They say the best teams have a strong spine and that spine requires an outstanding midfielder to link defence with attack. The best players in the CM position can do it all – defend, control the play and even add something in the final third. To make sure you’re well covered in this position, we’ve rounded up the players we think will be world class in years to come. Enjoy scouting your ideal player in our list of central midfielder wonderkids in FIFA 21.
10. Agustín Urzi
In at number 10, we have a diminutive but versatile Argentinian. Outside of central midfield, he can also play as an attacking midfielder or on the wings and is actually better there. That does mean there’s work to be done on his stats but we like to include a diverse selection of players, so there’s always something to suit your formation and play style. You can easily improve him while he grows from 73 overall to 88, but his pace and four star skill moves are already a bonus for those that like to jink their way through opposition midfields. Considering he only has a year left on his contract, you’ll need to act fast.
9. Ryan Gravenberch
The Ajax man is a lot more imposing, probably more well rounded and he’s better suited to all central midfield positions (CDM and CAM included). 88 potential means he’ll be good enough for any team but depending on your current team, his 73 rating might be too low to start regularly for you. If you can improve his shooting attributes, his outside foot shot trait will definitely come in handy.
8. Pedri
Stronger playing slightly further up as an attacking midfielder but Pedri can still be a fantastic choice for you at CM. Considering his 72 rating, he’s excellent on the ball, a great playmaker and his agility and acceleration mean he’ll constantly be ghosting into space. Two years left on his contract at Barcelona makes him a very realistic acquisition. You’ll want him for his 88 potential but four stars for both weak foot and skill moves is always useful in a midfielder.
7. Jude Bellingham
Another name in a growing list of young players with high potential that have moved to the Bundesliga, Bellingham is sure to be a star. His age and 71 rating left some scratching their heads of Birmingham’s decision to retire his shirt number, but it won’t look so crazy should he reach his 88 potential. Comfortable centrally or wide, Bellingham excels with the ball at his feet thanks to his four star weak foot ability.
6. Martin Ødegaard
It really does feel like he’s been around forever, but he’s still only 21. Over the last few years he has fluctuated in EA’s ratings system but considering his 89 potential, he’s back to being one of the best central midfielder wonderkids in FIFA 21. His 83 rating means he’s obviously deemed worthy enough for the Real Madrid squad. Stronger as an attacking midfielder, he has the dribbler speciality but is skilled at passing, crossing and free kicks. If you enjoy using skill moves, Ødegaard has five star skill move ability.
5. Eduardo Camavinga
He’s not a goalscorer by any means but he is a progressive midfielder with fantastic all round ability. His 78 rating means he won’t be cheap, although that could be offset by his contract length. Whatever the price, he’ll be worth it. 89 potential means he’ll be world class within a few years, but he’s already an exciting combination of hardworking and technically gifted.
4. Takefusa Kubo
The Real Madrid loanee will need some additional training if you plan on using him at CM extensively, but he’ll be a fantastic attack-minded player either way. He’s only rated 75 right now but soon enough he’ll hit his 89 potential. Four stars for both weak foot and skill moves is always useful in this position but he’s also a great dribbler with a reasonable amount of pace.
3. Thiago Almada
Similar to Urzi and Pedri in that he’s technically stronger in the CAM role or on the wing. His strengths are his pace and dribbling, although he also has some end product thanks to his finishing and finesse shot trait. At 73 overall, you’re already getting a really versatile young midfielder who is set to grow into an 89 rated world-beater. Four star weak foot and skill moves bring a touch of class to Almada’s style of play.
2. Federico Valverde
Despite his age, Valverde isn’t going to be cheap or even ‘affordable’ – get that idea out of your head now. His 83 rating and 5 year contract make sure of that, even without his mammoth 90 potential. The coupling of high workrates and a high stamina rating mean he already carries the engine speciality. Excellent on the ball, he’s the sort of midfielder who is going to set the tempo for your team with his playmaking ability. It’s not listed as a position on his profile but he’s well-equipped defensively, so he’s more than capable of sitting deeper at CDM.
1. Sandro Tonali
Clearly one of the best wonderkids in FIFA 21, Tonali also topped our list of the best CDM wonderkids. Already at 77 overall but his 91 potential is why he’s #1 on both lists. His workrates show he leans more towards defensive work, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost going forward. He’s more than comfortable on the ball, far from slow and adept at progressing the ball with accurate passing. His flair trait and four star weak foot ability is going to make him look effortless bypassing a press in midfield. His contract at Milan only runs until 2021 so you could potentially sign him and instantly increase his value with a long contract.