Although he's not too adventurous while travelling in possession, the Brazil international can control the ball too; he often finds options in the middle with line-break passes and the sensitivity of his left foot also sees him initiating attacks with a well-placed long ball. The best defenders in FIFA 21 tend to have a couple of things in common: enough pace to keep up with nippy attackers, and a dominantly high strength stat to bully others off the ball. Mbabu has great athletic ability, without compromising too much technically. Stats are. He will write regularly for ESPN on the business of soccer and the process of scouting. At first glance, with his no-nonsense appearance and assertiveness in the duels, Gvardiol appears to be a traditional defensive "enforcer," but by looking deeper it quickly transpires that the 20-year-old already possesses most features of the complete centre-back. The Agen-native is back now, though, with a strong new centre back partner in the energetic Nathan Ak. Required fields are marked *. Career Mode guides, we also have pages on the best young players and wonderkids in FIFA 21, as well as a page on the best strikers and wingers. Tough tacklers and elegant ball players. Try a week on us. Taylor Harwood-Bellis. For centre backs, height is a big consideration, since they need to be strong in the air both from corners and open play. Tap on talent to see more detailed information, like club, nationality and preferred foot. As yet Inter have managed to hold on to the Italy international, who excels at picking progressive passes and participating in the ball circulation (1.1 key pass average per game this season) when stepping up from the left position in Inter's back three. He gave a reason for why Laporte was so vital to City from the back but not an explanation of how being a natural left-footer actually helps. These talents are sorted on potential rating. In todays game, there are a growing number of centre-backs who use the left foot and are also excelling. Follow us on Twitter; Like us on Facebook; . Disc upgrade not available for PlayStation 5 Digital Edition. Pre-order* now to get a head start in FIFA 21 Ultimate Team! RIP 5 star skills. The Argentine defender is highly regarded and considered one of the best young centre-backs in the game right now, and has the potential to be one of the best defenders in the world. In FIFA 21, Van Dijk weighs-in as the best CB in the game, boasting a whole stack of user-friendly attribute ratings, including 89 reactions, 90 composure, 90 interceptions, 77 ball control, 93 marking, 93 standing tackle, 86 sliding tackle, 90 jumping, 92 strength, and an 86 for the Dutchmans long passing. The difference here is that United shouldnt be reliant on the finer elements of building out from the back to defeat the likes of a Watford side that ended up relegated but in games against top opposition, such as Chelsea, this efficiency in doing so is important. And those solutions were evident in the return fixture against West Ham in March. CONDITIONS & RESTRICTIONS APPLY. We give you top notch articles on football from the major leagues, tournaments and players all over the world. The combination of the two shows a stagnant centre-back pairing, unable to build effectively from the back. Alternatively, a pass with the left instep leads to a trajectory that is further away from all of the highlighted trio. For more Career Mode guides, we also have pages on the best young players and wonderkids in FIFA 21, as well as a page on the best strikers and wingers. Which is basically their future overall rating in the career mode. The Juventus talisman continues to hold strong ratings where it counts, too, boasting an 88 for interceptions, 94 for marking, 90 for his standing tackle, 88 for his sliding tackle, 87 strength, and 84 composure. and again three minutes later, with Zinchenko acting as a decoy, with the left-back moving centrally to pull his marker inside the pitch, again offering a clear passing lane in behind to Sterling. SEE www.ea.com/games/fifa/fifa-21/game-offer-and-disclaimers FOR DETAILS. The 25-year-old is a highly adept and competent centre-back who is comfortable with the ball at his feet, making him one of the best ball-playing defenders in football. Here are all the best centre back (CB) wonderkids in FIFA 21 Career Mode. Then well round off a few up-and-comers with a lower overall rating, but more room to grow. The future remains bright for Konat, though, especially as hes yet to celebrate his 22nd birthday. He may be in his mid-30s, but Ramos still has all of the attributes that you look for in a top FIFA 21 CB, including 88 composure, 88 interceptions, 92 reactions, 90 sliding tackle, 88 standing tackle, 85 strength, and 85 marking. One of the most coveted young centre-backs in European football, he is reportedly being monitored by practically every top club on the continent, including Man City and Chelsea. The Spaniard played a prominent role in Villarreals successful run to the Europa League title in 2021, scoring in the penalty shoot-out to help his team beat favourites Manchester United in the final. While many of the names will probably be familiar to you, its always worth knowing which players can provide proven quality. All in all, this is what you need. FIFA 22 best centre-backs to sign on Career Mode - 5m - 20m. Despite his lengthy absence last season, Laporte returns in FIFA 21 with the same 87 OVR that he ended FIFA 20 with, still boasting many top attributes. The Austrian has played more passes into