Five rounds into the Serie A season, the defenders producing the strongest fantasy returns have not followed the expected hierarchy. Federico Dimarco and Strahinja Pavlovic are absent from the leading group, while Juventus captain Bremer is the lone established elite name among a collection of contributors from sides placed in the lower half of the table.
An unusual early order in defence
Defenders remain a strategic selection in fantasy football, whether through the defensive modifier or their capacity to influence matches higher up the pitch with late runs, deliveries and set pieces. In the opening five matchdays, however, the largest attacking bonuses have come from a less familiar cast.
- Bremer, Tiago Gabriel and Udinese wing-back Hassane Kamara have each scored two goals.
- Kamara has also supplied an assist, giving him the best fantasy average among the leading defenders.
- Monza’s Mangas has combined one goal with two assists.
- Fiorentina’s Jimenez has recovered after a difficult start under Fabio Grosso, registering a goal and an assist in recent rounds.
In the scoring system, a goal brings three bonus points and an assist adds one. The early standings therefore reflect not only defensive reliability, but the willingness and opportunity of these players to make an impact in the opposition area.
Bremer sets the established standard
Bremer has maintained the level expected of Juventus’ captain. He has received a rating in all five league fixtures, posting a 7.3 fantasy average, and is valued at 39 credits. His two goals have placed him alongside the season’s unexpected early scorers from the back line.
Tiago Gabriel has also reached two league goals. The central defender from the Apulian side missed only the latest match against Milan because of a stiff neck, but still holds a 7.25 average. His valuation stands at 24 credits.
Kamara has been even more productive on the fantasy scoresheet. Udinese’s wide player has appeared in all five rated matches, scored twice and created another goal. His 7.6 average is the best among the defenders highlighted, with a price of 23 credits.
Mangas and Jimenez give the list its surprise element
Mangas has drawn attention at Monza for more than his appearance. Across five rated outings, the wide player has scored once and delivered two assists, reaching a 7.1 fantasy average. At 19 credits, he has been one of the cheaper early performers in the position.
Jimenez has followed a different route. The former Milan and Bournemouth player endured Fiorentina’s troubled opening period under Grosso, yet his recent response has changed the picture: one goal and one assist have arrived in the latest matches. He is valued at 25 credits.
It is still only the beginning of a long Serie A campaign, but the first five weekends have offered a reminder that the championship’s defensive story is not written solely by the most celebrated names. Bremer remains a familiar reference point, while Kamara, Tiago Gabriel, Mangas and Jimenez have given their clubs an unexpected attacking return from the back.
