FIFA 23 has introduced one of the biggest gameplay changes of recent memory, with pure pace no longer as powerful as it once was.
The new AcceleRATE feature (for next-gen only) is the cause of this, with 'Lengthy' players shaping the current meta in Ultimate Team.
Check out who all the best Lengthy players in FIFA 23 are, then sign them in your Career Mode or add them to your FUT club to dominate any opposition.
Virgil van Dijk (OVR 90)
Virgil van Dijk has been one of the best defenders in FIFA for a few years now and even gained what we thought was an undeserved rating increase going into FIFA 23.
We know he has brilliant defensive capabilities, is a physical beast, and has the added bonus of pace that many CBs don't always have - and the Lengthy archetype makes him even more imperious.
Casemiro (OVR 89)
Manchester United's new signing Casemiro has been regarded as one of the best CDMs in the world for ages, but it hasn't always felt that way in FIFA.
Although he still lacks blistering pace, the Lengthy change means he can cover distance well, adding another weapon to his armoury.
Harry Kane (OVR 89)
Another man who in real life is a phenomenal player, but has been let down in FIFA titles due to his pace, is Harry Kane.
Now that speed plays a less crucial role, Kane's scorching shooting and pinpoint passing make him a top player - as he should be!
Erling Haaland (OVR 88)
Possibly the best player to use in-game on FIFA 23, Erling Haaland is the must-have striker in real life and on the game.
As well as having incredible shooting and physicality, he is very pacey, so once he makes a run it can be near impossible to stop him.
Ruben Dias (OVR 88)
The AcceleRATE mechanic has transformed how we view CBs, as it doesn't matter that Ruben Dias only has 63 PAC, he will still be able to keep up with quick strikers.
You can now pick defenders based on their actual defensive capabilities if they have the Lengthy archetype, something that Dias has in aplomb.
Kalidou Koulibaly (OVR 87)
You know you've got a winning combination on your hands when a CB is pacey, physical, great defensively AND has the Lengthy archetype, which is exactly what Kalidou Koulibaly has.
He may not be as good on the ball as others in his position, but if you are after an out-and-out defensive destroyer, he is your man.
Fabinho (OVR 87)
Whether you play him at CDM or CB, Fabinho is a top defensive shield.
He combines that with great composure on the ball and the ability to play the ball out from the back with ease.
Antonio Rudiger (OVR 87)
He was already a popular player in FIFA 22, and now with a massive upgrade, Antonio Rudiger is one of the best around at what he does.
Like van Dijk and Koulibaly, he has top pace, defending and physicality stats, making him a real powerhouse at the back.
Romelu Lukaku (OVR 86)
Romelu Lukaku may have taken a substantial rating hit on FIFA 23, but thanks to the introduction of AcceleRATE, he is probably better to use than on the previous title.
With great pace, shooting and physicality, use him in the right way and he is a hard man to stop.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (OVR 86)
Unlike other Lengthy midfielders, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic isn't a CDM and gives a true box-to-box option in the middle.
He can do it all, and although he isn't the quickest or most agile, his physicality lets him protect the ball well to show off his dribbling and passing abilities.
Honourable Mentions
As we know, just because players have high ratings it doesn't mean that they are the outright best to use.
Here are some Lengthy players that didn't make the main list, but are incredible to use in-game:
- Niklas Sule (OVR 85)
- Kyle Walker (OVR 85)
- Kessie (OVR 84)
- Raphael Varane (OVR 84)
- Dusan Vlahovic (OVR 84)
- Presnel Kimpembe (OVR 83)
- Ronald Araujo (OVR 83)
- Joe Gomez (OVR 81)
- Josko Gvardiol (OVR 81)
- Denis Zakaria (OVR 81)
- Dayot Upamecano (OVR 81)
- Lukas Klostermann (OVR 80)