This is the season to look again at defenders: the revamped bonus system rewards them more, defensive-contribution points stay, and the ratings agree — the value at the back is real.
The back line, ranked
- Guéhi (MCI, £6.0m, 88) — the only defender in the game’s elite tier, at a budget price. Extraordinary value.
- Virgil (LIV, £6.5m, 87) — the league’s kindest fixture run behind him.
- O’Reilly (MCI, £6.5m, 87) — City’s attacking full-back option.
- Senesi (TOT, £6.0m, 86) — new club, friendly price.
- Tarkowski (EVE, £6.0m, 85) — a defensive-contribution magnet under the new bonus rules.
- Van Hecke (TOT, £5.0m, 85) — the standout sub-£5.5m defender.
- Gabriel (ARS, £8.0m, 84) — the premium pick, but note Saliba’s absence beside him.
- Muñoz (CRY, £5.5m, 84) — wing-back threat at an enabler price.
How to spend it
You can build an entire elite defence for £6.5m a slot or less — which is exactly what frees the budget for Bruno and Haaland further up. City’s home-heavy start makes Guéhi plus O’Reilly a legitimate double-up. Full list on the Rankings page.
Research and data analysis supported by AI (our own rating engine); reviewed and edited by the author. Ratings update hourly — check the live AI Player Rankings.