The Scout reviews each position after 2021/22 Fantasy Premier League to highlight lessons from the season and players to consider next term.
Defenders
Liverpool and Manchester City's key defenders dominated the position in Fantasy thanks to their output at both ends of the pitch.
The top two supplied the six highest-scoring defenders in 2021/22, with Liverpool claiming four of the top-five spots due to their improved displays at the back.
The Reds kept 21 clean sheets, nine more than they managed in 2020/21.
Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was the top-scoring defender on 208 points, placing third in the overall player standings.
The Liverpool defender's multiple routes to returns means he will again be the go-to defender next season.
Alexander-Arnold combined two goals and 12 assists with 18 clean sheets and 32 bonus points.
Top-scoring defenders in 2021/22
| Player | G | A | CS | B | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexander-Arnold | 2 | 12 | 18 | 32 | 208 |
| Cancelo | 1 | 11 | 19 | 27 | 201 |
| Robertson | 3 | 11 | 17 | 23 | 186 |
| Van Dijk | 3 | 3 | 21 | 13 | 183 |
| Matip | 3 | 3 | 17 | 20 | 170 |
| Laporte | 4 | 2 | 18 | 8 | 160 |
Attacking full-backs from the top-three clubs proved the most reliable for delivering huge hauls this term.
Alexander-Arnold's eight sets of double-figures placed top for defenders, while Joao Cancelo, Andrew Robertson and Reece James produced six each.
Indeed, Cancelo and Robertson finished among the top eight players in Fantasy, with 201 points and 186 points respectively.
Centre-back threat
Centre-backs who boasted a goal threat at corners and free-kicks were also a factor in 2021/22.
Five of the nine top-scoring defenders were centre-backs, compared with only one in the previous campaign.
Arsenal's Gabriel was the most reliable from set-pieces, his five goals more than any other defender.
Aymeric Laporte was also a big threat for Man City, scoring four goals in such situations.
Pep Guardiola's defenders scored a league-high 22 goals on their way to the title, compared with only 13 in 2020/21.
Laporte's goal v Newcastle
🕺 @Laporte 🕺#ManCity pic.twitter.com/h4TH5vHrSc
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 9, 2022
Notably, 2021/22 FPL winner Jamie Pigott opted for a five-man backline consisting of defenders only from Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea on both his Wildcards.
Their potential for points at both ends of the pitch could persuade more managers to adopt this strategy next season, providing the defenders' prices remain relatively kind when compared with premium midfielders and forwards.
Also in this series
Part 1: Raya could be next season's Ramsdale
Part 3: Spurs wing-backs to be key targets
Part 4: De Bruyne and Son to challenge Salah's No 1 spot
Part 5: Guimaraes can flourish in first full season
Part 6: Premium forwards essential for 2022/23?
Part 7: All-rounder Toney can push on