the final third than any Bundesliga player this season (218) and ranks fourth for touches, progressive passes, progressive carries and carrying distance. Smooth on the ball, Bastoni -- who particularly prospers as the left of three centre-backs -- also exhibits an understanding of the game rare for his age, which is visible in his early interceptions and reading of an attacker's next move. Unfortunately for the Frenchman, the 2019/20 season did not go quite to plan. Here's an example of what happens when a right-footed defender plays at left centre-back, from Arsenal's 3-1 win away to West Ham United last December under caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg. Hes technically a Barcelona player, but wont join them until the summer when their deal kicks in. These talents are sorted on potential rating. Buy these talents for a low price (if they play at a small club) and let them grow quickly. Snodgrass switches on and starts to close Tierney down. Potential FIFA 22 overall: 85. At the opposite end are the centre-backs from teams defending from a low-block, preferring a direct approach over long spells of possession. There are some obvious reasons why it works: when entering a one-vs.-one situation, a defender is understandably more comfortable in dealing with the opponent whose strong foot is closest to the byline, so any attempted cross into the box can be blocked with the defender's stronger foot and the positioning of their body movement feels more natural. Katterbach has decent starting stats and good potential, which should see him fit in well with road-to-glory style Career Mode sides. The highlights are his 88 strength, 86 heading accuracy, and 86 defensive awareness, with his heading accuracy making him a useful option for attacking set-pieces. Team: RB LeipzigBest Position: CBAge: 21Overall/Potential: 78 OVR / 88 POTValue (Release Clause): 26.5M (50.3M)Wage: 29K a weekBest Attributes: 85 Stand Tackle, 83 Strength, 79 Sprint Speed. OVR 83. Lorenzo Pirola (AC Monza) Initial FIFA 21 overall: 64. Pau is a left-sided defender who plays for Spanish side Villarreal. James suffers so you don't have to, creating expert guides for the toughest games and reviews for the biggest blockbuster releases. Now, Im writing everything and anything, from sports to gaming, SEO-optimised content to reviews and previews. The trajectory of the ball means its curving in towards Tierney, so if he wants to attack the space in front of him, he has to control the ball and move it forwards himself. Still, Tapsoba is certainly a player who you should be looking to add to your team. Mesut Ozil is circled and, although hes being (loosely) marked by Mark Noble, the West Ham captain is the wrong side of his man. Most importantly they are sorted on potential rating. 2020 Electronic Arts Inc. EA, EA SPORTS, and the EA SPORTS logo are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. FIFA and FIFA's Official Licensed Product Logo are copyrights and/or trademarks of FIFA. It comes as little surprise then that one of their top defenders in recent years would be a left-footed player. Its not just passes along the ground that left-footers on the left side can help to complete, but also those in the air. Linked with Manchester United and others all summer, Dayot Upamecano is one of the most sought after defenders in world football. As youd assume from a player picked by Pep Guardiola, Laporte boasts strong passing attributes, with an 82 for short passing and 80 for long passing, as well as sound defending fundamentals, such as 89 marking, 89 standing tackle, and 87 interceptions. In the 2-2 draw at the Etihad against Tottenham Hotspur at the start of last season, Laporte frequently used a left-footed pass to carve a way into the attacking third. The 23-year-old starred for his club last year in the UEFA Champions League as he faced off with some of the best players in Europe and managed to hold his own. Why nobody can argue with Benzema's Ballon d'Orwin (1:24). Emerson is incredibly well rounded - with tons of stats nearing 80 - which is a tantalizing prospect when he has 88 potential to fill. FIFA 21 is a goal-fest, so if youre going to stem the flow and solidify your back line, then you need some serious defensive talent. The Dutchman joined Juventus last season after enjoying a stellar 2018/19 campaign with Ajax, who he helped get into the semi-finals of the Champions League. So these are the best defenders of the career mode future. Heres an example of Mari lifting the ball forward over West Hams midfield, aiming for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. David Alaba's permanent switch to centre-back has been a game-changer for Bayern Munich as he's added another dimension to their backline. When advancing into the attacking areas, the centre-back also occasionally ends up in crossing positions in the last third, rendering a spot-on delivery paramount. These are the highest-rated players at CB in FIFA 21. According to Statsbomb data on fbref, Chambers and Sokratis combined for 177 passes in open play in this game, the most by members of a four-man Arsenal back-line in any game in 2019-20. Once the best right-back in the world, starting his transition to a pure centre back about a decade ago, hes now a brick wall up the middle while also being a threat in the opposition box. If you want to sign one of the best young defenders to dominate at the back for years to come, buy one of the top CB wonderkids of FIFA 21s Career Mode. Despite his first listed position being moved back to