FIFA 21 Centre Back Wonderkids (CB)
It’s no good scoring lots of goals if your defence leaks just as many. Not only that but it can get expensive buying new controllers when your centre backs constantly get out-jumped and outmuscled at corners. Here are the 50 best young centre backs with high potential.
Centre Back Wonderkids in FIFA 21 – Top 50
50. Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Kicking off our list of the best centre back wonderkids in FIFA 21 is Manchester City’s Harwood-Bellis. You’ll be pleased to know that his 82 potential is the lowest in our list, but the 18 year old is here because of his 61 starting rating. Measuring in at 6’2″ and with three star weak foot means he’s a capable candidate at the back.
49. Marash Kumbulla
Next up we make the jump to youngsters with 83 potential or higher. He starts out at 75 overall, so probably a better choice if you need someone to slot in straight away. Some pretty good all round stats, including a solid jumping stat which should make up for his 6’1″ height.
48. Sebastiaan Bornauw
Much the same as Kumbulla, 75 overall but should reach 83 within a few years. The reason we edged the Belgian ahead (despite the fact he’s three years older) was mostly for his physical attributes. He’s 6’3″ but is less likely to get beaten for pace.
47. Bruno de Lara Fuchs
Still at 83 potential but more room for growth given his 72 overall rating. Providing CSKA Moscow haven’t slapped a release clause on him, he could be a smart addition to your squad. Good height for a centre back, good stats all round – although you might want to work on his jumping.
46. Wesley Fofana
Only signed with Leicester recently, so you’ll have to wait unless you’re playing as them. At 19 years of age, his defensive stats are really solid already for a 72 overall centre back. By the time he hits his 83 potential, his physical stats should have picked up a bit.
45. Japhet Tanganga
Like for like with Fofana in terms of 72 overall and 83 potential. However, we’ve put the Spurs youngster ahead for two main reasons. First of all, his stats appear to be more well rounded, particularly physical attributes – he shouldn’t lose too many aerial duels. The second reason is his versatility, he can also play in either full back position.
44. Takehiro Tomiyasu
Offers the same stats as the previous three names (72 to 83), but there are a few reasons why we put him ahead of the others. Reasonably well balanced stats and height for a centre back is a good start. Beyond that, he can also slot in at right back but has five star weak foot so wouldn’t look out of place on the left either. He might also be a little easier to poach from Bologna!
43. Mert Müldür
You’ll find this 71 rated 21 year old currently playing for Sassuolo in Serie A. His 83 potential means he could be a mainstay in your defence for years to come, plus he can also do a job at right back. His defensive attributes don’t look like much to start with but they will improve given time. Encouragingly, he does have some pace about him, so a useful pick if you play a high defensive line.
42. David Mota Mota Veiga Teixeira Carmo
Quite the mouthful, but simply searching for David Carmo should do the job. Also rated 71 overall with 83 potential, so why have we put him ahead of Müldür? To start with, his defending is already a little better. The main reason is actually his height (6’5″) and his monstrous strength which starts out at 91.
41. Hugo Guillamón Sammartín
While scouting centre back wonderkids in FIFA 21, we got really excited when we saw Guillamón. We do like versatility in players, and his ability to play as a DM can be useful. However, there are two other players with 83 potential from a 70 rating that we rate ahead of him. 5’10” isn’t a great height for a centre back, he would really need to be paired with someone taller otherwise you’ll get destroyed on corners.
40. Igor Diveev
With the same growth potential from 70 to 83 as Guillamón, Diveev is ahead of him purely on the grounds of height (6’4″) and physicality. Solid defensively, but he’s not pacey so you’ll probably need fast full backs to cover.
39. Jordan Teze
PSV’s young defender is the best of the three 70 to 83 centre backs in our opinion. Reasonable defensive stats, not too short, can play at right back and his physical stats meant he shouldn’t get outmuscled or outpaced too often. One big reason to add Teze to your scouting list is that his contract only runs until 2021 so he should be nice and cheap.
38. Chris Richards
The young American is another member of the 83 potential club, but a 67 rating should make him a little cheaper and offer more room to grow. He can also play at right back, but that doesn’t seem to be that uncommon with centre back wonderkids in FIFA 21. There are no real concerns with his stats, plus his height, jumping and heading accuracy mean he’s likely to be an aerial threat within a few years.
37. Nicolò Armini
This 19 year old starts out with a 65 rating, meaning he has almost 20 points of growth to hit his 83 potential. No real issues in his stats, he will develop into a solid defender, but nothing really stands out.
36. Teden Mengi
Despite having slightly worse defensive stats than Armini, we’ve put Mengi ahead – don’t forget you can train them and they’ll grow naturally over time anyway. If we were after a 65 rated centre back with 83 potential, we would favour Mengi because of his physical stats, higher work rates and his shorter contract length.
35. Jesús Alejandro Gómez Molina
A 20 point gap between his 63 overall rating and his 83 potential means you could easily multiply his value within a few seasons. Could use a little work on his defensive awareness but other than that we have no complaints, it’s also worth pointing out he’s left footed and can play left back. Frustratingly, he’s on loan at the start of the game.
