With 2020/21 Fantasy Premier League now over, The Scout reviews each position to highlight lessons from the season and players to consider next term.
Defenders
Chelsea’s displays under Thomas Tuchel point to big success for their key defenders next season.
The Blues produced 11 clean sheets after the German was appointed head coach in Gameweek 20, a league-leading total.
And their 13 goals conceded in that period also ranked first.
Chelsea improvement under Tuchel
| 2020/21 | Before Tuchel | PL rank | Under Tuchel | PL rank |
| Clean sheets | 7 | =4th | 11 | 1st |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goals conceded | 23 | 11th | 13 | 1st |
| Big chances conceded | 28 | =4th | 14 | 1st |
| Shots in box conceded | 121 | 5th | 74 | 1st |
Crucially, Chelsea allowed their opponents only 14 big chances in their 19 matches under Tuchel.
That is half the total of 28 across their first 19 matches while Frank Lampard was in charge.
Ben Chilwell was Chelsea's standout performer, combining three goals and six assists with 12 clean sheets over his 27 outings.
Chilwell scores in GW38
Indeed, the wing-back’s average of 5.1 points per match (ppm) was second among defenders in 2020/21.
If he avoids rotation next term, Chilwell could make a strong challenge to be the top-scoring defender.
Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta are also ones to monitor.
Rudiger’s 4.9ppm placed third among all defenders, while Azpilicueta was the most reliable pick for Tuchel, starting 17 of 19 matches under the head coach.
Brighton potential
Further down the price bracket, Brighton & Hove Albion can offer strong value next season if they mirror their impressive second half to 2020/21.
Brighton's totals of eight clean sheets and 17 goals conceded in the final 19 Gameweeks both ranked among the top three sides.
Lewis Dunk boasts their main goal threat, having scored on five occasions.
However, Tariq Lamptey and Joel Veltman may offer cheaper alternatives as forward-thinking wing-backs under Graham Potter next term.
Also in this series
Part 1: FPL positions: Martinez shows the many routes to points
Part 2: FPL positions: Promoted goalkeepers among best for value
Part 3: FPL positions: Full-backs dominant in defence
Part 5: FPL positions: Midfielders merit more attention
Part 7: FPL positions: Rely on Kane against lower-ranked sides
Part 8: FPL positions: Iheanacho and Watkins can push on