right midfield, Jesus Corona can still back right back and still has nearly 80 defending. If reports are to be believed, Alaba is set to join Real Madrid come summer, which could give the Blancos a superb option in defence as he will be the only left-footed central defender in their side. He has played as the left centre-back in Inter Milans three-man defense. Akes signing ensures Guardiola can exploit the additional angles and trajectories that come with having a southpaw at the back. FIFA 21 launches October 9th. In the age of the more-flexible defender -- both tactically and physically -- the preference for wanting a left-sided centre-back on the left is commonly found in the build-up phase or constructive side of the game. Not all the time will it cost you but it eventually will at some point. Sokratis (No 5) receives the ball from Chambers but his body shape is square-on. Though his proactive style is arguably more suited to a three-man central defensive line -- in which he can take up high positions, roam forward with the ball and link up with the left-back and the creative midfielders -- Gvardiol is adapting to a slightly more settled role in a back four this season. Both players are natural left-footers. He is now entering his fourth year in Leipzig and played 28 times for Julian Nagelsmann in the Bundesliga last season, with his side finishing in third place. Arsenal previously expressed an interest in bringing Upamecano to London, but the centre back has since signed a new deal with RB Leipzig that runs until 2023. If you want to source your own picks, SoFifa is a good resource for career mode. The highlights on Konats ratings sheet are his 85 standing tackle, 83 strength, and 79 sprint speed. The benefits of having a left-footed centre-back are clear for teams that are hyper-focused on building out from defence, and there are a few teams in clear need of a left-footed option. Like Upamecano, Konat has spent the last three seasons with the East German side, where he has made 74 appearances in all competitions. The biggest news of the day airdropped to your inbox. While left backs and right backs with high dribbling - and even 4 star skill moves - can prove to be instrumental in setting up counterattacks. One of the most interesting aspects of a left-right combination in central defence is that it opens up more passing angles during the first phase, allowing players to find their teammates with better precision while pushing higher up the pitch. By being tight in his marking, proactive and seeing danger early -- plus representing a constant threat from attacking set-pieces -- he's currently one of the most efficient defenders in his position at the top end of European football. With great physical stats and a high ceiling, Owen Wijndal is a great signing for mid-tier teams. Bastoni ranks fifth for touches in Serie A and sixth for progressive carrying distance, highlighting how comfortable he is on the ball. Here are some of the best FIFA 20 defenders, including left and right backs as well as centre backs. Mari balances what I want to do from the backline, Arteta said. The 23-year-old is a fast-rising defender whos primarily left-footed. At the bottom of the page, you'll find a full list of all of the best young centre backs (DC) in FM 22. Often in the modern game is common to find defenders who are usually right-footed. The 24-year-old Villarreal man, a full Spanish international, has had an excellent couple of campaigns at the Estadio de la Ceramica and has improved even further under Unai Emery. Team: Manchester CityBest Position: CBAge: 26Overall Rating: 87Nationality: FrenchWeak Foot: Three-StarBest Attributes: 89 Marking, 89 Standing Tackle, 89 Standing Tackle. No one can stay at the top of the game forever, and it always pays to look to the future. Here are five of the best to be found playing in European football at the moment. Passion for Real Sociedad runs as deep as San Sebastian's love for Basque culture and cuisine, Top 10 greatest FA Cup shocks after Grimsby stun Southampton, Infighting of Women's World Cup faves Spain, France, Canada reveals big issues in the sport. Left footed Centre Backs Henstock 2830 posts National Call-Up January 3, 2017 11:37AM edited January 2017 Anyone notice any difference between in playing one on the left side rather than a right footed one? Although the Uruguayan is playing in midfield and not at the back, this is another right-footed pass that shows the structural reasons why left-footed passers are so revered. If you put a lefty on the right side his outlet passing is going to suck. At 23, Kimpembe is already one of PSG's most important players across all fronts and is sure to get even better in the coming years. Anyone notice any difference between in playing one on the left side rather than a right footed one? Chiellini may be especially famous for his tackling and placement, but he is also of massive help when Juve opts to play our from the back. FIFA 21 best CB - the best Central Defenders in FIFA. Entitle FIFA 21 on either PlayStation 4 or Xbox One before the release of FIFA 22 and upgrade your game for the equivalent next generation console (PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X) at no additional cost. Many managers have preferred to field a left-footed defender alongside a right-footed one in the heart of defence for a number of reasons. With the recent departure Jan Vertonghen, who was their only naturally left-footed option in central defence, Spurs options when building up are going to be limited.