With the 2014/2015 season fast approaching, I thought it best to once again crunch some numbers with our bespoke algorithm. I wanted to know who was the "best pound-for-pound" goalscoring defender in the Premier League. More precisely, from the last two Premier League seasons (since 2012/2013). In my estimation a strike rate of 10% or more (or thereabouts) is exceptional for a defender. In producing the aforementioned results I looked at a number of factors such as the first 10 upcoming Gameweek fixtures of each player (up to the first week of November 2014), goals/strike rates since 12/13, 14/15 starting prices and latest ownership which amalgamated into producing the FPLH Algorithm scores. Please note; our algorithm score doesn't factor in non-Premier League goals, any assists, injuries, potential suspensions or possible squad rotation risk.
Here are our results:
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Top 5 "Algorithm Score" Players:
1. Jose Fonte
2. Martin Skrtel
3. John Terry
4. Steven Caulker
5. Leighton Baines
Total Value: £30M
Top 5 Players - "Best Attributes":
1. Jose Fonte (FPLH Algorithm Score).
2. Leighton Baines (Most Goals).
3. Martin Skrtel (Best Strike Rate).
4. Phil Bardsley (Best Differential).
5. Steven Caulker (Cheapest Price*)
Total Value: £28.5M
*Joint cheapest with Bardsley in our list.
Honourable Mentions (Not in our list):
1. Ben Davies.
2. Dejan Lovren.
3. Gareth McAuley.
4. Jan Vertonghen.
5. Ellaquim Mangala.
I know that the results will come as a surprise for many. But bare in mind they give a favourable bias to goals scored by defenders in the PL over the last two seasons. I didn't even bother to think about Fonte till I crunched the numbers, but I might try and fit him into my team now. So now you know... Don't delay and get tinkering!
