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Starting your Manager Career Mode in EA Sports FC 26 is more exciting than ever, offering new options to match real-world football seasons and giving you more control over your team’s development. Even if your formation doesn’t require defensive midfielders (CDMs), recruiting the best DMs in the world will help strengthen your squad.
Defensive midfielders play many roles on the pitch — from regaining possession and passing it back to intercepting opponents’ passes to halting attacks. The ideal DM depends on your current roster, but these top-tier options are excellent choices.
N’Golo Kanté
- Overall Rating: 85
- Age: 34
- Current Team: Al Ittihad
Kanté has been a dominant defensive midfielder for nearly ten years, playing for clubs like Leicester, Chelsea, and now Al Ittihad. Despite his smaller stature, he’s a pest defensively and excels at intercepting passes and distributing the ball smoothly. Don’t expect many flashy skill moves from Kanté, and use his weaker left foot cautiously, as his three-star passing and skill move ratings suggest some passes might miss their mark.
Ryan Gravenberch
- Overall Rating: 85
- Age: 23
- Current Team: Liverpool
Backing up one of the best center-backs in the game, Gravenberch is a versatile and talented midfielder with impressive height and dribbling ability. At only 23, he has the potential to develop into a global star, suitable for clubs like Real Madrid, Liverpool, or PSG. His main weakness is average agility, but his four-star skill moves and strong left foot make him a reliable option for both creating and defending. His high potential—up to 88—means he’ll likely surpass the $100 million mark as he improves.
Hakan Calhanoglu
- Overall Rating: 86
- Age: 31
- Current Team: Lombardia FC
Calhanoglu is known for his exceptional skill moves and weak foot, boasting four-star skill moves and five-star weak foot ratings. However, as he ages, his overall contributions might decline. His experience makes him a good fit for rebuilding teams or veteran squads that need calmness in midfield. Keep in mind, he’s best when complemented by younger players, as he might not hold up at the highest level for long.
Sandro Tonali
- Overall Rating: 86
- Age: 25
- Current Team: Newcastle
As he approaches his prime, Tonali is one of the best defensive midfielders to acquire. His current rating is high, and his potential can push him past 88 if nurtured properly. His four-star weak foot ensures most passes and shots go where you intend, and his age makes him a good investment for both immediate success and long-term growth. He’s likely to command a substantial transfer fee, possibly exceeding $100 million, if you wait another year.
Declan Rice
- Overall Rating: 87
- Age: 26
- Current Team: Arsenal
Rice is consistently ranked among top defensive midfielders and has been for several years. At 26, he’s entering his peak years, making him a valuable buy. His strong attributes, along with his three-star weak foot and skill moves, place him among the elite. He’s a costly signing but offers high reliability for the long run.
Moises Caicedo
- Overall Rating: 87
- Age: 23
- Current Team: Chelsea
If you’re searching for the next Declan Rice, Caicedo is an excellent option. With a high potential of 89, he can develop into one of the strongest defensive players in the game within a couple of years. His current stats are promising, but he has average three-star skill moves and weak foot, leaving room for growth. Securing Caicedo will be difficult, as Chelsea invested over $125 million in him, so only the wealthiest clubs can afford him.
Joshua Kimmich
- Overall Rating: 89
- Age: 30
- Current Team: Bayern Munich
Kimmich has been pivotal in Bayern’s success, often shifting between right-back and CDM. His transition to a dedicated defensive midfielder has been seamless, and he’s now one of the top players in that role across Europe’s top leagues. Although he’s expensive, at 30, he offers a slight price reduction compared to younger stars and remains a strong presence for the duration of his contract.
Rodri
- Overall Rating: 90
- Age: 29
- Current Team: Manchester City
Rodri is widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in EA Sports FC 26. His high overall rating reflects his importance; at 29, he’s at the peak of his career. While he might have fewer overall attributes than some younger players like Caicedo or Kimmich, his exceptional midfield control and defensive lockdown skills make him a top choice for any club aiming for dominance.
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