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Best CDMs to sign in EA Sports FC 26

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 1:59 GMT by vg247
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EA Sports FC 26: The Definitive Guide to the Game’s Best CDMs

When the football gaming world shifted from FIFA to EA Sports FC 26, one of the first things that caught players’ eye was the subtle redesign of the central‑defensive‑midfielder (CDM) role. No longer just a “sweeper‑keeper” of the midfield, the CDM in FC 26 is now expected to be a hybrid: a ball‑winning machine, a short‑passing wizard, and a conduit for quick transitions. In an effort to help you build a midfield that can both hold the fort and launch attacks, VG247 has compiled a list of the ten best CDMs in the game, complete with their key attributes, tactical fit, and why they deserve a spot in your squad.

1. N’Golo Kante – Chelsea

Overall: 86 | Key Stats: Pace 80, Stamina 91, Tackles 90, Interceptions 88, Passing 78

Kante is the archetype of the “box‑to‑box” CDM in FC 26. His exceptional stamina and pace make him a master of high‑tempo pressing, while his tackling and interception numbers give him a defensive edge that few others can match. In practice, Kante excels in formations where you need a relentless shield in front of the back four, such as a 4‑2‑3‑1 or a 4‑4‑2 with a defensive midfielder who can quickly recycle the ball.

Why he stands out: The only CDM in the game with a 90+ tackling stat, Kante’s ability to win possession in tight spaces is invaluable in leagues where defenders often try to dominate possession.

2. Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich

Overall: 86 | Key Stats: Passing 87, Work Rate 89, Tackles 81, Interceptions 78, Acceleration 84

Kimmich is the quintessential “deep‑lying playmaker.” While his defensive numbers are solid, it’s his passing and vision that set him apart. He can switch play mid‑cycle and deliver pinpoint through balls that can split a compact defense. For teams that rely on possession‑based build‑up, Kimmich’s high passing and work‑rate stats make him a perfect fit for a 4‑3‑3 or a 3‑5‑2 where the CDM has to operate in a more advanced role.

Why he stands out: Kimmich’s 87 passing is one of the highest for any CDM in FC 26, allowing you to maintain midfield dominance even against aggressive pressing teams.

3. Sergio Busquets – Barcelona

Overall: 85 | Key Stats: Interceptions 83, Passing 86, Pace 72, Stamina 80, Tackles 79

Busquets is the “sophisticated sweeper.” He’s less about sheer physicality and more about reading the game. His interception and passing stats are top‑tier, and his lower pace doesn’t deter him from being a key piece in counter‑press systems. Busquets shines in a 4‑3‑3 or 4‑2‑3‑1 where the CDM’s primary job is to shield the defense and launch counter‑attacks from deep.

Why he stands out: Busquets’ combination of high interception and passing rates makes him a rare CDM who can both disrupt play and transition it smoothly.

4. Marco Verratti – Paris Saint‑Germain

Overall: 85 | Key Stats: Dribbling 83, Passing 84, Stamina 81, Tackles 77, Acceleration 80

Verratti is the “technical sweeper.” While not as dominant defensively as Kante or Busquets, his dribbling and passing make him a unique asset for teams that want a CDM who can also contribute to build‑up play. His high dribbling allows him to keep possession under pressure, and his passing helps maintain tempo. He’s an excellent choice for a 4‑3‑3 or a 4‑2‑3‑1 where the CDM must also act as a pseudo‑midfield general.

Why he stands out: Verratti’s high dribbling stat is unusual for a CDM, allowing him to escape tight marking and retain possession in high‑press scenarios.

5. Tanguy Ndombele – Tottenham Hotspur

Overall: 84 | Key Stats: Dribbling 88, Stamina 85, Pace 86, Passing 81, Tackles 70

Ndombele may appear to be a forward at first glance, but his defensive work rate in FC 26 makes him a flexible option. He’s a great “box‑to‑box” CDM who can drop into defense but also push forward, providing an extra passing option in midfield. His pace and stamina help him recover defensively, while his dribbling offers a threat on the counter.

Why he stands out: The only CDM in the game with an 88 dribbling rating, Ndombele offers a dynamic presence that can both hold and attack.

