The mid-range defenders, who in this case are players valued between £5m and £5.5m, often offer good value for money in FPL: Here are some mid-range defenders who are ones to watch:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United, £5.5m)
The young full-back was one of the bargain buys of last season’s FPL season. He started the campaign at £4m. The youngster soon established himself as a mainstay of the Eagles defensive and his performances earned him a big-money summer move to Manchester United. Last season he picked up 12 clean sheets and also produced three assists for Palace, tallying 120 points in total. The youngster is still an attractive option, but his price rise may lead to many FPL bosses avoiding his selection.
Michael Keane (Everton, £5.5m)
The former Burnley defender enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, picking up 13 clean sheets, one goal and two assists. No defender had more than Keane’s 28 headed attempts than the England international. Keane may be overlooked by some, but the Toffees have a favourable opening schedule and Keane could deliver at both ends of the pitch. The Toffees are expected to enjoy a strong campaign and challenge for the top six next season.
Patrick van Aanholt (Crystal Palace, £5.5m)
The Eagles full-back has earned a reputation as a defender who can pick up attacking points too. The Dutchman kept 12 clean sheets last season while scoring three goals and produced two assists. The full-back has scored at least five goals in the previous three seasons, so has a history of attacking returns. Van Aanholt has a relatively favourable opening schedule, with three of Palace’s first four games ranking just two on the FPL difficulty ranking.
Ben Chilwell (Leicester, £5.5m)
The Leicester full-back enjoyed a strong campaign last season, keeping 12 clean sheets and also contributing 12 assists for the Foxes. He is always an attacking threat for the opposition. At £5.5m, the youngster is a tad expensive. However, Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers plays an attacking style, so he is likely to produce more than just defensive points next season.
Matt Ritchie (Newcastle, £5.5m)
The Scottish international has spent much of his career as a winger. However, at times last season, he played as a full-back or a wing-back. The change of boss at Newcastle could mean a return to a more advanced position for Ritchie. The 29-year-old is a set-piece specialist, which helped him produce two goals and ten assists last season. Like a number of the £5.5m defenders, his price may seem slightly expensive. His potential to attacking produce points could well make him a shrewd FPL pick.
Seamus Coleman (Everton, £5.5m)
Like his defensive teammates at Everton, the Irish full-back enjoyed a stellar end to the Premier League campaign. He kept 13 clean sheets while scoring two goals and producing two assists. Coleman had a tendency to produce attacking returns in the past for the Toffees. While Digne looks the obvious defensive selection from Everton, the full-back could prove a very good differential from the Merseysider’s.
Will any of the above mid-range defenders be in your FPL team?