The Scout continues a series focusing on the ICT Index, which helps Fantasy Premier League managers look beyond points to determine player potential.
Nicolas Otamendi (MCI) £5.6m
FPL managers often favour flying wing-backs when picking their defenders.
But Otamendi has shown in recent matches that centre-backs can also be a major threat from the back.
The Manchester City man scored once and supplied an assist in an 8-0 home win over Watford in Gameweek 6.
Combined with a clean sheet, he earned a bumper haul of 15 points and is the top-ranked defender for ICT threat over the past four Gameweeks.
Top five ICT Threat GW5-8
| Defender | Shots in box | Shots on target | Goals | ICT Threat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otamendi | 5 | 3 | 1 | 117 |
| Doherty | 3 | 3 | 1 | 102 |
| Maguire | 6 | 3 | 0 | 88 |
| Cahill | 3 | 1 | 0 | 82 |
| Mina | 4 | 3 | 0 | 81 |
Otamendi produced five shots inside the penalty area in that period, second only to the six of Harry Maguire (£5.4m) among FPL defenders.
The Argentinian also ranks second to Maguire for touches in the box, by 11 to 13.
And his three shots on target rank joint-top for defenders.
FPL history
Otamendi started only 14 matches for Pep Guardiola's side last season.
But he now looks set for an extended run in the first XI due to a long-term knee injury to Aymeric Laporte (£6.3m).
The statistics from his last season as a regular, in 2017/18, underlines Otamendi’s eye for goal.
His 32 shots and 10 shots on target both ranked fourth among defenders, helping him score on four occasions.
Favourable run
Man City have managed only three clean sheets in the first eight Gameweeks.
But their upcoming schedule suggests Otamendi can deliver defensive returns for his 8.3 per cent owners.
According to the Fixture Difficulty Ratings (FDR), all of Man City’s next three opponents score just two.
That run starts with a trip to Crystal Palace after the international break.
Combined with his goal threat, Otamendi could be set for more big points hauls during those favourable short-term fixtures.
Also in this series
Part 1: ICT Analysis: Rico rivals Alexander-Arnold
Part 3: ICT Analysis: Sigurdsson among top creators
Part 4: ICT Analysis: Salah threat on the rise
Part 5: ICT Analysis: Jimenez finding form
Part 6: ICT Analysis: Maupay a cut-price success