Trent Alexander-Arnold will remain classified as a defender for 2023/24 Fantasy Premier League.
But the Liverpool right-back will now cost £8.0m, rising from £7.5m in Gameweek 1 last season.
That makes him the second most-expensive starting defender in Fantasy, bettered only by the £8.5m of Chelsea’s John Terry in 2005/06.
Although Alexander-Arnold still plays as a defender when his side are without the ball, his role as a central midfielder when Liverpool are in possession suggests he can be worth the extra outlay over Andrew Robertson (£6.5m).
Alexander-Arnold produced a goal, seven assists and 60 points in the Reds’ final 10 matches last season following their change of tactics.
Robertson, by contrast, managed just two assists and 28 points.
Mac Allister a bargain?
New arrival Alexis Mac Allister has the potential to be a budget gem in Liverpool’s 3-2-2-3 formation.
The Argentinian costs a mere £6.0m, less than half the £12.5m of Mohamed Salah.
Mac Allister is expected to occupy a central attacking midfielder role behind a front three after signing from Brighton & Hove Albion.
See: Every FPL price announced so far
Notably, he thrived in a similar role for his former club in the second half of last season.
Mac Allister’s totals of 58 shots and 23 shots on target both placed among the top five players in Fantasy from Gameweek 20.
Elsewhere, all three promoted clubs can offer major value from the start of the campaign.
Luton Town’s kind early schedule makes Carlton Morris (£5.5m) an appealing pick as a third forward for managers' opening squads.
The Hatters avoid all of last season’s top-five sides in the first 10 Gameweeks.
Morris was a huge success in his debut campaign for the club last season, scoring 20 of their 57 goals in the Championship and assisting a further seven.
Promoted defenders
In defence, Burnley’s Connor Roberts and Sheffield United centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic (both £4.5m) carry a strong attacking threat.
Right-back Roberts was a key performer for Vincent Kompany’s Championship-winners in 2022/23, returning four goals and six assists.
Sheff Utd's Ahmedhodzic provides a huge threat from set-pieces and produced six goals and two assists in 34 Championship outings last season.
Also in this series
Part 1: Haaland equals record while Salah drops
Part 2: Tricky decisions in midfield
Part 4: Big changes for Rashford and Sterling
Part 5: Saka to cost the same as Odegaard
Part 6: Kane a tricky pick among premiums