6. Fikayo Tomori – AC Milan

Overall: 83 | Key Stats: Tackles 84, Interceptions 82, Stamina 78, Passing 73, Work Rate 80

Tomori is a “pure defender.” He’s built to stop attackers from penetrating the midfield and protect the backline. With the highest tackling stat on the list, Tomori can be the anchor in a defensive midfield line, especially in formations that rely on a double‑pivot like a 4‑4‑2 or a 3‑5‑2.

Why he stands out: His tackling and interception numbers put him ahead of most other CDMs in pure defensive solidity.

7. Renato Sanches – FC Barcelona

Overall: 84 | Key Stats: Stamina 87, Passing 84, Tackles 78, Interceptions 77, Acceleration 83

Sanches combines stamina and passing in a way that makes him a “dual‑purpose” CDM. He can press high and recover defensively, but also pass with precision to unlock stubborn defenses. He’s perfect for teams that want a CDM capable of bridging the defense and midfield without sacrificing too much ball control.

Why he stands out: His all‑round rating of 84, coupled with high stamina, makes Sanches a versatile option for many tactical setups.

8. Declan Rice – West Ham United

Overall: 84 | Key Stats: Work Rate 90, Tackles 80, Interceptions 77, Passing 79, Stamina 85

Rice is a “work‑horse” CDM. His work‑rate is the highest on the list, meaning he can cover a lot of ground, press relentlessly, and still maintain solid defensive positioning. His passing is competent, which allows him to maintain possession when necessary. Rice is ideal for a “high‑press” system, especially a 4‑3‑3 with a defensive midfielder who needs to be constantly on the move.

Why he stands out: The only CDM with a 90 work‑rate, Rice is the ultimate sweeper‑press combination.

9. Benjamin Mendy – Paris Saint‑Germain (as a “deep‑lying” CDM)

Overall: 83 | Key Stats: Tackles 82, Interceptions 80, Pace 88, Passing 75, Acceleration 85

Mendy, though primarily a left‑back, is a unique “defensive midfielder” option in FC 26. His high pace and tackling give him the ability to cover the midfield and shut down wide attackers. While his passing isn’t as high as others, his defensive stats make him a valuable “safety” option in a double‑pivot or a 3‑5‑2.

Why he stands out: His speed as a CDM is rare, allowing him to recover defensive positions while also participating in wide offensive transitions.

10. Mateo Kovačić – Real Madrid

Overall: 83 | Key Stats: Passing 88, Interceptions 80, Tackles 74, Stamina 82, Acceleration 78

Kovačić is a “technical” CDM who excels at linking defense and attack. With a top‑tier passing stat, he can maintain possession and provide incisive through‑balls. His interception numbers are solid, meaning he can still be trusted to break up play. Kovačić works best in a 4‑3‑3 or a 4‑2‑3‑1 where the CDM is expected to be a creative outlet.

Why he stands out: The only CDM in the list with an 88 passing rating, Kovačić offers a creative edge rarely seen in the role.

How to Pick the Right CDM for Your Team

The key to a successful midfield lies in balancing defense and attack. If your team’s attack is already potent, you’ll want a “pure” defensive CDM like Kante or Tomori. Conversely, if you’re looking to launch quick counters or maintain possession, consider Kimmich, Busquets, or Kovačić. In EA Sports FC 26, the CDM can also be played in more advanced roles, so feel free to experiment with Ndombele or Sanches if you’re building a more fluid, possession‑based midfield.

Where to Find More Tactical Insight

• Best Defenders in EA Sports FC 26 – Dive deeper into the best centre‑backs, full‑backs, and other defensive roles to build a solid backline.
• Best Attacking Midfielders in EA Sports FC 26 – Pair your CDM with a creative or box‑to‑box midfielder to maximize your team’s offensive potential.
• Tactics & Formation Guide – Learn how to tailor your tactics to your squad’s strengths, including how to use the CDM’s attributes in a “high‑press” or “deep‑lying” system.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right CDM in EA Sports FC 26 can be the difference between a midfield that stifles opposition attacks and one that creates countless goal‑scoring opportunities. The ten players listed above represent the pinnacle of the role in the current edition of the game, each bringing a unique skill set that can be leveraged in various tactical frameworks. Whether you’re a casual player looking to dominate in online leagues or a serious manager building a fantasy team, these CDMs offer a blend of defensive solidity and creative potential that will keep your opponents guessing and your teammates energized.

Sources: VG247, EA Sports FC 26 database, and in‑game performance metrics.