As EA Sports FC 25 (FC 25) approaches its release, fans worldwide are already buzzing with excitement, eagerly piecing together their Ultimate Team starter squads. With most of the player ratings leaked, the anticipation is palpable, and one thing is clear: the foundation of any successful Ultimate Team squad lies in its defense, particularly in the center-backs.
Center-backs are the backbone of your defense. They are the players who stand between your opponent's strikers and your goal. The right center-backs can turn a mediocre defensive line into an impenetrable fortress, ensuring you start FC 25 on the right foot. In this article, we'll delve into the best center-backs for your FC 25 Ultimate Team starter squad, focusing on the key attributes that make them stand out.
Key Attributes for Center-Backs in FC 25
When selecting center-backs for your starter squad, three attributes are critical: pace, defense, and physicality.
• Pace: Your center-backs need to keep up with the fastest strikers in the game. If they're too slow, you'll find yourself constantly outpaced, leading to one-on-one situations against your goalkeeper.
• Defense: This encompasses a center-back's defensive awareness, tackling, and ability to intercept passes. A high defense rating ensures your player is always in the right place at the right time, making crucial stops and cutting off dangerous attacks.
• Physicality: A strong center-back can hold their own in physical battles, winning aerial duels and outmuscling strikers. Physicality ensures your defender won't get bullied off the ball, maintaining possession and control.
Having center-backs who excel in these attributes can be the difference between a win and a loss, especially for players who are still mastering the art of defending in FC 25.
Top 5 FC 25 Starter Squad Center-Backs
1. Van De Ven - 82 OVR - Tottenham Hotspur
Pace: 88
Defense: 83
Physicality: 81
Van De Ven is arguably the best starting center-back you can have in FC 25, especially if you're playing without spending real money. His blistering 88 pace makes him nearly impossible to outpace, even for the fastest strikers in the game. But Van De Ven isn't just about speed; he also boasts excellent defensive attributes with 83 defense, ensuring he's always in the right position to make crucial tackles.
Moreover, with 81 physicality, Van De Ven can hold his own in physical battles, whether it's muscling strikers off the ball or winning aerial duels. For a free-to-play player or anyone looking to maximize value early in the game, Van De Ven is a must-have in your starter squad.
2. Lacroix - 76 OVR - Crystal Palace
Pace: 88
Defense: 76
Physicality: 77
Lacroix, a familiar name to Ultimate Team veterans, makes for the perfect partner to Van De Ven. Now playing for Crystal Palace, Lacroix continues to be a top choice thanks to his impressive 88 pace. His speed allows him to keep up with even the fastest opponents, ensuring your backline is never left exposed.
While his defense (76) and physicality (77) ratings are more modest, Lacroix's pace more than compensates. In FC 25, where speed can often outshine other attributes, Lacroix is a fantastic option for any starter squad. His affordability also makes him a great value pick, allowing you to allocate coins elsewhere in your squad.
3. Ibañez - 80 OVR - Al-Ahli
Pace: 85
Defense: 81
Physicality: 82
Ibañez offers a well-rounded option for those looking to build a strong and versatile defense. With 85 paces, 81 defense, and 82 physicalities, the Brazilian center-back excels across all three key attributes. He's quick enough to track back against fast strikers, defensively astute with excellent tackling and positioning, and physically strong enough to win most challenges.
However, his move to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League presents a slight challenge in terms of chemistry, particularly if you're building a squad primarily from Europe's top leagues. Nonetheless, for those creating a hybrid or Saudi Pro League team, Ibañez is an exceptional choice.
4. Upamecano - 82 OVR - Bayern München
Pace: 81
Defense: 81
Physicality: 85
Upamecano has been a consistent favorite in Ultimate Team for several editions, and FC 25 is no exception. His stats are solid across the board, with 81 pace ensuring he's not easily outpaced, and 81 defense making him reliable in the heart of your defense. However, it's his 85 physicality that truly stands out, making Upamecano a powerhouse in physical battles.
Whether it's winning headers, shrugging off attackers, or making last-ditch tackles, Upamecano's physical presence is undeniable. For those who value a strong, commanding center-back, Upamecano is a fantastic choice for your starter squad.
5. Joe Gomez - 80 OVR - Liverpool
Pace: 82
Defense: 80
Physicality: 79
Joe Gomez has long been a go-to option for Ultimate Team players, and he continues to be a solid choice in FC 25. With a balanced card that offers 82 paces, 80 defense, and 79 physicality, Gomez doesn't necessarily excel in any single attribute, but he's reliable in all.
What sets Gomez apart is his expected affordability. As one of the cheaper options among top-tier starter center-backs, Gomez offers great value for those looking to build a competitive squad without breaking the bank. His versatility and balance make him a dependable option for any Ultimate Team player.
Other Good FC 25 Starter Squad Center-Backs
While the top five center-backs mentioned above are the best of the best, there are several other solid options to consider for your FC 25 starter squad. These players may not have the same level of meta appeal but are still excellent choices, particularly if you're looking to diversify your defense or operate within a tighter budget.
Hincapié
Kossounou
Todibo
Timber
Klostermann
Konsa
Quansah
Kim Min-jae
These center-backs each bring their strengths to the table and can be excellent additions to a starter squad. Whether it's Hincapié's defensive solidity or Timber's versatility, these players offer a range of options depending on your preferred playstyle and squad-building strategy.
Final Thoughts
Building a strong defense is crucial in FC 25, and selecting the right center-backs can give you a significant advantage from the very start. By focusing on pace, defense, and physicality, you can ensure that your backline is well-equipped to handle the challenges of Ultimate Team. Whether you opt for the blistering speed of Van De Ven and Lacroix, the balanced attributes of Ibañez and Upamecano, or the affordability of Joe Gomez, these center-backs will set you up for success in EA Sports FC 25.
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