As fantasy football enthusiasts gear up for another thrilling season, the perennial question arises: which star attackers should you invest in? With players like Lautaro Martinez, Alvaro Morata, Rafael Leao, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia vying for your attention, it’s easy to get caught up in the quest for those elusive high-scoring bonuses. However, seasoned fantasy managers know that a strong foundation also requires solid defensive picks.
While it’s true that most of your budget should go towards acquiring top-notch forwards, having the right defenders can make a significant difference in your fantasy outcome. Therefore, finding the best value in defenders without overspending is crucial for success in fantasy football.
According to data from FantaGOAT.it, Federico Dimarco emerges as the top defensive choice, with a recommended spend of just 9%. In the ongoing 2023/24 season, Dimarco boasts the highest average rating and fantasy score among defenders, contributing greatly to his teams with five goals and six assists.
Theo Hernandez is another standout option, bringing a remarkable 90% starting coefficient. Over the past five years in Serie A, he has delivered 47 bonuses, including goals and assists. However, his susceptibility to yellow cards—having received ten last season—represents a risk that managers should consider. In contrast, Dimarco managed to avoid any cautions last term.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo is a slightly more uncertain choice. After a disappointing previous season with Napoli and the national team, he now looks to rebound. Under the guidance of Antonio Conte, known for maximizing the talents of full-backs like Achraf Hakimi and Ivan Perisic, both Di Lorenzo and Leonardo Spinazzola could emerge as strong picks, as they each have a starting coefficient above 75%.
Staying in Naples, the central defender Buongiorno stands out as a recommended acquisition, having ranked as the fifth-best defender by fantasy average last season. Alongside him, Bremer could also be a top pick given his record of 18 goals over the last five seasons, the highest among central defenders.
In Inter Milan’s defense, both Alessandro Bastoni and Benjamin Pavard are must-have players. Coach Simone Inzaghi has developed a formidable defense, with seven of the top fifteen defenders in terms of fantasy averages hailing from the Nerazzurri.
For those considering defensive options from AC Milan, Fikayo Tomori shines as the standout choice. Despite some underestimating the Fonseca-led defense, Lille has consistently featured within the top three for expected goals against over the last two years.
Ultimately, while strikers may dominate fantasy budget considerations, investing wisely in reliable defenders can lay the groundwork for a successful season. For further insights and detailed FantaIndex ratings for all players, be sure to check the latest updates on fantasy football resources.
