Best central defenders in EA FC 25 | OneFootball

Modern central defenders are almost unrecognisable from the imperious bruisers that marshalled backlines in the 20th century.

Contemporary centre-backs need to be comfortable in possession, defending on the halfway line and matching the speed and athleticism of opposition forwards. It's a role that demands a special skill set, one that few players possess.

However, there are some who thrive in the role of a modern central defender. Their blend of pace, physicality and technical ability makes them incredible assets - especially on video games like EA FC.

Here are the ten best centre-backs on EA FC 25 you can build your Ultimate Team or Career Mode squads around.

10. Bremer - 86 OVR

Bremer is a strong presence at the back / Marco Canoniero/GettyImages

Juventus' ascent back up the Serie A table in 2023/24 was modelled around their stringent defence under former boss Massimiliano Allegri. They conceded just 31 times in 38 matches while securing bronze, with Bremer key to their defiant backline. The athletic central defender has been upgraded from 84 to 86-rated in EA FC 25 off the back of some standout displays for the Old Lady, with his 82 pace and 85 physical stats making him a commanding presence that can help you stifle the game's speedy forwards.

9. Alessandro Bastoni - 87 OVR

Alessandro Bastoni has been upgraded / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

Juventus may have conceded an impressive 31 times in Serie A last season, but Inter allowed nine fewer en route to winning the title at a canter. Simone Inzaghi is adept at organising his defence and his job is made significantly simpler by the presence of the underappreciated Alessandro Bastoni. The lanky Italian doesn't have any particularly noticeable individual attributes, either physical or technical, but his ability to read the game and snuff out opposition attacks makes him an elite centre-back. The Italian's 87 overall rating is fitting of his talents.

8. Marquinhos - 87 OVR

Marquinhos is still among the leading defenders / Xavier Laine/GettyImages

In the last six EA FC and FIFA titles, Marquinhos has never received an overall rating of below 85, peaking in FIFA 23 with an 88-rated card. While he finds himself an overall lower this year, he again features among the game's best centre-backs. The Paris Saint-Germain star is an excellent all-round defender in-game with solid pace (79), good physicals (81) and excellent defending (89). He may not be as glamorous as others on this list, but he's a steady presence at the back.

7. William Saliba - 87 OVR

William Saliba is a classy operator / Marco Canoniero/GettyImages

William Saliba's exceptional rise to stardom has been crucial to Arsenal's resurgence under Mikel Arteta. During the Gunners' 2022/23 Premier League title race with Manchester City, it was the centre-back's injury that derailed their campaign.The Arsenal defender oozes class in and out of possession and has deservedly earned himself a significant upgrade in EA FC 25 that takes him to 87 overall. With 82 pace and 87 defending, he will be a difficult man to best in battle.

6. Irene Paredes - 88 OVR

Irene Paredes is difficult to get past / Eric Alonso/GettyImages

Part of Barcelona's famous quadruple triumph in 2023/24, Irene Paredes was integral for the Catalan giants in the heart of the defence. The imposing centre-half added another Champions League title to her collection, appearing in the Team of the Tournament. The 2023 World Cup winner has maintained her 88 overall rating as a result of her impressive displays for club and country, with 89 defending and 84 physical making her a beast at the back.

5. Wendie Renard - 88 OVR

Wendie Renard is excellent for club and country / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

88-rated Wendie Renard can be pleased with her EA FC 25 appearance. That's a pretty remarkable rating and one that places the Lyon defender in the top three female centre-backs in the game. However, there is one thing holding her back.She has been handed just 48 pace in this year's game, dropping from a slightly more usable 53 last year. To put that into context, Kylian Mbappe's pace stat is more than double Renard's, making the French defender nothing but Squad Building Challenges fodder on Ultimate Team.

4. Antonio Rudiger - 88 OVR

Antonio Rudiger is integral at Real Madrid / David Ramos/GettyImages

In the midst of a defensive injury crisis in 2023/24, Antonio Rudiger was an ever-present for La Liga and Champions League winners Real Madrid. The fiery German was seldom bested by opposition forwards, with his no-nonsense approach and athletic build making him difficult to overcome. Rudiger has rightfully earned himself an upgrade of +3 in this year's EA FC, with his shooting, passing, dribbling and defending all getting boosts. With 82 pace and 86 physicals, a partnership of the Madrid man and Arsenal's Saliba will be impenetrable.

3. Ruben Dias - 88 OVR

Ruben Dias is an old-school defender / Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImages

Unfortunately, much like Renard, it's speed that detracts from an otherwise excellent rating for Manchester City defender Ruben Dias. The Portuguese has just 67 pace - actually five more than last year - and is likely to struggle against the game's fleet-footed strikers. However, following another impressive season with the Premier League champions, Dias' 89 defending and 87 physicals make him an epic instalment in any backline on Career Mode.

2. Mapi Leon - 89 OVR

Maria Leon makes up a formidable Barca centre-back pair / Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Injuries were a theme of Mapi Leon's 2023/24 season, with the Spanish centre-back missing the majority of Barcelona's quadruple triumph. However, there can be no doubting that Leon's presence would only have solidified an already defiant defensive line in Catalonia. Her trophy-laden career is set to restart in 2024/25 and she will certainly be a frequent purchase in EA FC 25. Her 90 defending is only bettered by Renard and she boasts a fantastic array of stats that makes her all-round threat.

1. Virgil van Dijk - 89 OVR

Virgil van Dijk is still the best around / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages

Jurgen Klopp's final season in charge of Liverpool was saved by the towering head of Virgil van Dijk. It was the 33-year-old's 118th-minute effort in the Carabao Cup final that earned the legendary coach his final piece of silverware on Merseyside. While he may no longer be at the absolute peak of his powers, Van Dijk's outstanding 2023/24 campaign has helped him maintain an 89 overall rating, with pace to burn and brilliant defensive instincts. He's still the man to catch at the top of the tree.