Fansided

UCL DFS Breakdown – Tuesday 9/17/2019

By Vince Dray

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea applauds fans as he holds the match ball following scoring a hatrick during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Molineux on September 14, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Tammy Abraham of Chelsea applauds fans as he holds the match ball following scoring a hatrick during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Molineux on September 14, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /
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Nico Tagliafico of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and sc Heerenveen at the Johan Cruijff Arena on September 14, 2019 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Nico Tagliafico of Ajax during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Ajax Amsterdam and sc Heerenveen at the Johan Cruijff Arena on September 14, 2019 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

UCL DFS Top-Tier Defenders

Alejandro Grimaldo (Leipzig @ Benfica, $16) – Much like the most expensive forwards and midfielders, I think the top of the defender list is less desirable than some plays a little way down the list.  However, I do like Grimaldo if you have the money for a top defender.  Grimaldo takes the corner kicks for Benfica so there are always opportunities for chances created or assists.  He adds in a good number of peripherals as well with 1.4 shots per game, 3.6 tackles, and about one interception and clearance per game.  Benfica doesn’t usually press hard while attacking but they will want to win this game at home.  If the game opens up, I expect a good outing from Grimaldo.  However, don’t feel like you need to prioritize him over an attacker you want to pay up for.

Marcel Halstenberg (Leipzig @ Benfica, $14) – Like Grimaldo, Halstenberg takes some corner kicks for Leipzig.  Their direct style of play also allows him to get involved in the attack.  He already has a goal and an assist this year in the Bundesliga.  He’ll add in a few more defensive stats as well.  Leipzig’s defense has been impressive so far, only allowing three goals in four games, so a clean sheet is a possibility.  He’s a little more expensive that I would like, especially when trying to prioritize attackers, but if you can find the money Halstenberg is a good play.  Lukas Kolstermann ($13) will save you $1 and comes with similar upside and defensive peripherals.

Nicolas Tagliafico (Lille @ Ajax, $14) – Tagliafico is an attacking defender on the slate’s largest favorite.  He has two goals and an assist this year in the Eredivisie along with 1.6 shots per game.  Regardless of matchup, he’s often involved in Ajax’s attack.  This is a matchup where he should be able to do a lot of attacking which really raises his ceiling.  He also adds in defensive peripherals at a great rate for an attacking defender.  He’s one of my favorite dollar-for-dollar plays on the slate especially when you consider a possible clean sheet bonus.  Purely from a defensive stats standpoint, Joel Veltman ($12) is viable too.