Top 15 Defensive Midfielders in EA FC 26: Official Ratings

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Updated: Nov 14th

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• Introduction
• The Top 15 CDMs
• Conclusion

Introduction

In every successful football team, a world-class central defensive midfielder (CDM) often plays a pivotal role. Legendary figures like Roy Keane, Claude Makélélé, and Sergio Busquets have defined this position and showcased how a strong holding midfielder can control the game from the back. In EA FC 26, having a quality CDM is crucial—without one, your defense may falter, which can lead to conceding goals. Here, we present you with the 15 best defensive midfielders in EA FC 26, based on their official ratings at launch. Let's dive in!

The Top 15 CDMs

15. Thomas Partey (Villarreal)

Rating: 83
Partey, now with Villarreal after leaving Arsenal, brings the Press Proven PlayStyle to the pitch. This playstyle, combined with his physical strength and defensive skills, makes him a challenging midfielder to dispossess under pressure.

14. Morten Hjulmand (Sporting CP)

Rating: 83
Morten Hjulmand is the embodiment of reliability. His Relentless PlayStyle ensures he maintains stamina throughout the match, allowing him to protect his team's shape effectively.

13. Lucas Torreira (Galatasaray)

Rating: 83
Despite being only 5’5”, Lucas Torreira’s low center of gravity helps him evade larger opponents. His quick agility makes him a tough player to pin down on the field.

12. Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)

Rating: 84
An adept CDM, Locatelli showcases versatility with seven PlayStyles that allow him to adapt to different situations, making him a solid choice for managing the midfield.

11. Rúben Neves (Al Hilal)

Rating: 84
Though Neves is not the fastest player, his exceptional passing skills shine through, making him ideal for possession-based strategies. Additionally, his free-kick ability remains formidable in EA FC 26.

10. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)

Rating: 84
Tchouameni's physicality and skill make him a standout in-game. His abilities combine majestically, allowing him to maneuver fluidly and dominate the midfield against any opponent.

9. Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)

Rating: 85
"Shoooot!" Granit Xhaka is known for his long-range shooting prowess. He also excels in passing, adding a dual threat to his gameplay.

8. N'Golo Kanté (Al Ittihad)

Rating: 85
Kanté remains a top-tier CDM with his nimble movements and an uncanny ability to win tackles. His subtle yet effective playing style makes him a crucial asset even at 34.

7. Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

Rating: 85
Gravenberch showcases considerable potential in Career Mode and thrives when pushing further up the pitch. His size and dribbling make him hard to stop.

6. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)

Rating: 86
With exceptional skills in passing and defending, Tonali’s all-round ability ensures he’s involved in every phase of the game.

5. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan)

Rating: 86
Çalhanoğlu transitions seamlessly between defense and attack. His superb vision and set-piece techniques are significant advantages.

4. Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Rating: 87
Rice's versatility and exceptional stats across the board make him a commanding presence, equipped to handle the most intense matches.

3. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea)

Rating: 87
Defensively robust, Caicedo's reading of the game and capacity to disrupt opposing attacks make him a challenging foe on the field.

2. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

Rating: 89
Kimmich possesses exceptional intelligence on the pitch. His tackle and passing stats make him a dual threat capable of executing both defensive duties and initiating attacks.

1. Rodri (Manchester City)

Rating: 90
Earning this year's Ballon d’Or, Rodri continues to be the gold standard for CDMs. His vision, passing ability, and defensive solidity are unparalleled in EA FC 26.

Conclusion

Selecting the right CDM can profoundly impact your team's success in EA FC 26. Whether you prioritize defensive stability, creativity, or versatility, the players listed here represent the best options available. Remember, if you want to enhance your gameplay experience, consider investing in FC 26 Coins to acquire your favored players or strengthen your team dynamics.