Managers often say that the key to winning a league title is a solid defensive structure. However, achieving that strong back bone is often an expensive business, with Liverpool paying £80 million for Virgil van Dijk to sure up their defence en route to winning the Premier League.
However, not all managers on Career Mode in FIFA 21 will have that kind of budget, which means that they will need to find a fine young defender available at a smaller price to build their defence around.
FIFA 21 Central Defender: Ozan Kabak
The Bundesliga is often revered for the number of excellent young players that are produced, and there is an excellent defensive option available for managers in the form of Ozan Kabak.
The defender from Schalke will be available at £9.8 million, and has a starting rating of 77. However, this rating has the potential to jump by ten throughout his career, as he has a potential rating of 87. That would make him one of the highest rated central defenders in the game.
FIFA 21 Central Defender: Eduardo Quaresma
Eduardo Quaresma will be an excellent option for managers, as they will simply need to pay £5 million for the 18-year-old. The right-footed teenager starts will a rating of 72, which is impressive given his age, and would be a perfect squad player before he is able to slot into the team when he is ready.
He has the potential to reach a rating of 85, which means the transfer fee will quickly be worth it. He has a heading accuracy attribute of 68, and also a 65 attribute for sprint speed.
FIFA 21 Central Defender: Josko Gvardiol
Many believed that the wave of Croatian talent was coming to an end, but on FIFA 21 Career Mode that isn’t the case. Josko Gvardiol is an example of a new up and coming talent that managers will be able to sign.
He is valued at just £3.8 million from Dinamo Zagreb, and has the potential to reach a rating of 86. He will be an excellent option for managers, as he is also one of the few left footed central defenders with a high potential rating.
FIFA 21 Central Defender: Leonidas Stergiou
One of the best hidden gems on the game is Leonidas Stergiou. The Swiss central defender is valued at just £2 million, and is rated at 67 in his first season. However, he has an incredible potential rating of 86, which would make him one of the highest rated defenders on the game.
His best assets lie in his speed, while 69 for defensive awareness, 68 for standing tackle and 64 for heading accuracy also ensure that he is a strong option across the board.
