Many gamers within the EA Sports FC 25 community prefer using formations that involve a CDM (Central Defensive Midfielder). Essentially, the players in the CDM role provide extra cover to the defense and help you in the playmaking right from the back.
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The importance of a solid CDM cannot be understated, so you must make the right decision while choosing a footballer to have in this particular position. You have various options available, including the world’s best players like Rodri and upcoming talents like Aurélien Tchouameni.
Here is a list of the best defensive midfielders in EA Sports FC 25’s Career Mode.
10 Rúben Neves
- Overall rating: 84
- Team: Al Hilal
Rúben Neves is one of the many players who have made a move to the Saudi Pro League, and the Portuguese midfielder has been solid for Al Hilal. While playing the Career Mode, you can bring him back to Europe and use him in your team to win trophies like the UEFA Champions League.
The player has an overall rating of 84, and he can become a starter straight away. His potential rating in the game allows him to reach the rating of 86, making him an incredible defensive midfielder in EA Sports FC 25.
9 N'Golo Kanté
- Overall rating: 85
- Team: Al Ittihad
N'Golo Kanté used to be the best defensive midfielder in the world, and the Frenchman was absolutely stunning for Chelsea. Now, he is at the tail end of his career, and you can find him playing for Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
EA has provided N'Golo Kanté with an overall rating of 85 in EA Sports FC 25’s Career Mode, and you can have him for a season or two. However, due to his age, he wouldn’t be the appropriate signing when you are going for a longer rebuild.
8 Palhinha
- Overall rating: 85
- Team: Bayern Munich
Palhinha was an absolute rock for Fulham, and he has finally made his dream move to Bayern Munich during the 2024 Summer Transfer Window. If your team requires additional defensive coverage, he is the perfect defensive midfielder to have in EA Sports FC 25’s Career Mode, and you will not regret signing him.
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The 85-rated midfielder comes with amazing physicality and defending while also possessing decent passing and dribbling abilities. The only problem you might face while using Palhinha would be that he isn’t extremely fast.
7 Sandro Tonali
- Overall rating: 85
- Team: Newcastle United
Sandro Tonali emerged as one of the finest young defensive midfielders in world football; however, the ban imposed on him surely halted his growth a bit. Regardless, he has come back stronger and has been outstanding for Newcastle United in the Premier League.
A defensive midfielder like Sandro Tonali would be perfect for a long-term rebuild, and his age will allow him to play for around a decade without any issues. Speaking of his numbers, he has an overall rating of 85 while having the potential to reach 87.
6 Aurélien Tchouameni
- Overall rating: 85
- Team: Real Madrid
Aurélien Tchouameni ranks among the best players for the CDM role in EA Sports FC 25’s Career Mode, and the youngster has been playing a key role at Real Madrid. He is well-rounded and would provide great cover for your defense. You can use his passing appropriately by employing him as a deep-lying playmaker.
With an overall rating of 85, Aurélien Tchouameni could potentially be a great signing for the particular position, given that his potential enables him to reach 90 overall. Nevertheless, signing him wouldn’t come for cheap.
5 Bruno Guimarães
- Overall rating: 85
- Team: Newcastle United
Another Newcastle United player on this list is Bruno Guimarães, and the Brazilian international has propelled the side to the next level. You can employ him in the CDM position and use his excellent passing and dribbling to create opportunities for your forwards.
Bruno Guimarães is rated 85 in EA Sports FC 25’s Carer Mode, and his potential sits at 86. Aside from the CDM role, you can utilize him as a central midfielder, and he will be an amazing box-to-box midfielder to have.
4 Granit Xhaka
- Overall rating: 86
- Team: Bayer Leverkusen
Granit Xhaka has been extraordinary for Bayer Leverkusen, and he helped them win the Bundesliga in his first season at the club. The midfielder was immense for them throughout the season, which is why EA has assigned him an overall rating of 86 in the Career Mode.
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If you are doing a shorter rebuild, Granit Xhaka will be great for the CDM position, and you will benefit from his solid passing. However, you must note that he isn’t extremely pacey, and you might suffer a bit during the counter-attacks.
3 Hakan Çalhanoğlu
- Overall rating: 86
- Team: Lombardia FC (Inter Milan)
Hakan Çalhanoğlu played a massive role in the success of Inter Milan, who ended up winning the Serie A title during the 2023/2024 season. The Turkish midfielder is an absolute phenom, and watching him play his game is mesmerizing. His creativity, in particular, is astonishing, and a CDM like him could completely transform your team in EA Sports FC 25’s Career Mode.
In terms of his specifics, Hakan Çalhanoğlu has an overall rating of 86 and has stunning stats in the passing and dribbling fields. He additionally possesses good shooting and defending numbers while also having a 5-star weak foot.
2 Declan Rice
- Overall rating: 87
- Team: Arsenal
Declan Rice was probably the most used CDM in EA Sports FC 24’s Career Mode, and things are expected to remain the same in EA Sports FC 25. The English midfielder has been astonishing under Mikel Arteta, and he has all the right things to become the finest player in his particular position.
Considering his great 2023/2024 season, Declan Rice has been rewarded with an overall rating of 87 in the game, and his potential helps him reach 88. He may even surpass the mark, thanks to the dynamic player potential, and all you would have to do is assign the appropriate developmental plans and coaches.
1 Rodri
- Overall rating: 91
- Team: Manchester City
Rodri is officially the best CDM in EA Sports FC 25, and he is even tied as the highest-rated player in the game. The Spanish midfielder is basically the spine of Manchester City and the national team, helping both of them win numerous trophies.
During the previous season, he was valuable as Manchester City won the Premier League and Spain won the Euros 2024. As a result, EA has provided him with an overall rating of 91. You must remember that purchasing Rodri will not be cheap in Career Mode, and you must spend big money.
EA Sports FC 25
Sports
Systems
- Top Critic Rating:77/100 Critics Recommend:67%
- Franchise
- EA Sports FC
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5 , PlayStation 4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , Xbox One , Nintendo Switch , PC
- Released
- September 27, 2024
- Developer(s)
- EA Canada , EA Romania
- Publisher(s)
- EA Sports
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer , Local Multiplayer , Online Co-Op , Local Co-Op
- Engine
- Frostbite
- ESRB
- Everyone // Alcohol And Tobacco Reference, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
