The Scout starts a new series focusing on the ICT Index, which helps Fantasy Premier League managers look beyond points to determine players’ potential.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (LIV) £7.0m
When it comes to creating chances, the Liverpool right-back has been peerless among defenders in the first four Gameweeks.
Alexander-Arnold has supplied his team-mates with 14 goalscoring opportunities, double that of any other defensive rival aside from Lucas Digne (£6.1m).
Only Kevin De Bruyne (£9.8m), with a total of 16 chances created, has bettered that total among all players in 2019/20 FPL.
Prolific crosser
Alexander-Arnold's totals of 41 crosses and four big chances created are also ranked top among defenders.
A big chance created is regarded as a situation where the player receiving the pass is expected to score.
That has helped him earn an assist in three of the opening four Gameweeks.
Indeed, despite managing only one clean sheet, Alexander-Arnold lies just two points off the top of the FPL defenders’ standings.
Top defenders for ICT Creativity GW1-4
| Player | ICT Creativity | Chances created | Successful crosses | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-Arnold | 179 | 14 | 5 | 3 |
| Digne | 136 | 9 | 8 | 2 |
| Zinchenko | 115 | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Azpilicueta | 101 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
| Emerson | 99 | 6 | 5 | 0 |
*Rotate mobile device to view full table
A big share of dead-ball duties further boosts the 20-year-old’s potential.
Both Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) have taken 14 of Liverpool’s 30 corners this season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were a major success at such situations in 2018/19. They scored 22 goals from set-pieces, at least six more than any other side.
Signs of improvements
Compared with his start to the previous campaign, Alexander-Arnold has been highly impressive.
He created only two chances in the first four Gameweeks of 2018/19.
Yet he still went on to produce 13 FPL assists and average 6.4 points per match, more than any other defender.
His opening displays point to more success, raising Alexander-Arnold's appeal as the go-to defender in 2019/20 FPL.
Also in this series
Part 2: ICT Analysis: Tarkowski a major danger
Part 3: ICT Analysis: Lanzini one of FPL's most creative
Part 4: ICT Analysis: Sterling threat beats all rivals
Part 5: ICT Analysis: Firmino off to a flyer
Part 6: ICT Analysis: Wilson assisting Cherries