Updated 7 October 2026. Defensive contributions have created a new class of FPL defender: players who can return even when the clean sheet disappears.
That makes centre-backs and high-volume defensive players far more useful than in older FPL seasons.
Current DefCon leaders to know
Current early-season data highlights:
- John Egan — among the league leaders for defensive contributions;
- Sven Botman — also around the top of the total-volume table;
- Tarik Muharemovic — close behind and repeatedly reaching the threshold;
- Jarrad Branthwaite — strong volume plus Everton clean-sheet potential;
- António Silva — a strong Bournemouth option as fixtures improve;
- Bobby Thomas — useful mix of DefCon and set-piece threat.
Fantasy Football Fix's first-five-Gameweek data has Egan and Botman on 59 defensive contributions, Muharemovic on 58, Branthwaite on 54 and Bobby Thomas on 52.
How DefCon scoring works
Defenders need 10 combined:
- clearances;
- blocks;
- interceptions;
- tackles.
When they reach the threshold, they earn two additional FPL points.
That means a centre-back can concede once and still produce a useful score.
Latest FPL news
1. John Egan
Egan's appeal is volume.
Hull may not be one of the best clean-sheet teams over the whole season, but that can actually create more defensive actions.
Best for: cheap floor and rotation.
2. Sven Botman
Botman combines:
- strong DefCon volume;
- Newcastle clean-sheet upside;
- set-piece threat.
That gives him more routes than a low-block centre-back from a weak defence.
3. Muharemovic
One of the strongest early DefCon performers.
Leeds' fixtures are not always ideal, but defensive contributions can make him playable even in harder matches.
Read Best FPL Defenders.
4. Branthwaite
Branthwaite has produced more defensive contributions than Tarkowski in current early data, while Everton's defensive structure has also been strong.
That makes him particularly interesting if he stays cheaper.
5. António Silva
Bournemouth's immediate GW6 fixture is difficult.
The schedule improves after that.
He can be a medium-term transfer rather than a one-week move.
DefCon versus attacking defenders
A player such as De Cuyper can score through:
- clean sheets;
- assists;
- goals;
- bonus.
A DefCon centre-back can score through:
- clean sheets;
- DefCon;
- set pieces;
- bonus.
Neither profile is automatically better.
The important question is whether the price reflects the routes.
Best structure
A balanced defence can include:
- one premium clean-sheet defender;
- one attacking defender;
- one DefCon value centre-back;
- two rotating budget players.
That reduces reliance on any single scoring route.
OneFPL verdict
DefCon should now be part of every defender comparison.
The most interesting early volume names are:
Egan, Botman, Muharemovic, Branthwaite and António Silva.
Use the OneFPL Defensive Contributions tool to track the live numbers rather than relying on a static article.
FAQ
What is DefCon in FPL?
Defensive contribution points reward defenders who reach 10 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles in a match.
Who are the best DefCon defenders?
Egan, Botman, Muharemovic, Branthwaite and António Silva are among the strongest current volume profiles.
Should I choose DefCon over clean-sheet odds?
Use both. DefCon creates a floor, while clean sheets and attacking threat create ceiling.
Are cheap centre-backs better than attacking full-backs?
Not always. The best value comes from defenders with multiple routes to points.
