The best FPL defender around £5.0m is not necessarily the player who scored the most points last weekend. Defenders now have several credible scoring routes: clean sheets, set-piece involvement, assists, bonus points and defensive contributions (DefCon). A good purchase combines those routes with secure starts and a usable fixture schedule.
For Gameweek 10, four names worth comparing are Luka Vušković (Brighton), Jan Paul van Hecke (Tottenham), Tarik Muharemović (Leeds), and António Silva (Bournemouth). This is a position-specific comparison, not a claim that all four cost exactly £5.0m today.
What are the DefCon rules?
A defender receives two additional FPL points if he completes at least 10 combined clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles (CBIT) in a match. Defenders do not earn more than two DefCon points from exceeding that threshold. Midfielders and forwards have a different 12-action threshold that includes recoveries.
The rule rewards centre-backs who do meaningful defensive work even when the clean sheet disappears. It is not a guarantee of two points every match: different opponents force different amounts of defensive activity, and Opta actions can be reclassified before scores become final. Full definitions: Premier League DefCon explainer.
The four-defender snapshot
The figures below are a 3 November editorial snapshot, drawn from Fantasy Football Fix's GW10 defender comparison and recent officially reported prices; they are not live values and should be refreshed before you transfer.
| Defender | Club | Approximate price | Points through GW9 in comparison | Main upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Vušković | Brighton | £5.2m | 58 | 15 shots and set-piece threat |
| Jan Paul van Hecke | Tottenham | £5.0m | 53 | Five big chances, four shots on target, 10 attempted assists |
| Tarik Muharemović | Leeds | Around £5.1m | 46 | Defensive role, two assists and useful rotation |
| António Silva | Bournemouth | Around £5.0m | 37 | Recent form and an improving Bournemouth defence |
Do not treat the point totals as predictions. A defender can get a high score from one unusual match and then post two points in the next.
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Vušković: the best raw goal-attempt profile?
Vušković leads this group for attempts, with 15 shots in the comparison, and ranks well for big chances. That is meaningful because set-piece involvement gives a centre-back an attacking route that many peers lack. Brighton also have a strong defensive record entering GW10.
The potential drawback is price and team structure. If buying Vušković requires weakening a starting attacker, he may not be the best move. Brighton host Brentford next; the volume of Brentford chances and the potential for a clean sheet should be evaluated separately.
Van Hecke: a big GW9 return plus chance creation
Van Hecke's 15-point GW9 haul against Crystal Palace naturally attracted attention, but the stronger research angle is his underlying involvement. The comparison credits him with five big chances and 10 attempted assists through the opening nine rounds, more varied routes to attacking points than a typical centre-back.
He plays for Tottenham in 2026/27, not Brighton. Spurs travel to Leeds in GW10. The decision should be based on likely starts, the fixture and whether he can continue reaching dangerous areas—not the assumption that last week's haul repeats.
Muharemović: the rotation-friendly option
Muharemović's value is different. Leeds' defensive record and his involvement in the back line make him worth considering for managers seeking a defender who can start through favourable fixtures. Fantasy Football Fix notes seven shots and two assists after nine games. He is a profile to assess for steady combined defensive and occasional attacking returns, rather than a guaranteed explosive score.
Leeds host Spurs in GW10, which may be a demanding fixture. His appeal could improve in rotation with a defender who has an easier match that week.
Silva: the improving option with a fixture angle
Silva is another interesting route into Bournemouth. The comparison credits him with 24 FPL points over his previous three gameweeks, six shots and three big chances. If Bournemouth continue defending well, he might deliver a combination of clean sheets and occasional attacking involvement.
That said, short-term form can overstate a player's sustainable level. Review how Bournemouth have conceded chances and whether Silva's starting role has stabilized before buying.
Which defender suits which squad?
| Your FPL need | First player to investigate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| More attacking ceiling | Vušković or van Hecke | Volume of chances and shots |
| Good-value defensive rotation | Muharemović | Price and role; compare upcoming opponents |
| Bournemouth defensive exposure | Silva | Recent improvement and fixtures |
| Guaranteed cheap bench cover | None automatically | Verify price, starts and your exact budget |
| Maximum GW10 certainty | Whoever is fit and expected to play 60+ | Minutes should lead the decision |
A better way to choose than just looking at total points
Calculate the cost of the entire transfer. A £5.0m player may be brilliant in isolation but poor for your squad if he uses your only free transfer while you have an injury in attack. Consider the next three fixtures, the first substitution on your bench and whether the player can reasonably start at least two of the next three gameweeks.
Use OneFPL Player Lab for current price, appearances and fixture data. Compare the candidate inside Transfer Planner, and use our DefCon rules guide to understand the scoring threshold.
FAQ
Which defender scored the most from the four after GW9?
The 3 November Fantasy Football Fix comparison lists Vušković on 58 points, ahead of van Hecke on 53, Muharemović on 46 and Silva on 37.
Do defenders receive more DefCon points for 20 actions?
No. Defensive contribution points are capped at two in a single match.
Is van Hecke a Brighton player this season?
No. The comparison concerns van Hecke at Tottenham in the 2026/27 season.
Sources
Fantasy Football Fix — GW10 transfer and defender analysis; Premier League — DefCon scoring rules; OneFPL rules and current data.