Fantasy Premier League has entered a new era. For years, defenders were judged almost exclusively on clean sheets and attacking returns. But with the introduction of Defensive Contribution Points (DCP) — rewarding clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles — the backline is no longer just a passive source of points. It’s a goldmine waiting to be tapped.
In this blog, we’ll explore the defenders who stand to benefit most from the new system, how to structure your squad around them, and why centre-backs from mid-table clubs might just be your ticket to FPL glory.
🔍 What’s Changed in FPL Scoring?
Starting this season, defenders earn 2 bonus points if they hit 10 defensive actions in a match. These actions include:
- Clearances
- Blocks (specifically blocked shots)
- Interceptions
- Tackles
This change rewards defenders who are consistently active — especially those in teams that defend deep or face high shot volumes. It’s capped at 2 points per match, but the impact is huge: some defenders would’ve gained 30–40 extra points last season2.
🧱 Top Centre-Backs to Target
1. Murillo (Nottingham Forest, £5.5m)
- 2024/25 DCP: 38 points
- Clearances: 246 (league-high)
- Blocks: 45 (3rd overall)
Murillo is a defensive machine. His sheer volume of interventions makes him a near-lock for DCP in tough fixtures. Forest’s tendency to sit deep means he’ll be busy — and that’s now a good thing2.
2. Nathan Collins (Brentford, £5.0m)
- Blocked Shots: 57 (1st overall)
- DCP: 32 points
Collins thrives on last-ditch defending. His blocked shots alone make him a standout under the new rules. Brentford’s mid-table status means he’ll face enough pressure to rack up actions without being overwhelmed.
3. James Tarkowski (Everton, £5.5m)
- DCP: 44 points (most in the league)
- Earned DCP in 66.7% of starts
Tarkowski is the poster child for the new system. He’s consistent, durable, and always in the thick of it. Everton’s defensive setup funnels action his way, making him a reliable pick even without clean sheets3.
🏃♂️ Full-Backs with Dual Threat
4. Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace, £5.5m)
- Tackles: 122 (1st among defenders)
- DCP: 14 points
- Attacking upside: 2 goals, 3 assists
Muñoz blends defensive grit with attacking flair. He’s aggressive in duels and often pushes high, giving you a shot at both DCP and attacking returns2.
5. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Man United, £5.0m)
- Interceptions: 64 (1st among full-backs)
- Tackles: 90+
Wan-Bissaka’s positional awareness and tackling volume make him a sneaky DCP candidate. If he nails down a starting spot, he could be a budget-friendly gem.
🧨 Budget Enablers Worth Rotating
6. Jan Bednarek (Southampton, £4.5m)
- DCP: 40 points
- Earned DCP in 66.7% of matches
Promoted teams often face relentless pressure — and Bednarek thrives under it. He’s cheap, nailed, and likely to hit the 10-action threshold regularly.
7. Dara O’Shea (Ipswich Town, £4.5m)
- Blocks: 50 (2nd overall)
- Clearances: 217
O’Shea is another promoted centre-back with high defensive volume. He’s ideal for a rotating 4th/5th defender slot, especially in tough fixtures.
🧠 Tactical Takeaways for Squad Building
🔄 Rotation Strategy
Pair high-volume defenders from weaker teams with attacking full-backs from stronger sides. Use fixture difficulty to rotate — defenders facing top-six sides may now be more valuable due to increased defensive actions.
💰 Budget Allocation
Don’t overspend chasing attacking returns from premium defenders. A £4.5m centre-back with consistent DCP can now rival a £6.0m full-back who’s goal-dependent.
📊 Bonus Point Synergy
Defensive actions feed into the Bonus Points System (BPS). Players like Tarkowski and Murillo not only earn DCP but also rank higher for bonus points — even in matches without clean sheets.
🧪 Experimental Picks to Watch
🧬 Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace, £5.0m)
- DCP: 34 points
- Clearances: 5.86 per 90
Lacroix quietly posted elite defensive numbers. If Palace tighten up, he could be a breakout star.
🧬 Diego Coppola (Brighton, £4.5m)
- Serie A DCP equivalent: 10.95 per 90
New to the league, but Coppola’s Serie A stats suggest he could be a defensive contribution magnet. One to monitor early.
🧮 Final Word: Defenders Are No Longer Just for Clean Sheets
The 2025/26 FPL season rewards defensive effort like never before. Centre-backs from mid-table and promoted clubs are now viable week-in, week-out. Full-backs who tackle and intercept are back in fashion. And budget defenders can finally offer consistent returns.
So whether you’re building a squad builder with drag-and-drop logic or optimizing for auto-pick, make sure your backline reflects the new reality. Defensive contributions aren’t just a bonus — they’re a blueprint.
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