FC 26: Stop All Goals with EA FC 26's Best Defensive Midfielders

In the FC series, a team with the perfect defensive midfielder, capable of holding the defense, can control the tempo of the game and neutralize positional attacks before they become dangerous. A strong defensive midfielder, with their combination of tactical intelligence, composure, and physicality, is essential for any winning team.

View the roster of FC 26's best defensive midfielders

In FC 26, the defensive midfielder is the heart of the team. A strong defensive midfielder protects the backline and facilitates transitions. Having a strong midfielder can have a significant impact in both Career Mode and Ultimate Team. Here are the best defensive midfielders for FC 26,

1. Rodri (90 OVR)

The Spanish player continues to dominate in the heart of midfield. Rodri earned an overall rating of 90, making him one of FC 26's most well-rounded players. He also received an 86 Passing rating, an 86 Defending rating, and an 85 Physicality rating. His excellent ball control makes him a pillar of any team's midfield.

2. Joshua Kimmich (89 OVR)

Kimmich remains a midfield general who can pass (89) and defend (83). His versatility allows him to play in various midfield positions, but he excels in defensive midfield and is a brilliant game reader.

3. Patri Guijarro (89 OVR)

Gujarro is one of the best midfielders in women's football. With an 87 Defending rating, an 86 Dribbling rating, and an 83 Passing rating, she brings balance and composure to the team, making her an ideal addition to the midfield.

4. Moisés Caicedo (87 OVR)

The Ecuadorian star is becoming a formidable force in the Premier League. According to FC 26, Caicedo scored 84 in Defending, 82 in Physicality, and 71 in Pace. He also excels at breaking up attacks.

5. Declan Rice (87 OVR)

Declan Rice is the most reliable of the defensive midfielders. With 83 physicality, passing, and defending, he balances the midfield's offense. With his excellent midfield play, Rice is a great option for players who prefer to control the midfield.

6. Sandro Tonali (86 OVR)

Tonali's all-around skills remain astounding. He excels in both defense and transition, with 83 physicality, 82 passing, and 81 defending. The Newcastle star has been outstanding in the FC 26 league.

7. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (86 OVR)

Çalhanoğlu is known for his creativity and unique vision in the defensive midfield (CDM) position. He controls the game well and provides support for the defense, with an 87 passing accuracy and an 81 dribbling accuracy.

8. N'Golo Kanté (85 OVR)

Kanté remains one of the best defensive midfielders in 2025. While the Frenchman isn't as versatile as he once was, he still possesses excellent defensive positioning, easily pressing opponents and regaining possession, and excels in the build-up phase.

9. Ryan Gravenberch (85 OVR)

Ryan Gravenberch excels defensively, with defensive and physicality ratings of 81 and 81, respectively. However, the Liverpool midfielder's greatest strength is with the ball at his feet. With his impressive 85 dribbling ability, he can single-handedly break an opponent's first-phase press. Furthermore, he can quickly get the ball to an open teammate to initiate a counterattack or apply pressure when you're looking to control the ball.

10. Aurélien Tchouaméni (84 OVR)

Aurelien Tchouaméni is one of FC 26's most versatile defensive midfielders, despite not being ranked highly on this list. While Tchouaméni struggles in some areas, his performances excel, making him a fantastic player. Tchouaméni's well-rounded attributes are ideal if your team already has a monster defensive midfielder and needs a player who can do everything alongside him.

In EA FC 26, top-tier defensive midfielders are invaluable, not only anchoring the defense but also helping the team control the tempo of the game. If you're looking for the perfect defensive midfielder to completely transform your new FC 26 lineup, this list has something for everyone. Also, don't forget to stock up on FC 26 COINS early on to quickly build a competitive team and capitalize on the season's opportunities.

	Adam: The most reliable, efficient, and fastest coin seller around. 10/10 service. The customer has bought: FC 25 Coins	2025/09/13
	Miguel: Excellent service. I've used them more than once, and I'm always satisfied. They're extremely understanding and committed to their service. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs it. I can't explain how efficient this excellent service is. The customer has bought: FC 25 Coins	2025/09/13
	Christian: I've been using this company for a few months now to purchase items for FC 25 Coins, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. From the moment I placed my first order, their team was incredibly professional, responsive, and polite. The delivery times are fast. Every item I've received has been exactly as described. The customer has bought: FC 25 Coins	2025/09/13
	William: If you're looking for a safe, dependable source for fut coins, I highly recommend giving them a try. It’s clear they value their customers and take pride in providing a top-tier experience. The customer has bought: FC 25 Coins	2025/09/13
	Cheeese: I usually don't write a review, but I get much help from them. Appreciate walking me through the steps and taking the time to assist. Great customer service and speedy delivery with everything! The customer has bought: FC 25 Coins	2025/09/14
	Edrice: Fast and reliable, great money value. Honest, amazing customer satisfaction has really helped me a lot. I highly recommend this website for all gamers. The customer has bought: FC 25 Coins	2025/09/14
	Carlos: I have ordered several times, and with each order, I am satisfied. The contact with customer service is fast and helpful. They solve every problem. Thank you again for the service. The customer has bought: FC 25 Players	2025/09/14
	Fernando: I had such a great experience with BUYFIFACOINS! They had all of the items I wanted (and WAY more). The search functionality to find exactly what I wanted was easy to use. Most importantly, I was assisted by a customer service representative, who answered all of my questions and made sure my order went super smoothly! The customer has bought: FC 25 Players	2025/09/14
	Aaron: This is legit. I was worried at first, but within 10 minutes, I had my product for FUT Players. I will definitely be doing this again. The customer has bought: FC 25 Players	2025/09/15
	Miguel: Fast, easy, and secure services, as a full timer can't grind my fav games as much as I used to, thanks to you guys, I can still be competitive in the games I enjoy, and not get left in the dust by my friends. Amazing service. The customer has bought: FC 25 Players	2025/09/15
	Figueroa: This company helps me out with everything, and it’s instant delivery. The customer has bought: FC 25 Players	2025/09/15
	Baron: Amazing service! Great prices! Fast customer service! What more could you ask for! The customer has bought: FC 25 Players	2025/09/15