34. Bećir Omeragić
Another 63 to 83 centre back wonderkid but he’s right footed and can play right back. Most of his stats will pick up over time, none of which are particularly concerning – plus he’s relatively quick for his size.
33. Timothée Pembélé
Still only 17 but we really like Pembélé because he can play anywhere in defence, making him a really useful asset, even if he’s just on your bench. Considering he has 83 potential, paying a few million for a 63 rated player is good business. Even better than that, his contract with PSG is due to expire in 2021.
32. Jarrad Branthwaite
The Everton youngster is only 61 overall at the start of FIFA 21 but he should comfortably reach 83 before he’s 26. Four star weak foot is a nice addition but he’s a centre back who is going to dominate in the air thanks to his jumping, strength and height.
31. Emin Bayram
There’s not much special about Bayram within his star ratings or work rates. But he still a solid defender for his 60 rating and will reach 83 eventually. He’s also only got two years left on his contract, what are you waiting for?
30. Boubacar Kamara
We take a bit of a jump down in terms of growth here, but Kamara is the first centre back in our list of wonderkids to have 84 potential, even if he does start out at 79. Officially he’s a CDM first and foremost but he’s more than capable of sitting in at centre back. If you’re a risk taker he also has three star skill moves, just saying.
29. Alessandro Bastoni
If you’re aiming for 84 potential but don’t have the budget to go for Kamara, consider Bastoni. He’s tall, left-footed, three star weak foot and great defensive stats for a 76 rated player.
28. Mohamed Salisu
Side by side with Bastoni, there’s not much to separate them. Also 76 rated with 84 potential, left-footed, three star weak foot and solid attributes for a centre back. The reason we put Salisu ahead of Bastoni is his 88 strength rating – beast.
27. Perr Schuurs
Schuurs has 84 potential but starts out at 75, given his short contract length he could be a real bargain. Really nice all around stats, comfortable with the ball at his feet and can really help your build up play. An unexpected benefit with Schuurs is that he’s a pretty good free kick taker and has great shot power.
26. Weston McKennie
Also 75 rated with 84 potential but McKennie will likely cost you more because he has a longer contract with Juventus. However, we think he’s worth the extra expense considering he can also play CM and CDM (he’s not primarily a centre back). There’s a lot to like in his stats, he’s an aerial threat, good stamina and has a bit of pace on him. once he gets going.
25. Zinho Vanheusden
A fairly standard profile for centre back wonderkids in FIFA 21, but that doesn’t mean he’s not impressive. A 74 rating means he can still be useful in most teams and will reach 84 one day. His height and power header trait should help you take advantage of set pieces.
24. Evan N’Dicka
It was very difficult to separate these two but N’Dicka comes out on top. Yes he’s also 74 rated with 84 potential, but how is he better than Vanheusden? Well for a start he’s also comfortable at left back, he’s 6’4″ but he’s also significantly faster – nobody likes getting counter attacked constantly.
23. Denys Popov
Currently rated 74, he should be quite affordable, despite having five years left on his contract at Dynamo Kyiv. His stats are already pretty good and they’ll continue to improve as he grows towards 84. Four star weak foot is always nice, as is the power header trait. However, we should warn you that he does have the injury prone trait as well.
22. Ethan Ampadu
This promising Welsh youngster has 84 potential but is still only rated at 67. Respectable stats and he can also play as a defensive midfielder. I know what you’re thinking, “he’s on loan from Chelsea”. Yes he is, but not in the game, it appears that their squad is too big so he’s just a Sheffield United player, sign him up.
21. Marco Kana
Now his 5’11” height and slightly lower than average defensive stats won’t help us convince you, but bear in mind centre back isn’t his primary position. Normally he’s a central or defensive midfielder but he has high defensive work rate which can make all the difference. Buy this versatile Belgian while he’s still 66 rated and reap the rewards when he achieves his 84 potential.
20. Ki-Jana Hoever
One of the lesser known talents in the Wolves squad, Hoever boasts an impressive 84 potential but is currently rated 63 overall. He’s able to fill in at right back if required and his acceleration and sprint speed make him useful at cutting out counter attacks from either position.
19. Lorenzo Pirola
The 18 year old plays for AC Monza and also has a potential of 84 from a starting rating of 63. He is left footed which will instantly elevate him about Hoever in some minds, but he snatched 19th spot because of his stronger defensive stats and high defensive work rate.
18. Chadi Riad
Riad also has 84 potential but starts out quite a bit lower at 59 overall. Annoyingly he is on loan from Barcelona but he’ll still be very affordable by the time his loan spell finishes. He has all the attributes to be a top defender after a few years of training and gametime.
17. Nehuén Pérez
Finally at the number 17 mark and we have our first centre back wonderkid in FIFA 21 with 85 potential. He is 75 rated to start with but his stats are impressive, coupled with high defensive work rate. If you want to buy him you’ll have to wait until his loan spell at Granada finishes.
