Best performing defenders in FPL so far this season

Around 7 million people play the Fantasy Premier League (FPL). FPL players draft Premier League footballers into a fantasy team and then get points based on their real-life performances.

It has traditionally been harder for defenders to score points. Forwards are rewarded points on metrics like goals and assists. Defenders, on the other hand, are given points based on clean sheets, which is a team effort.

However, this season has been a little unusual so far. Defenders have done well to not only maintain clean sheets but have also bombed forward to score and create goals.

It has allowed them to rack up high point tallies. On that note, let's take a look at the best performing defenders in the Fantasy Premier League this season:

#5 Reece James

Chelsea right wing back Reece James has been the Blues' biggest attacking threat this season. Valued at 6.2, he has racked up 91 points this season. He has made nine goal contributions this season It is a testament to the danger he provides going forward. Unfortunately, Reece will be out for a few games now with a serious injury that he recently sustained. He is expected to return in February.

#4 Antonio Rüdiger

Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

Reece James' Chelsea teammate Antonio Rüdiger is the fourth best performing defender in FPL this season. The German has one more point than the Englishman right now, even though they cost the same on FPL.

Rüdiger has been monumental for Chelsea ever since Thomas Tuchel arrived. He obviously contributes heavily to clean sheets but his ability to pop up with important headed goals is understated. He is a mainstay in the Chelsea defense.

#3 Ruben Dias

Newcastle United v Manchester City - Premier League

Ruben Dias costs 6.3 in FPL. He has scored 96 points so far this season. The Portuguese centre-back has been one of the best players in his position in the Premier League over the last 18 months.

He is an important player for City and is an important factor in their team conceding the least amount of league goals this season. In FPL, Dias is a valuable member as he gets clean sheets and goal contributions from set-pieces.

#2 Joao Cancelo

Joao Cancelo has always been a very talented fullback but the transformative effect that Pep Guardiola has had on him is quite something. He's among the best fullbacks in the world without even playing on his preferred side. His 5 G/A plus City's numerous clean sheets mean he is the second best performing defender in FPL with 121 points. He is available for 7.0.

#1 Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold is the best fullback in the world at the moment. He is the team's main creator from fullback and is often seen marauding down the right hand side to deliver pin-point crosses.

His 11 goal contributions in the league this term is the fifth highest of anyone in England. Not only that but his defensive work has also improved a lot. He's expensive at 8.4 but his output is worth the price. Trent is the best performing defender in FPL this season with 132 points.