourth-placed finish.
With 198 points he was well clear of any other defender in the league, and his reliability as a guaranteed starter in every single game, which he did, makes him a worthwhile selection.
One goal, nine assists and 16 clean sheets were all major contributors to his total, while a 39 bonus point-haul highlights his all-encompassing contribution.
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