Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) – £5.7m
To almost everyone’s surprise, Alonso has started 5 out of 5 of Chelsea’s opening Premier League games this season. Due to his attacking nature at left wingback for the Blues, Alonso is currently the highest-scoring FPL defender – accumulating 1 goal, 1 assist, and 4 clean sheets.
Alonso had an immense day against Tottenham on Sunday, registering 4 shots and creating 5 chances in the game – and was unlucky not to come away with more than just 1 assist.
After Chelsea host Manchester City in Gameweek 7, the fixtures turn very green for the Blues, which you would expect to lead to many more easy clean sheets. This is why FPL managers should have at least 1-2 Chelsea defenders in their teams over this run.
Alonso has been in red-hot form, but we need to consider that Chilwell will eventually make his return in the coming weeks. With the added fixture congestion that UCL presents, Chilwell may get some starts in the easier Premier League fixtures, which is not ideal for Alonso’s minutes.
Verdict
Rudiger may be the safer option as he is expected to start more games, in the long run, however, Alonso does present a much higher upside in the short term. Whoever you bring in depends on your risk appetite as an FPL manager. If you don’t mind a punt, then Alonso is your man!