Highest Defensive Contribution Scorers GW1

Defensive contribution points, or DEFCON points as they’re known in the space (we have limited characters on X) are FPL’s big change to scoring for the 25/26 season. These new DEFCON points change the way we play FPL; they change the types of players that are viable FPL picks and have altered team builds this season. Given that GW1 of this season was our first data point to analyse DEFCON points and how they impacted scoring, let’s assess what we saw and what we can take from that moving forward for this season.

How Defensive Contribution points work?

Quick reminder on how DEFCON points are calculated:

• A Defender who completes a combined total of 10 blocks, clearances, interceptions and tackles in a single match will score two FPL points.
• Midfielders and Forwards also get rewarded for ‘ball recoveries‘ as well as blocks, clearances, interceptions and tackles. Because of this added defensive contribution for Defenders and Midfielders, they have to to get 12 defensive contributions in a match to be rewarded with 2 FPL points.
• All players can only score a maximum of 2 defensive contribution points per match, it is capped at 2.

Liverpool vs Bournemouth:

Liverpool vs Bournemouth DEFCON points

Van Dijk (21) - 2 points	Tavernier (20) - 2 points
Szoboszlai (11) - 0 points	Adams (19) - 2 points
Salah (10) - 0 points	Senesi (15) - 2 points
Wirtz (8) - 0 points	Smith (9) - 0 points
Gakpo (7) - 0 points	Diakite (9) - 0 points

• As you can see from the total defensive contributions for this game, a fast paced game, with 2 teams that like to progress the ball in central spaces, as well as press and win the ball back quickly, could be one of the ideal game states for DEFCON points. Liverpool, Chelsea, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Brighton, and City to some extent among others would fit the bill.
• This is what allowed for not only Adams and Tavernier to reach their required 12 defensive contributions for 2 DEFON points, but also Szoboszlai and even Mo Salah just barely falling short of the requirment.
• Centre-backs are going to max out on DEFCON points easily in these kind of games. Bournemouth only had 10 shots and 3 on target but if a game features two front footed teams that play with pace, there will be a lot of defensive actions even for the more possession dominant team. That’s how Van Dijk ends up with 21 defensive contributions.
• Senesi reaching 15 is a little more expected as Bournemouth were expected to be on the back foot for most of the game.
• DEFCON points might actually make Van Dijk the most desirable Liverpool Defender, especially if Frimpong and Bradley rotate and Kerkez takes a little time to settle in at his new club playing a different brand of football than he did at Bournemouth.

Aston Villa vs Newcastle:

Aston Villa vs Newcastle DEFCON points

Onana (14) - 2 points	Schar (11) - 2 points
Cash (11) - 2 points	Burn (11) - 2 points
Kamara (11) - 0 points	Joelinton (9) - 0 points
Digne (7) - 0 points	Tonali (9) - 0 points
Rogers (7) - 0 points	Bruno G. (8) - 0 points

• This was a cagey game that was missing an element of quality on the ball in key moments. Ending 0-0 with 2 good midfields, you would think that is a prime game for big DEFCON returns, but the game ended with only 4 players returning DEFCON points.
• Onana showing why when on form he can be so dominant in midfield winning the physical battle, returning 2 DEFCON points from 14 defensive contributions. If he becomes a locked in starter under Emery, he is certainly the profile of player who could consistently return DEFCON points.
• Centre-backs and defensive mids did dominate the defensive contributions in this game, which was the intention of the new scoring system – to reward those 2 positions. 2 centre-backs in Burn and Schar and 2 DM’s in Onana and Kamara returned.
• Schar and Burn feel like 2 centre-backs that will be real factors with DEFCON points, especially with Newcastle currently weakened in attack with no Isak. Schar also being a threat from set pieces makes him enticing.

Brighton vs Fulham:

Brighton vs Fulham DEFCON points

Wieffer (19) - 2 points	Andersen (8) - 0 points
Baleba (11) - 0 points	King (8) - 0 points
Ayari (10) - 0 points	Tete (7) - 0 points
Dunk (8) - 0 points	Wilson (6) - 0 points
Van Hecke (8) - 0 points	Bassey (3) - 0 points

• Wieffer, Brighton’s signing from Feyenoord last summer has seemingly been converted to a right-back by Hurzeler and he has impressed late last season in that role as well as in GW1. If he can continue to lock down that right-back role, and continues to invert into midfield in possession, which means he is battling in midfield at times as well as defending at right-back, he might be a pretty consistent in returning DEFCON points.
• Baleba looks to be staying at Brighton this season after links to Man United, and he is arguably Brighton’s best player. He is guaranteed to start nearly every week when fit, and he racked up 11 defensive contributions in his first game back after some time out recovering from an injury. As he picks up match fitness, Baleba feels like someone who will return 2 DEFCON points most GWs. At £5.om he is also an enticing budget option/enabler.

