The Best Defensive Midfielders
Several FUT formations require midfielders with a natural defensive aptitude. Central defensive midfielders primarily serve to support the backline. However, based on their attributes and work rates, they can also contribute to initiating attacks, making their position on the field highly strategic.
When selecting a central defensive midfielder, it is crucial to consider multiple attributes: defending, to provide support to the defense; strength, to win possession more effectively; heading, to excel in aerial duels such as goal kicks; pace, to cover a wide range of spaces; stamina, allowing active involvement in both offensive and defensive plays (particularly beneficial for players with high/high work rates); passing and possession, facilitating the initiation of attacks. In our opinion, defending and strength are the most vital attributes for this position.
Defensive midfielders are typically chosen to fortify the defense. Thus, it is logical for them to possess high defensive statistics. The area of the field occupied by CDMs is where most ball disputes occur, and players with greater strength will have a higher likelihood of winning possession.
Global Overview (CDM)
Casemiro has left Spain, but La Liga got a great replacement. Franck Yannick Kessié is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, strong and good at the defence. However, his defensive work rate could be better.
In our opinion, Tchouaméni and Kondogbia are the best alternatives for him. They are both good, giving security to the back line.
If you want someone cheaper and focused on the attack, we suggest trying Sergi Darder and Camavinga.
The Best Centre Midfielders
Many games are decided in the midfield and not close to the goals. The players that play in these zones are the ones that should create chances and set the pace of the game.
Centre midfielders are responsible for discovering lines that break the opponent’s defence. Their passing quality has to be good so that they can assist forwards.
Good dribbling skills allow the team to move forward, creating potential problems for the other team.
Global Overview (CM)
You have plenty of quality choices for this position, regardless of your play style. However, two centre midfielders stand out from the rest: Frenkie de Jong and Marcos Llorente. The first has a better combo passing-dribbling, while Atletico’s player is faster and better at shooting.
Another good alternative is Federico Valverde, a typical box-to-box. Because the pace is not crucial for this position, you may consider Luka Modrić. However, Kroos and Parejo, despite their great stats, may not be playable because of their pace.
Franck Yannick Kessié, Pedri and Aurélien Tchouaméni are exciting options for low budgets.
The Best Attacking Midfielders
The role of an attacking central midfielder is to be the primary creator of goal-scoring opportunities. They are expected to possess strong dribbling skills, accurate passing ability, a powerful long shot, and exceptional vision on the field.
Effective passing is crucial for these midfielders to provide assists to forwards. However, their impact in the team’s attacking play can be truly game-changing if they excel in dribbling as well.
Global Overview (CAM)
Once again, our favourite centre-attacking midfielder is Fekir. He’s fast and has the best shooting and physicality stats from the twenty-four LaLiga CAMs. He is also excellent at dribbling and passing. Only two indeed attacking midfielders defend worse than him, but that’s something without importance on someone who plays in this position, right?
If you want someone cheaper, we recommend trying Alejandro Gómez, Munain or Sergi Darder. They are fast and have everything they need to make that decisive assist.
David Silva and Isco are also players you may consider, especially if you feel you don’t need a fast player.
The Best Right Midfielders
Wingers play a crucial role in providing width to the team’s attacking play.
Pace is often the standout attribute for these players as they utilize their speed to outrun opponents. However, simply being fast is not enough to penetrate the opponent’s defense. A strong dribbling ability enables wingers to navigate past opposition players who stand in their path. Once they reach the opponent’s box, wingers must make critical decisions. Often, they opt to deliver crosses, highlighting the significance of having impressive passing statistics.
Global Overview (RM, RW)
Ousmane Dembélé is, in our opinion, the best right midfielder playing in Spain. He is the fastest and also the one with the highest dribbling stats. Something else makes him a rare and desired player: 5 stars in both skills and work rate.
If you can’t pay so many coins in a single player, we suggest you try Marcos Llorente. He is a good replacement, but you may need him for the right side of the defence. If that is the case, Raphinha may be an excellent choice.
For low budgets, Cañales and Thomas Lemar are good value for money. You won’t find anyone better for the coins they are priced at.
The Best Left Midfielders
Left wingers fulfill a similar role to their counterparts on the opposite flank.
Pace serves as their most potent weapon, enabling them to outpace opposing defenders. However, sheer speed alone does not guarantee reaching the opponent’s box. A strong dribbling attribute is crucial for maneuvering past opposition players encountered along the way. Once in the opponent’s box, the winger faces the task of decision-making. Typically, crossing becomes the preferred choice, underscoring the significance of possessing solid passing statistics.
Global Overview (LM, LW)
Vinícius Jr had a huge deserved upgrade in FIFA 23. He is now the best option for the left side of your midfield and the most expensive one. He is one of the fastest and better dribblers in the world, which is essentially all a winger needs.
Carrasco is a decent alternative to the Brazilian midfielder. he is also fast and has good dribbling stats, but his passing skills are better than the ones of Vinícus Jr. If you want someone stronger and don’t mind to lose some pace, Depay may be interesting to you.
For low-budget squads, we suggest trying Danjuma and Thomas Lemar.