EA FC 25: How to Defend on the Pitch and Choose Defensive Midfielders Effectively

In EA Sports FC 25, much like in real-world football, defense is a crucial aspect of gameplay. Whether you're playing online or against the AI, having a solid defensive strategy can make all the difference between a victory and a loss. One of the key positions on the field that players often overlook is the Defensive Midfielder (CDM), whose role is vital in breaking up opposition attacks and supporting the backline. In this article, we'll delve into how to EA FC 25 Coins defend effectively on the pitch and explore the best Defensive Midfielders to choose for your team in EA FC 25.

 

How to Defend Effectively in EA FC 25

Defending in EA FC 25 requires more than just pressing buttons. It's about positioning, timing, and decision-making. The modern football video game places a significant emphasis on the balance between defense and attack. Here are a few tips to help you defend effectively in EA FC 25:

 

Positioning Is Key

 

Defenders must be in the right position to intercept passes or block shots. Always anticipate your opponent's next move and try to position your players in the way of their attacks.

Don’t rush in to make a tackle. A well-timed challenge can prevent your opponent from getting past you, but a reckless one could leave you vulnerable to a counter-attack.

Use the Right Defensive Tactics

 

Pressing vs. Containing: Depending on your playstyle and the situation in the game, you can either press your opponent aggressively or sit back and contain them. Pressing works best when you're chasing the game and need to regain possession quickly, while containing is useful when you're holding onto a lead.

Defensive Depth: Adjusting the defensive depth can make a significant difference. A higher depth means your defenders will push up the field, potentially leaving spaces open for counter-attacks. A lower depth offers more protection, but your opponents may have more time on the ball.

Master Defensive Skills

 

Jockeying: Jockeying allows you to maintain close control over the ball and your position while blocking passing lanes. It’s one of the most important defensive mechanics in EA FC 25, so practicing it will help you become more effective in one-on-one situations.

Tackling: There are two types of tackles: standing tackles and sliding tackles. Standing tackles should be used when you're in a good position to win the ball, while sliding tackles are a last resort when you need to take a calculated risk.

Intercepting: Always keep an eye on the ball and be aware of passing lanes. Intercepting passes is an excellent way to stop an attack before it even begins.

Use Your Defensive Midfielder Effectively The Defensive Midfielder (CDM) plays a critical role in shielding the defense. They are the link between the defense and midfield, tasked with breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball to more attacking players. In EA FC 25, effective use of your CDM can drastically improve your team's defensive stability.

 

Top 8 Defensive Midfielders in EA FC 25

To build a solid defense in EA FC 25, it's important to select the right Defensive Midfielders. The following players are some of the best choices in the game based on their overall ratings, skill set, and their ability to contribute defensively:

 

Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool) - Overall Rating: 86

 

While Mac Allister is not a traditional No. 6 midfielder, his ability to control the ball and distribute passes makes him a valuable defensive option. He excels in breaking up attacks in the second phase and can influence the game higher up the pitch, making him versatile in both defensive and offensive situations.

Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) - Overall Rating: 86

 

Calhanoglu has transformed from a playmaker to a reliable defensive midfielder. His high work rate and ability to disrupt opposition passing lines make him an excellent choice for those who prefer a more defensive setup. His technical ability allows him to recover possession and distribute it effectively, making him an unsung hero in the midfield.

Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen) - Overall Rating: 86

 

Xhaka has undergone a significant improvement in his overall performance, especially in his new role as a midfield pivot. His strong tackling ability and leadership qualities help control the game’s tempo. However, his lack of pace (50 rating) might be a limitation when facing quick opponents, so it’s important to use him strategically.

Lena Oberdorf (Bayern Munich Frauen) - Overall Rating: 86

 

As one of the top-rated female defensive midfielders, Oberdorf is a powerhouse in terms of physicality, with an impressive Physical Rating of 89. She combines strength with a great sense of positioning, making her a top choice for breaking up attacks and winning duels in the middle of the park.

Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan) - Overall Rating: 87

 

Barella is known for his energy, intelligence, and work rate. His ability to control the midfield, disrupt opposition play, and provide key passes makes him a highly effective defensive midfielder. While his style may appear rough at times, his vision and anticipation of play are key strengths.

Frenkie De Jong (Barcelona) - Overall Rating: 87

 

Despite injuries in recent seasons, De Jong remains one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the game. His ability to dictate play, intercept passes, and carry the ball forward makes him an excellent choice for defensive midfield. His agility and vision also make him effective at breaking down opposing attacks.

Ilkay Gundogan (Barcelona) - Overall Rating: 87

 

Gundogan has proven his versatility in multiple midfield roles, from attacking to defensive positions. His intelligence, passing range, and composure under pressure make him an excellent choice as a holding midfielder. He can help control the tempo of the game while also providing support to the backline when needed.

Declan Rice (Arsenal) - Overall Rating: 87

 

Rice is widely regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in modern football. His ability to break up play, win aerial duels, and distribute the ball efficiently makes him an ideal defensive midfielder. His physicality, work rate, and leadership qualities are also huge assets, ensuring that he is a top-tier choice in any team.

Conclusion: How to Choose the Right Defensive Midfielder

When choosing a Defensive Midfielder in EA FC 25, you need to consider the following factors:

 

Defensive Ability: Look for players with high tackling, interceptions, and physical attributes. These players will help you break up attacks and protect your defense.

Passing and Distribution: A good CDM needs to be able to distribute the ball effectively, starting your attacks from the middle of the pitch.

Physicality: Strong players who can win aerial duels and outmuscle opponents are vital for controlling the midfield and preventing counter-attacks.

Work Rate: Players with a high work rate will cover more ground, helping both defensively and offensively.

By selecting the right defensive midfielders for your team, you can build a more solid defense, control the midfield, and keep your opponents at bay. EA FC 25 offers a variety of EA FC Coins tactical options, and choosing the right CDM can give you the balance needed to succeed both defensively and offensively.