In our previous article, we broke down the big new addition to Fantasy Premier League: defenders can now earn points through defensive contributions.
This follow-up takes things a step further. Using the Custom Stats Builder — available to our Premium Plus members (currently available for just £1) — we've pulled the top 10 defenders for each defensive action: clearances, blocked shots, interceptions, and tackles. These numbers are central to how the new points will be awarded in FPL 2025/26.
Let’s dive into the data and what it tells us about potential undervalued assets for the new season.
As confirmed by FPL, defenders now earn 2 extra points for hitting a total of 10 defensive contributions in a single match. These are defined as:
Midfielders and forwards also qualify for extra points, but they need to hit 12 actions, and their total includes ball recoveries too.
Our analysis using the Custom Stats Builder reveals a diverse range of defenders excelling in different areas of defensive contribution. These stats give us a clearer picture of who might thrive under FPL's new points system, depending on their role and style of play.
When it comes to pure defensive workload, Murillo leads the way with a staggering 246 clearances in the 2024/25 season — the most of any defender in the league. Close behind are Nathan Collins (218) and Dara O’Shea (217), both of whom also feature prominently across other defensive metrics.
This list is stacked with centre-backs from teams that spent much of the season under pressure, including Tarkowski, Kilman, and Bednarek. These players were constantly forced into action, making vital interventions to keep the ball out of dangerous areas.
While clearances alone won’t earn FPL points under the new rules, they are a key part of the puzzle. When combined with blocked shots, tackles, or interceptions, players like Murillo and Collins are well-positioned to hit the 10-action CBIT threshold in many matches.
These findings suggest that defenders from teams who defend deep — often in relegation battles — may now carry real upside in FPL, offering consistent defensive contributions and potentially delivering value at a budget-friendly price.
Nathan Collins posted a league-leading 57 blocked shots — comfortably the most among all defenders. He was followed by Dara O’Shea (50) and Murillo (45), who also recorded impressive totals.
Although FPL has referred to "blocks" in its communications, our research indicates that only blocked shots count toward the defensive contribution points. That makes this particular stat arguably the most important for centre-backs under the new rule.
Players with a knack for putting their bodies on the line and blocking goal-bound efforts are now directly rewarded — making high-volume shot blockers like Collins significantly more appealing than in previous seasons.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Antonee Robinson impressed in reading the game, recording 64 and 57 interceptions respectively.
Unlike clearances, which often come in more reactive situations, interceptions show positional awareness and anticipation.
Full-backs like Wan-Bissaka — who also rank well for tackles — are particularly interesting, as they have the potential to contribute across multiple metrics.
Interceptions can come in bursts, so players who thrive in pressing systems or who cut out through balls could regularly reach the points threshold.
No one got stuck in more last season than Daniel Muñoz and Noussair Mazraoui, who made 122 and 116 tackles respectively.
These are massive numbers — especially when you consider that just 10 defensive actions trigger bonus points.
Both players are dynamic, aggressive full-backs who contribute defensively while often pushing high up the pitch. They could offer a perfect blend of defensive point potential and attacking upside.
With the new rules on the horizon, we can retrospectively assess how much of an impact defensive contribution points would have made during the 2024/25 season.
Murillo made more clearances (246) than any other defender last season & ranked 3rd for blocks (45). ❌
— Fantasy Football Fix (@FantasyFootyFix) July 18, 2025
He’d have hugely benefited from FPL’s new rule changes! 👀 https://t.co/7HOWynFYw8 pic.twitter.com/R05qd0b5jY
For instance:
These are massive swings — especially for players priced in the £4.5–£5.0m range.
While full-backs still provide attacking flair, many of these defensive point magnets are centre-backs at mid-table clubs — often priced cheaply and largely ignored in FPL.
The data suggests there's now more reason than ever to consider:
This rule shift creates more viable strategies — whether you're playing 4 at the back or just looking for clean-sheet insurance with upside.
This FPL rule change adds an entirely new dimension to squad building — and using tools like the Custom Stats Builder can help identify which players are truly valuable under the surface.
Will you look beyond the attacking full-backs this season? Or are you ready to load up on centre-backs who rack up blocks and clearances for fun?
One thing’s for sure: defenders just got a lot more interesting in Fantasy Premier League.
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