16. Lutsharel Geertruida
Also has an impressive 85 potential but starts out a little lower at 73. There are lots of reasons to like the Dutchman, he can play at right back, he’s pacey and has a fantastic jumping attribute. Two years left on his contract means he should be very affordable.
15. Eduardo Quaresma
For an 18 year old, Quaresma is a really well-rounded defender with a 72 rating. While none of his stats really stand out, by the time he reaches 85 overall he should be an incredible centre back.
14. Eric Garcia
On the surface, Garcia is much the same as Quaresma in his 72 rating and 85 potential. Dig a little deeper and there are a few reasons why we rate him more highly. His attributes swing it just a little, but mainly it’s his high defensive work rate and the fact he only has two years left on his contract compared to Quaresma’s five.
13. Tanguy Nianzou
Another 85 potential player but he has further to grow from his 71 rating. A high workrate in defence, even if he doesn’t offer much going forward. If you can convince Bayern to part ways with him, you’ll have a versatile defender who can also play CDM.
12. Jules Koundé
Jumping up to 86 potential now we have the second of four consecutive Frenchmen in this list. It’s safe to say their national side will be stocked with talent for years to come. He starts out at 79 and providing he doesn’t have a release clause he should be reasonably affordable. A solid defender with fantastic physical stats, of which his 88 jumping really stands out.
11. Dan-Axel Zagadou
Matches Koundé for rating (79) and potential (86), but the Dortmund defender pulls ahead for several key reasons. High defensive workrate is always appreciated and he’s an excellent tackler. He’s not pacey but will tower over most attackers at 6’5″ and has 92 strength. As if all of that wasn’t enough, he only two years left on his contract so should be relatively cheap for someone of his calibre.
10. Jean-Clair Todibo
Has the potential to reach 86 but starts out at 75. No real standout stats but he is a good tackler and a well rounded defender. On loan at Benfica from Barcelona so you’ll need to be patient.
9. Joško Gvardiol
Also has 86 potential but is only rated 70 overall at the start of the first season. A versatile, hardworking defender who has four star weak foot ability (he’s left footed). His tackling would. benefit from some training but he’s strong and fast.
8. Leonidas Stergiou
This Swiss CB is a little puzzling, yes he can grow from 67 all the way up to 86 overall. But his workrates are a little disappointing and his strongest attributes are all physical. Given time and some relevant training, you’ll have one of the best centre backs in the world.
7. Bright Akwo Arrey-Mbi
Don’t sleep on this guy. The 17 year old is only 60 overall at present but should grow to an impressive 86. Most of his attributes are better than you would expect for his rating. He’s only contracted at Bayern for another two years, should be available for less than a million assuming no release clause.
6. Ozan Kabak
A respectable 77 rating to start with means he’d comfortably fit in most top squads, but his 87 potential is what you’re buying him for. Good workrate, strong tackling, strength and an aerial threat are all things you can expect from the Schalke man.
5. William Saliba
The 19 year old has not had the best time since moving to Arsenal, but they’ll regret letting him go. If you can land the 74 rated Frenchman, you’ll have an 87 rated colossus on your hands within a few seasons. Tall at 6’4″, hardworking with good tackling and reasonable passing.
4. Edmond Tapsoba
So far our list of centre back wonderkids in FIFA 21 has been dominated by European youngsters, so it’s nice to see Burkina Faso represented here. Leverkusen already have a real player on their hands considering his 79 rating, but his 88 potential means he’s surely destined for one of the European super clubs in due course. He’s not going to be cheap but there’s so much to like across his attributes.
3. Ibrahima Konaté
Also has a massive 88 potential but starts out just below Tapsoba at 78 overall. If budget is a consideration for you, he’ll probably be more affordable than our #4 and his. stats are equally as impressive.
2. Dayot Upamecano
Even in real life it seems unlikely he will remain at RB Leipzig for much longer, and for good reason. He’s already a commanding presence at the centre of defence with his 80 rating. Considering his size, his sprint speed is fantastic – as are his jumping (88) and strength (90) stats. If you can afford him and choose not to go for him, you’ll surely regret it when he’s rated 90 overall and winning titles for your rival.
1. Matthijs de Ligt
Surprisingly still only 20 years old, de Ligt has the highest potential (92) of any centre back in FIFA 21. Whatever your opinion of him since his move to Juventus, he won’t be cheap unless you wait a few seasons. Even at 85 overall, he offers practically everything you want in a centre back. Not only is he a fantastic tackler, a threat from set pieces and a real physical specimen – he also possesses the solid player trait, meaning he’s unlikely to get injured!
Centre Back Wonderkids in FIFA 21 – Conclusion
You’re really spoiled for choice with centre back wonderkids in FIFA 21, as usual there is a wealth of promising young players throughout the game. If you’re a lower or mid level club, there are lots of appealing options, whether you need a starter or just a squad player. If you’re a bigger club however, with aspirations of dominating your league and europe – you really need to be shopping at the top end of the market.