Who are 5 Best FPL Defenders for Defensive Contribution Points in GW 2?

When it comes to picking the Best Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Defenders, most managers focus on clean sheets and the odd goal or assist. But with the new DefCon (Defensive Contribution) points system introduced this season, it’s time to look beyond old habits. Suddenly, those unflashy centre-backs and tireless full-backs with high blocks, tackles, and interceptions are the hot commodity! With GW2 upon us, here are the five top FPL defenders to target for maximising your Defensive Contribution points, along with plenty of budget picks to keep your squad flexible and competitive.

TOP 5 Defenders for GW 2

1. James Tarkowski (Everton)

If you want reliability as well as points, James Tarkowski is your guy. He was the runaway leader for defensive contribution last season, hitting the points threshold in about 67% of his starts, a level of consistency that’s gold dust among FPL defenders. Tarkowski’s knack for blocks and tackles means he racks up DefCon points even when Everton aren’t keeping clean sheets. With Everton’s decent fixtures early in the season, he offers set-and-forget potential for managers who don’t want to overthink their backline.

2. Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

Murillo is shaping up as a massive differential pick for managers looking to gain ground early. Last season, he hit the DefCon points threshold in around 53% of his starts and was a statistical standout among Forest’s often-overlooked defence. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side has looked solid in preseason, so don’t be shocked if Murillo emerges as a budget hero across the first few gameweeks.

3. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

The Liverpool captain isn’t just one of the safest starters in the league; he would have collected 22 defensive contribution points last season, 10 more than any other £6.0m defender in FPL. That’s on top of his set-piece and headed goal threat. Liverpool boasted the highest clean sheet total (14) last season, and their rock-solid centre-back Van Dijk played all but one league match. He brings proven “DefCon” power and solid season-long value, making him one of the best Fantasy Premier League Defenders.

4. Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)

Looking for a slightly more budget option from the Everton backline? Branthwaite is a rising star. He hit DefCon thresholds in a high percentage of starts and features as a top-5 defender for CBIT points. His ball-winning and presence make him a steady contributor, even if Everton doesn’t keep as many clean sheets as the top-six teams.

5. Loïc Lacroix (Nottingham Forest)

Forest has two budget gems: pairing Murillo with Lacroix is an option for committed defensive contribution chasers. Lacroix recorded the threshold in about 48% of his starts and consistently performed well defensively. If you want a deep differential with healthily low ownership rates, Lacroix is your man.

Honourable Mentions

• Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham): West Ham’s new wing-back offers both attacking threat and heaps of tackles/interceptions. He topped his club’s defensive contributions and could be the best £4.5m value.
• Milenković (Nottingham Forest): Another Forest CB with amazing DefCon numbers and super high ownership among real FPL strategists.
• Gabriel (Arsenal): Arsenal’s tough fixtures dampen his prospects, but his set-piece threat shouldn’t be ignored for future gameweeks.

Who won the most defensive contribution points in FPL gameweek 1?

• Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool): He was a standout performer in GW1, scoring 21 FPL points. His commanding presence at the back earned him a massive haul of defensive contribution points, confirming his status as a premium FPL defender.
• Rayan Ait-Nouri (Manchester City): Known for his dynamic attacking and defensive abilities, Ait-Nouri scored 15 points in GW1 while also contributing well in the DefCon system, making him valuable on both ends.
• Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace): A budget-friendly defender who impressed with 15 points in GW1. Lacroix consistently racks up defensive contribution stats, making him a popular choice for managers looking for value.
• Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth): Collecting 15 points in GW1, Senesi showcased his ability to deliver defensive actions and even contribute to bonus points and occasional attacking returns.
• William Saliba (Arsenal): Saliba scored 14 points while playing a key role in Arsenal’s defence. He brought in clean sheet points alongside solid contributions in the defensive stats, making him a dependable pick.

Strategy Tips for GW2

Mix premium and budget defenders: Grabbing one or two premium names like Van Dijk and Tarkowski alongside budget DefCon stars like Murillo and Lacroix gives you points upside and squad flexibility.

• Check fixtures & opponent FDR: Focus on defenders with easy home fixtures and lower-strength attacking opponents before the Gameweek 2 Deadline.
• Low ownership means big gains: With most FPL managers still following old habits, these DefCon picks often have ownership below 10%. That’s your chance for a major differential edge.
• Don’t ignore attacking full-backs: Players like Wan-Bissaka will deliver not just clean sheets but also assists, making them doubly valuable.

Final thoughts:

Don’t let tradition or massive ownership numbers keep you from reaping the rewards of the new DefCon scoring system. GW2 is the perfect time to try a mix of proven contributors and budget gems who rack up the “dirty work” stats. Tarkowski, Murillo, Van Dijk, Branthwaite, and Lacroix are solid bets to maximise your Fantasy Premier League defensive contribution points. So shake up your backline, watch out for fixture swings, and get ready to climb those FPL ranks. Whether you play FPL for bragging rights or rank goals, these defenders are tailor-made for the new defensive stats era. Good luck, and don’t forget to keep an eye on live stats, lineups, and injury updates before the GW2 deadline.