In Fantasy Premier League (FPL), out of position players are those who are listed in a different role than where they actually play on the pitch.
For example:
- A midfielder listed as a defender gets 4 points for a clean sheet (instead of 1) and 6 points per goal (instead of 5).
- A forward listed as a midfielder earns 5 points per goal (instead of 4), and 1 point for clean sheet, unlike forwards who get 0.
This small detail can be a huge advantage in FPL.
Here are some of the top out of position players to keep an eye on this season:
1. Jeremie Frimpong – £5.5m – Liverpool
Frimpong, recently signed by Liverpool, is listed as a defender in FPL but often plays more like a right winger. Known for his electric pace and aggressive forward runs, he frequently finds himself high up the pitch contributing to attacks.
Under Arne Slot’s attacking system, Frimpong could become one of the most dangerous out-of-position defenders in the game. If he secures a regular starting role, he has the potential to deliver both clean sheets and attacking returns.
2. Pedro Porro – £5.5m – Spurs
Porro is listed as a defender but regularly pushes high up the pitch — often operating as a right wing-back or inverted midfielder.
Last season, he delivered 2 goals and 6 assists. He’s attacking, energetic, and has a powerful shot. If you want a Spurs defender with attacking potential, Porro is your guy.
3. Rayan Aït-Nouri – £5.0m – Manchester City
Aït-Nouri has joined Manchester City, and under Pep Guardiola, he could thrive in a more fluid and advanced role.
He’s naturally an attacking full-back, and now surrounded by world-class talent, his attacking returns potential is massive.
If Pep trusts him with starts, Aït-Nouri could be one of the surprise breakout defenders this season.
4. Ola Aina – £5.0m – Nottingham Forest
Aina is listed as a defender but frequently plays high up the flanks, especially against weaker teams.
He offers pace, overlapping runs, and is not shy of getting into attacking positions. Forest’s defense is inconsistent, but for £5m, Aina can be a valuable bench enabler or rotation pick.
He’s one of the most attacking full-backs among budget defenders.
5. Udogie – £4.5m – Spurs
Destiny Udogie plays as a left wing-back in Spurs’ attacking setup but is listed as a defender.
In his debut season, he impressed with 2 goals and 3 assists before injury cut his campaign short.
He’s young, aggressive, and full of energy. Udogie is a great differential pick for those looking to go beyond the obvious options.
6. Richarlison – £6.5m – Spurs
Richarlison is listed as a forward in FPL but is iften involved in the midfield after Solanke and Brennan Johnson’s arrival.
Though his goal output was poor last season, he’s still capable of hitting form — and as a midfielder listed as a forward, he will lose extra points for goals and clean sheets but still he is a very good out of position player.
7. Kai Havertz – £7.5m – Arsenal
Havertz is a midfielder in FPL but occasionally plays as a false nine or central striker.
With Jesus often injured, Havertz could find himself in attacking positions quite often.
If he starts up front, his FPL potential is boosted thanks to the extra midfielder points. A risky but exciting pick.
8. Aaron Wan-Bissaka – £4.5m – West Ham
Now at West Ham, Wan-Bissaka may take on a more advanced and dynamic role compared to his time at Manchester United. Still listed as a defender, he’s expected to push forward more under Graham Potter, especially in matches where West Ham dominates possession.
While not traditionally known for attacking returns, a shift in system and role could unlock his OOP potential. At £4.5m, he’s a budget option worth keeping on your radar.
Conclusion
Out of position players offer extra value in FPL — especially when they play closer to the goal than their FPL role suggests.
Keep tracking players who:
- Are defenders playing in midfield or attack
- Are midfielders playing as strikers
- Are in teams with attacking systems
These players often outscore others in the same price range and can be the difference between a good rank and a great one.