The introduction of defensive contributions has opened up new player options this season for fantasy football managers. With the new bonus leaving managers questioning who to pick, we’ve found the top five midfielders based on defensive contributions so far this season.
In years gone by, Premier League fantasy football managers usually only picked midfielders who would score or assist. Mo Salah, Cole Palmer, and Bukayo Saka often scored big points, and still will this season.
However, this season, with defensive contributions (DCs), more midfielders can score extra points, adding a new headache for fantasy football managers.
What are defensive contributions in fantasy football?
There are two rules for DCs in fantasy football. Defenders need to register a combined 10 clearances, interceptions, tackles, or blocks to earn two extra points.
Midfielders, and attackers for that matter, need to get 12 DCs. However, ball recoveries are also counted as a defensive contribution for these players.
Top Five Defensive Contribution Midfielders
5. Dominik Szoboszlai, 34 DCs, two extra points
Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai has registered 34 DCs. He picked up extra points in gameweek three against Arsenal with 14 DCs in total. Szoboszlai was unlucky in gameweek one, as he registered 11 DCs and just missed out on the extra points.
Szoboszlai is a great two-way option this season. He’s capable of scoring goals, picking up assists, and registering DCs. Last season, he scored six times and claimed 10 assists, as well as registering a total of 199 DCs.
With all the attacking quality at Liverpool, there might not be many games where they need to defend as much. However, in games against the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, or Chelsea, Szoboszlai could be a great option for DCs.
4. Joe Garner, 37 DCs, four extra points
Joe Garner has been quietly getting along with business for Everton this season. The Toffees have signed quality attackers, including Jack Grealish, as well as keeping the core of their defence. They’ve also benefited from Garner starting the season well in defensive midfield.
Priced at £5m, he could be a great cheap midfield option. He’s already picked up bonus DC points in two games, with 16 DCs against Brighton and 12 against Wolves.
Everton have some tough run of games against the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Man City further down the line. Garner could be a smart choice given the defensive work the Everton side are likely to do.
3. Tyler Adams, 40 DCs, four extra points
American Tyler Adams has registered 40 DCs in three games for Bournemouth, but it’s no surprise given he picked up 276 DCs in 21 starts last season.
The games against Liverpool and Tottenham showed that in big games, Adams will be crucial defensively. In gameweek one against Liverpool, he registered 19 DCs and picked up 12 against Tottenham, finishing both games with an extra two points.
He is the lowest-scoring player on this list, with 10 points, but that’s because he’s yet to score or claim an assist. His attacking return in recent years has been really low, with only three goal contributions in the last three years.
Adams will likely always return DCs, but if you’re looking for attacking returns as well, you’d best look elsewhere this season.
2. Bruno Fernandes, 41 DCs, four extra points
Bruno Fernandes is the most picked player in this top five. 21.4% of managers have him in their team, and it’s obvious why. When we talk about two-way midfielders who will score attacking and defensive points, Bruno comes to mind.
He’s Manchester United’s chief playmaker, with most things going through him, as well as being one of their main set-piece takers, including penalties. As he’s shown in the opening games, he’ll also grab DCs in most Premier League games, leading to two more points.
Fernandes was unlucky to miss out on the DC bonus in the opening game, registering 11 against Arsenal. However, he picked up 13 against Fulham and 17 against Burnley. These high numbers aren’t a new thing, as he registered 359 DCs last season.
If you’re looking for a player to pick up attacking and defensive points this season, Fernandes is your man.
1. Moises Caicedo, 42 DCs, four extra points
Chelsea holding midfielder Moises Caicedo leads the way in the Premier League for DCs by a midfielder with 42. That impressive total is thanks to his incredible haul of 23 DCs against Fulham.
Last season, he had 455 DCs, and from the way he’s started this season, he’ll be looking at a similar output again. Caicedo is one of the first players on the Chelsea team sheet and is crucial when it comes to breaking up opposition attacks.
He’s only been picked by 6.8% of fans and could be worth considering moving forward if you’re looking for a DC focused player.
Other defensive contribution midfielders of note
Josh Cullen of Burnley and Mats Wieffer of Brighton are both worthy of a mention for midfielders with high DCs. They’ve both scored four extra points in their opening three games.
Wieffer registered 12 plus in his first two games but missed their third game against Man City through injury. When he returns from injury, he could be a good option as a cheap midfielder if Brighton’s fixtures are favourable.