Spurs vs Burnley:

Spurs vs Burnley DEFCON points

P.M. Sarr (10) - 0 points	Cullen (12) - 2 points
Gray (8) - 0 points	Esteve (8) - 0 points
Romero (6) - 0 points	Hartman (6) - 0 points
Van de Ven (6) - 0 points	Laurent (6) - 0 points
Richarlison (6) - 0 points	Walker (5) - 0 points

• Only 1 player, barely, registered enough defensive contributions in this game to return DEFCON points. Cullen the Burnley midfielder was said player.
• The reason for the lack of DEFCON points in this game is two fold. Firstly, Spurs were winning the game from the 10th minute onwards, had 68% possession, and the game was not played at a particularly intense tempo. Secondly, players are still gaining full match fitness so the final 20/30 minutes of some of these GW1 games were played at a slow pace.
• Spurs domination on the scoreline and in possession is almost certainly why their players did not return DEFCON points – Burnley simply did not challenge or threaten them enough for Spurs to be doing enough defending/defensive work to accumulate the requisite defensive contributions.
• Only one Burnley player returning DEFCON points is surprising in a game where they lost 3-0 and had 32% possession and faced 16 shots. A main appeal of Esteve for example, outside of his £4m price-tag, is his potential for DEFCON points but that didn’t really show in GW1 in a game state you would expect him to rack them up, so this is one to watch.

Sunderland vs West Ham:

Sunderland vs West Ham DEFCON points

Ballard (13) - 2 points	Kilman (9) - 0 points
Reinildo (8) - 0 points	Bowen (8) - 0 points
Sadiki (8) - 0 points	Todibo (7) - 0 points
Hume (6) - 0 points	Paqueta (5) - 0 points
Seelt (6) - 0 points	Ward-Prowse (4) - 0 points

• Another game in GW1 with 1 player returning DEFCON points.
• Ballard returning not only with a goal, but 13 defensive contributions in a game Sunderland dominated from start to finish is a very good sign for his potential ceiling in FPL this year. Certainly one to pay close attention to at his £4.5m price-tag.
• The potential reason for the lack of DEFCON points could again be the lopsided scoreline plus players lacking full-match fitness, resulting in a less intense game and particularly less intense second half, with slower less risky football from both teams.
• We may have to watch for what the DEFCON points returns are like between what we assume is 2 teams that are relegation candidates. I would not tend to think these types of games limit defensive contributions, but let’s see if it becomes a trend.

Wolves vs Man City:

Wolves vs Man City DEFCON points

Andre (14) - 2 points	Ait-Nouri (15) - 2 points
Gomes (9) - 0 points	Gonzalez (11) - 0 points
Hoever (8) - 0 points	Bernardo (9) - 0 points
Agbadou (7) - 0 points	Lewis (6) - 0 points
Munetsi (6) - 0 points	Dias (5) - 0 points

• City dominated this game from about the 20th minute onwards. Once they scored their first goal it was one way traffic.
• Ait-Nouri being able to rack up 15 defensive contributions in a game City had 60% possession and 15 shots to 9, is a huge positive sign for his value. We all knew about his attacking ability and the output he could give managers playing in this City team, but if he can become a consistent DEFCON points returner then he may be well worth his £6m price-tag.
• Andre racking up 14 defensive contributions is somewhat expected for the team he plays in and his play style and skill-set.
• Gonzalez played well and racking up 11 defensive contributions in a game City dominated and did not feel threatened outside of the first 20 minutes is noteworthy
• Comfortable victories have seemingly limited DEFCON points in GW1.

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea:

Crystal Palace vs Chelsea DEFCON points

Caicedo (12) - 2 points	Lacroix (15) - 2 points
Chalobah (9) - 0 points	Mitchell (13) - 2 points
Acheampong (8) - 0 points	Hughes (9) - 0 points
James (7) - 0 points	Mateta (9) - 0 points
Neto (5) - 0 points	Munoz (8) - 0 points

• Another cagey physical game where managers might have expected more than 3 players to return DEFCON points.
• The two leading candidates to be DEFCON monsters involved in this game, Caicedo and Lacroix, both came good and returned 2 DEFCON points in GW1. DEFCON points are a big plus to the value of both these players so the fact they maxed out on DEFCON points in GW1 will give their owners added confidence.
• Mitchell racking up 13 defensive contributions while Munoz only had 9 could just be a one game sample issue, but even if this did maintain throughout the season, I think Munoz’s attacking output would still make him the more valuable Defender in FPL.
• Cucurella only having 3 defensive contributions while going up against Sarr who is a front-footed direct winger who will take on his full-back is surprising. Cucurella is a good defender who is very front-footed in defending his winger so this is odd. Scoring 5 goals last season was key to him being a quality FPL asset in 24/25, but he will almost certainly not repeat that. DEFCON points were going to be a big help to his value. So if he is not able to consistently return DEFCON points, and the goals don’t come, the case for owning Cucurella becomes harder to make.

