Who picked up defensive contribution points in FPL Gameweek 5?

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) 2026/27 will mark the second season that sees players earn extra points for defensive contributions.

Centre-backs and defensive midfielders have benefitted most from this new addition, widening the selection of players for FPL managers to choose from.

Marcos Senesi, James Tarkowski and Elliot Anderson were among the biggest beneficiaries last season – but who is leading the way in 2026/27?

In this regularly updated article, we list the highest scoring assets for defensive contributions and take note of significant players and trends.

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Last updated: 20/09/26

What are the rules on points for defensive contributions?

Defenders must register at least 10 clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles in a single game to earn their two extra points.

All other outfield players must reach 12 – but ball recoveries are counted on top.

Who picked up defensive contribution points in Gameweek 5?

A total of 34 players picked up defensive contribution points in Gameweek 5 – 22 defenders, 11 midfielders and one forward.

Newcastle’s Lewis Hall was the headliner, grabbing a 13-pointer thanks to defensive contribution points and a well-taken goal in the 7th minute, while Magpies teammate Malick Thiaw also hit the threshold.

Bournemouth’s Antonio Silva and Nottingham Forest man Murillo lead the way in the overall standings, having hit the required tally in four of their five appearances so far, sitting on 8 DefCon points apiece after Gameweek 5.

Other regulars to make the cut in Gameweek 5 include Maxence Lacroix and Daniel Ballard, while Virgil van Dijk and James Tarkowski rewarded those who splashed the cash on a premium centre-back this time around, with both keeping clean sheets too.

At the other end of the pricing scale, budget defenders Bobby Thomas and Issa Diop reached the points threshold, while affordable and versatile Brighton midfielder Diego Gomez added defensive returns to his assist for an 8-point total.

Brandon Thomas-Asante was the solitary forward to hit the threshold in Gameweek 5 – and in fact, the Coventry man is the first player in the forward position to earn DefCon points this season.

Which FPL players have earned the most defensive contribution points in 2026/27?

Below are the current leaders for total defensive contribution points this season.

Visit the site version of our Opta stats page for the full list.

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8 points – Defenders

• Antonio Silva
• Murillo

6 points – Defenders

• Virgil van Dijk
• James Tarkowski
• Tarik Muharemovic
• Lewis Hall
• Daniel Ballard
• Maxence Lacroix
• Malick Thiaw
• James Hill
• John Egan
• Issa Diop
• Bobby Thomas
• Chris Richards
• Jarrad Branthwaite
• Sven Botman
• Ethan Pinnock
• Jannik Schuster

6 points – Midfielders

• Mamadou Sangare
• Kobbie Mainoo
• Vitaly Janelt
• Ethan Ampadu

4 points – Selected players

• Gabriel
• Kristoffer Ajer
• Elliot Anderson
• Dara O’Shea
• Anton Stach
• James Justin
• Alex Scott
• Granit Xhaka
• Matheus Nunes
• Youri Tielemans