With so much importance placed on landing the elite strikers and midfielders, there is a risk that comes with missing a defender near the top of an annual Premier League fantasy draft. The drop off in fantasy production from the top to mid-tier isn’t nearly as high when it comes to defenders as it is with forwards and midfielders, but if these players are still on the board after you fill the more important positions, it makes a lot of sense to jump on them before they disappear. Here is a look at the top five most valuable fantasy defenders heading in to this Premier League season.
1. Leighton Baines, Everton
There is no doubt that Baines is the consensus top fantasy defender heading in to this season as a wide marker that can do it all for Everton. Baines is known for his runs down the flanks, his uncanny ability to consistently deliver perfect crosses and his elite defensive skillset. But what sets him apart in terms of fantasy is his ability to contribute in dead-ball situations. Baines has become a free kick specialist and has also been called on in penalty kick situations as well. He does have a record of injuries and will be 31 this December, but when he is healthy, there is no doubt that Baines is the Premier League’s top fantasy defender.
2. Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea
Ivanovic has consistently been one of the top fantasy defenders in the Premier League during his time with Chelsea and that should continue this season as a steady and reliable influence on their back line. Ivanovic is known for his ability as a defender but he has also contributed his share of offense over the years including four goals last season. He might not have the same offensive upside as Baines but there is no doubt he deserves this spot on the list as an excellent all-around defender. It helps that Chelsea doesn’t give up many goals as they allowed just 32 last season. The clean sheets are definitely a nice bonus.
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3. Kieran Trippier, Tottenham
Trippier is coming off an incredible season for Spurs in which he registered a higher fantasy points per game than a handful of star forwards – including Wayne Rooney. And that’s after going undrafted in the majority of fantasy leagues last season. Trippier’s breakthrough year is the perfect illustration of how difficult it can be to predict elite fantasy defenders but after last year’s performance, we have no problem ranking him third on our list. Trippier’s ability to step up and attack on the flank for Spurs should make him one of the top fantasy defenders off the board.
4. Nathaniel Clyne, Liverpool
Clyne was one of the best defenders in the Premier League at Southampton last season and his value should only get better at Liverpool. Now he’s going to be featured a little more in a transition game that relies so heavily on wide defenders jumping up in to the attack. We’ll find out just how valuable he was to Southampton as they only allowed 33 goals last season, the second-fewest in the EPL.
Clyne should have plenty of opportunities to step up and send crosses in to the box and because of his formidable talent at both ends of the pitch, he makes our list in the No. 4 spot.
5. Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal
Koscielny’s incredible rabona goal during Arsenal’s open training session provided another glimpse in to his elite skillset and there is no doubt the French defender ranks among the top based on his abilities at both ends of the pitch. Koscielny’s incredible ball skills make him an integral piece at the back end for the Gunners and he should be in line for another solid fantasy performance this season as he rounds out our list of the top five fantasy defenders in the Premier League.