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford:

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford DEFCON points

Aina (12) - 2 points	Van den Berg (14) - 2 points
Anderson (11) - 0 points	Yarmoliuk (9) - 0 points
Sangare (10) - 0 points	Schade (7) - 0 points
Milenkovic (8) - 0 points	Carvalho (7) - 0 points
Williams (6) - 0 points	Kayode (6) - 0 points

• Another blowout victory resulting in 2 or less players returning DEFCON points, certainly something to watch for.
• Aina and Van den Berg are 2 players that managers can probably consistently rely on to reach 10 defensive contributions given the teams they play for and their play style (more defensive minded, low possession based teams).
• Anderson was a very popular pre-season FPL selection due to the combination of potential attacking returns and the expecation he will be a DEFCON machine. GW1 did nothing to stop that hype, with him registering 11 defensive contributions, falling 1 short of the 2 point threshold.
• Forest will be a team that has a lot of DEFCON monsters – Aina, Murillo, Milenkovic, Anderson and Sangare specifically may end up being some of the top DEFCON scorers at their positions.

Man United vs Arsenal:

Man United vs Arsenal DEFCON points

Yoro (12) - 2 points	Saliba (14) - 2 points
Fernandes (11) - 0 points	Odegaard (14) - 2 points
De Ligt (10) - 2 points	Zubimendi (12) - 2 points
Mbeumo (6) - 0 points	White (8) - 0 points
Dorgu (5) - 0 points	Gabriel (6) - 0 points

• Arsenal look like the best DEFCON team in the league after GW1, with 3 players returning DEFCON points including 2 Midfielders. However, it is unlikely they play that poorly on the ball, with the opposition having 62% possession and 22 shots, and are forced back into their own half, scrapping to hold a lead most Gameweeks.
• I almost want to say you can throw out this game, because I just can’t see many Arsenal games going that way for them, but we shall see how GW3 plays out against Liverpool – that will tell us a lot.
• Zubimendi had a rough game but hitting 12 defensive contributions is a good sign.
• Surprised Rice is so low with only 4 defensive contributions. We need to see if this is a one off, or if this is to do with a potentially new role playing deeper and less involved at the top of Arsenal’s press.
• Bruno Fernandes is the most eye opening number here. If you get to combine potentially 15 G/A plus consistent DEFCON points for £9.0m, he will be a bargain.

Leeds vs Everton:

Leeds vs Everton DEFCON points

Stach (13) - 2 points	Tarkowski (15) - 2 points
Struijk (8) - 0 points	Ndiaye (9) - 0 points
Gudmundsson (8) - 0 points	Garner (9) - 0 points
Ampadu (8) - 0 points	Iroegbunam (9) - 0 points
Rodon (7) - 0 points	Keane (7) - 0 points

• Leeds dominated this game from start to finish, piling on the pressure with dominant possession, 21 shots to 7 and 7 corners to Everton’s 2. They eventually got their breakthrough from a dubious penalty which new signing Nmecha converted in the 84th minute.
• You would think with that kind of one sided domination of possession, chances and corners that Everton would have more than the 1 player registering DEFCON points.
• No one other than the DEFCON king himself Tarkowski got that close to the threshold really. He is clearly going to rack these DEFCON points up weekly with his style of play, combined with Everton seemingly looking like they could be in for another relegation scrap based off their pre-season form and GW1 performance.
• Ndiaye ending the game with Everton’s second most defensive contributions is noteworthy, given he is also probably going to lead the team in goals this season. If he can provide some DEFCON value £6.5m might be a bargain.
• Stach, Leeds all action defensive midfielder lead their team for defensive contributions with 13. He is a prime candidate to hit 12 defensive contributions on a weekly basis with his and Leeds fast paced, aggressive style of play on and off the ball.
• This was a good game for highlighting who DEFCON points are supposed to add value to – a list full of centre-backs and defensive midfielders… and then Ndiaye.

Highest DEFCON scorers of GW1:

1. Van Dijk - 21

2. Tavernier - 20

3. Adams - 19

4. Wieffer - 19

5. Lacroix - 15

6. Ait-Nouri - 15

7. Senesi - 15

8. Andre - 14

9. Onana - 14

10. Saliba - 14

• Blowout victories seemingly produced less DEFCON points scorers. This is potentially due to lower intensity second halves where the teams are playing out the string just to get to full time.
• One sided games, naturally, tend to lead to the dominant team having less Defensive contributions in general and certainly less individual players reaching 10 or 12 defensive contributions. The lesser team that is doing the majority of the defending is of course likely to have multiple players produce DEFCON points.
• Lack of true match fitness in GW1 could have been a factor in some games having a low number of DEFCON points scorers as the intensity and pace of the gamed died down in the second halves.
• End to end attacking games with a high intensity and teams that attack at pace and in central spaces (Liverpool vs Bournemouth) could be a gold mine for DEFCON points.

 

As we head in to GW2, as we tinker with our teams or maybe even use an early wildcard, you will want to take a look  then look at our best budget Defenders, Midfielders and Forwards in FPL 25/26 to maximise