Top of the list
1. Guéhi, DEF, MCI, £5.1m
Guéhi tops the value table because the output is elite for the price. He has 162 points at just £5.1m, with 3 goals, 5 assists, 12 clean sheets and 13 bonus points across 2880 minutes. That is a rare mix of security, attacking return and bonus potential in one slot. The 32.7% selection shows he is already trusted, and a 6.8 form figure says the value case is not just historical. If you want a defender who does not rely on clean sheets alone, Guéhi is the standout.
2. Truffert, DEF, BOU, £4.7m
Truffert is the budget specialist in this list. At £4.7m, 146 points is outstanding. He has delivered 1 goal, 4 assists, 10 clean sheets and 15 bonus points in 3108 minutes, which is excellent sustainability for a defender under £5.0m. The key number here is 15 bonus, the highest among the top three, which tells you he is repeatedly involved in strong all round performances. With just 4.6% selected, he is also one of the best routes to gain rank without sacrificing value.
3. Senesi, DEF, BOU, £5.2m
Senesi rounds out the top tier and underlines just how strong Bournemouth defenders have been for value. He has 161 points for £5.2m, almost matching Guéhi, built on 6 assists, 10 clean sheets and 14 bonus points in 3018 minutes. The absence of goals is not a problem because the assist volume from a defender is already enough to separate him from more one dimensional picks. At 21.2% ownership he is popular, but probably still not rated highly enough given how close he is to the top spot on total output.
Strong contenders
4. Van Hecke, DEF, BHA, £4.6m
Van Hecke has 139 points at £4.6m, with 3 goals, 3 assists and 9 clean sheets. That is exactly what managers want from a cheap defender, steady starts, some set piece threat, and enough upside to justify regular use.
5. Mukiele, DEF, SUN, £4.6m
Mukiele matches Van Hecke on 139 points but looks even sharper for upside. He has 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 clean sheets and 11 bonus in only 2514 minutes. Fewer minutes but the same total points is a major efficiency signal, and his 6.0 form keeps him firmly in play.
6. Garner, MID, EVE, £5.2m
Garner is the first midfielder and that matters for squad structure. At £5.2m he has 153 points, thanks to 2 goals, 7 assists, 11 clean sheets and 13 bonus over 3143 minutes. The current 3.5 form is weaker than the defenders around him, but the season long tally says he is still one of the best enabling midfielders available.
7. O’Reilly, DEF, MCI, £5.2m
O’Reilly is arguably the most explosive name in this section. He has 153 points at £5.2m, with 5 goals, 4 assists, 13 clean sheets and 10 bonus in just 2463 minutes. That attacking output is outrageous for a defender. The only question is whether the minutes hold, but the 7.0 form suggests he is peaking at the right time.
Watch list
- Lacroix, DEF, CRY, £5.2m: 148 points, 11 clean sheets and 11 bonus make him a stable, lower ceiling alternative.
- Alderete, DEF, SUN, £4.1m: 116 points at £4.1m is pure bench value, even if the 3.2 form is cooling.
- Casemiro, MID, MUN, £5.8m: 164 points with 9 goals and 4 assists is excellent, but the higher price dents the value edge slightly.
- Richards, DEF, CRY, £4.4m: 124 points and 11 clean sheets keep him relevant as a no frills budget defender.
- Andersen, DEF, FUL, £4.5m: 125 points from a £4.5m defender is solid, and 8 bonus adds a bit of hidden appeal.
Verdict
Overall winner: Guéhi. The blend of 162 points, 12 clean sheets, 8 attacking returns and 13 bonus at £5.1m is the most complete profile here.
Best value pick: Truffert. At £4.7m for 146 points, with 15 bonus and only 4.6% selected, he looks like the sharpest cost to output play.
Sleeper pick: Mukiele. The 139 points in 2514 minutes, plus 3 goals and 5 assists at £4.6m, suggest there may be even more upside than the crowd expects.