Bankers
Scores goals, keeps clean sheets, plays every game. Is there anything not to like about Virgil van Dijk? His points tally last season of 74 was the third-highest in Fantasy League history and with Liverpool’s evolution as a team not yet complete, he may well challenge John Terry’s 84-point high-water mark next term.
Another certain banker is Aymeric Laporte. With Vincent Kompany leaving Manchester City, John Stones’ form wayward and seemingly no international football to distract him (Didier Deschamps continues to ignore him), the elegant Frenchman is likely to take on leadership of his side’s defence. With 18 clean sheets last year and only 21 goals conceded (one fewer than van Dijk), he’ll be a man in demand.
Chelsea’s Mr Consistent, Cesar Azpilicueta, must be high on most managers’ auction lists. He’s been moved all around Chelsea’s defence over the past three seasons, but has nonetheless garnered 141 points during that time with an impressive 17 assists.
Solid bets
There aren’t many centre-backs who win the Match of the Day Goal of the Month award, but Newcastle’s Fabian Schar is one of them. His worldie against Burnley in February was one of four goals he scored in the Premier League last season. He also finished in the top 5 Fantasy League centre backs, a remarkable achievement considering he only played 24 games.
With 13 clean sheets to his name, Michael Keane comprised a vital part of Everton’s defence last term. He has regularly been in and around the England set-up too, and the competition for places there has likely resulted in more consistent displays for his club.
Toby Alderweireld, who looked almost certain to leave Tottenham last year, has now been fully reintegrated into Mauricio Pochettino’s first team. 12 clean sheets and only 31 goals conceded in 33 games last season point to a man determined to help his side finally get their hands on some silverware.
Punts
Shane Duffy topped the centre back goalscoring charts last season, with five. Three of those were headers – pointing to his threat from set-pieces – and it also could’ve been more, given he hit the woodwork three times. Can the Seagulls’ new boss Graham Potter get even more out of him next season?
Can Wolves repeat or better their storming 2018/19 season in the Premier League? Will they strengthen their defensive ranks? Some of the questions to be considered when weighing up the pros and cons of Willy Boly. With 35 appearances and four goals last year, the giant Frenchman could be a shrewd buy, but he comes with a degree of risk.
Buyer beware
Nathan Ake scored four times in the 2018/19 season, as well as registering 10 clean sheets. All of which would make you think he’s a solid bet. But the goals conceded column reads a mammoth 70. Tread carefully.
Arsenal skipper Laurent Koscielny has been hugely influential in recent times for his side, but he turns 34 in September and having suffered from serious injuries, boss Unai Emery may limit his appearances to preserve his fitness – if he’s even at the club at all after his recent spat with the Gunners hierarchy.
Swedish stopper Victor Lindelof featured the most of any Manchester United centre back last season (29 appearances), but it’s difficult to predict how he will fare in 2019/20, particularly if there is ongoing uncertainty about who’ll partner him in the heart of the United defence. The summer transfer window should shed more light on Ole Solskjaer’s plans.
