FIFA 21 Defensive Midfielder Wonderkids (CDM)
A good CDM has been a requirement in FIFA for a long time. While you’re controlling other players, the AI needs an athletic and tactically astute player in the centre of midfield to hold the team’s shape and intelligently position themselves to cut out threats. With all that in mind we’ve drawn up a list of the best defensive midfielder wonderkids in FIFA 21 – enjoy!
10. Matty Longstaff
In at number 10 we have Newcastle’s young prodigy. With 72 overall he probably is a little underrated, but his 85 potential certainly makes up for it. While he can still mop up attacks, his strengths are really acting as a deep lying playmaker.
9. Tanguy Nianzou
Nianzou Kouassi is ahead of Longstaff technically because he starts out at 71, even though they have the same 85 potential. However, he’s a more traditional CDM, hardworking in defence and not really interested in getting forward.
8. Declan Rice
Similar in style to our number 9, Rice is all about defending. He is a good passer but his attributes don’t necessarily reflect his real-life attacking contributions. Jumps ahead because of his 86 potential but to start with he’s 79 overall, more than capable of protecting your back line. He also carries the leadership trait, meaning he would make an excellent captain.
7. Reece James
Matches Rice for potential (86) but carries a 77 overall rating, which we think is fair. His stats are actually really solid, but you have to bear in mind he is primarily a right back. His high crossing ability and early crosser trait mean he can provide an extra threat if you can get him into those positions.
6. Mattéo Guendouzi
Gets the nod ahead of Reece James purely because he is an actual CDM. His potential is just as promising (86) and he also starts out at 77 overall, but you’ll find a more rounded set of attributes that enable him to dribble and pass more effectively than James. Currently on loan at Hertha Berlin but would be worth the wait.
5. Maxence Caqueret
Into the top five defensive midfielder wonderkids in FIFA 21 and we have another 86 potential CDM, but the Frenchman starts with just 76 overall. His high workrates means he’s probably destined for the Engine trait, a real box to box midfielder that offers a bit of everything. Three years left on his contract with Lyon means he shouldn’t be too expensive.
4. Gustavo Assunção
Even though he’s only 74 overall, his stats do appear somewhat underwhelming at first glance. However, providing you’re not expecting a super pacey playmaker, his attributes are really well rounded and will surely improve on the way to hitting 86. The defensive side of his game is solid and he already has a stamina rating of 90.
3. Marcos Antonio
Another Brazilian but the Shakhtar man nips in ahead of Assunção, despite being a CM primarily. We have to emphasise that his defending would benefit from some training, but it will improve naturally. He’s only rated 73 right now but will blossom into an 86-rated midfield powerhouse. Quick and agile, Antonio also has the Acrobat speciality.
2. Ryan Gravenberch
Making a jump up to 88 potential, we have Ryan Jiro Gravenberch, who also starts out at 73. Again, he is stronger as a central midfielder but he’s more than capable of playing at CDM. One benefit here is that his defensive stats won’t require quite as much work. He’s also only contracted to Ajax until 2023, so could be a very worthwhile investment.
1. Sandro Tonali
At number 1 on our list of the best defensive midfielder wonderkids in FIFA 21 is Sandro Tonali. He won’t be a stranger if you’ve played the game in the last few years as he’s been highly rated for a while. His 77 rating is good enough to get him a starting spot in a lot of teams, but we should really be focusing on his 91 potential. Unusually for a CDM, he has the flair trait and also has good numbers for dribbling, ball control and even free kicks. He already carries a fairly high value but he does only have one year left on his contract at AC Milan, you could get an absolute bargain in the first transfer window.
