SHANE Duffy has been as valuable to fantasy football players as some of the Premier League's best defenders so far this season.

The Irish defender has been in great form since his return to Albion following a torrid loan spell at Celtic last season.

This form has been reflected in his point-scoring in Fantasy football. Duffy has managed to earn a total of 40 points in the opening eight games, a record that has only been bettered by four other defenders.

The points are given to players for achievements they might manage during a Premier League football match. This includes scoring goals, assisting goals and keeping clean sheets.

Duffy has managed the same amount of points as Manchester City's Ruben Dias, who was bought by the Citizens last season for a fee in the region of £61million.

Dias was also named Manchester City's Player of the Season and the Premier League Player of the Season, so not a bad player to be equally the performance level of.

Duffy has also managed currently ahead of highly-rated defenders such as Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger, Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte and England and Manchester United captain Harry Maguire.

At the start of the season, Duffy's value was far lower than those he is keeping pace with and those who he is beating.

The 29-year-old was valued at £4million in the game, whereas players such as Rudiger and Laporte were valued at £5.5million, proving that Duffy is the better value player for his managers.

The Argus: Shane Duffy applauds the away support after the goalless draw with Norwich City - Pic by : Richard ParkesShane Duffy applauds the away support after the goalless draw with Norwich City - Pic by : Richard Parkes

The next best Albion defender is captain Lewis Dunk who has accumulated 38 points and is hot on the heels of his defensive partner. Duffy is also the highest-scoring player in the entire Albion squad so far.

The defenders that have done better include Liverpool duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk, who have both scored 41 points.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has two more points than Duffy, whereas, Manchester City Joao Cancelo is the current leader with 50 points.