Defensive contributions in fantasy football explained
Defenders and holding midfielders can now earn points for clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles. How it works and who benefits.
Defensive contributions reward the players who do the hard work without the ball. They can turn a quiet defender into a steady source of points.
How the points work
- Defenders earn 2 points for 10 or more clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles in a match.
- Midfielders and forwards earn 2 points for 12 or more of the same actions plus ball recoveries.
- The points are added once per match, on top of goals, assists and clean sheets.
Who benefits most
- Centre backs in teams that defend deep and face a lot of pressure.
- Defensive midfielders who win the ball back again and again.
- Cheaper defenders in weaker teams, who now score even without clean sheets.
How to use it in your team
Look at the average number of defensive actions per match, not only at goals and clean sheets. A reliable defensive contributor gives you points almost every week, which makes him a great bench or rotation option.