In FIFA 22 Ultimate Team, Ligue 1 has been the go-to league when it comes to assembling your squad.
The plethora of French players at your disposal makes hybrid teams easy to build too, especially given the number of French centre-backs in the game!
EA has released a total of 22 special French CB items, not including Icons or in-forms, so there really has been an abundance to choose from.
However, we think this could change in FIFA 23 with the early signs that Real Madrid and Barcelona are going to be active in the transfer market...
What is the 'meta'?
To be quite honest, the meta for each game does change slightly, but then usually ends up back to square one with pace the only important stat.
We saw this in FIFA 22 with a slower feel to the game upon release leading us to believe that technical midfielders were going to be relevant.
This quickly subsided, and the consistent release of rapid promo players has now left anyone under 80 Pace completely useless.
We do expect the reliance on pace to continue, and with that in mind, La Liga could be the way to go when assembling your squad in FUT 23.
Rudiger joins Real
It looks almost certain that Antonio Rudiger will join Real Madrid, and this will add a seriously good centre-back to your La Liga options.
The German has been terrific all season for Chelsea, and that is shown in his current 86 OVR rating in the latest squad update.
If Rudiger does make the move, it is highly likely he will become a Ones to Watch player in FIFA 23 too, so he could be a top pick from the outset.
With 80 Pace and excellent Physical and Defensive attributes, Rudiger is likely to be one of the top defenders in the game.
Defensive Excellence
La Liga is already home to some top centre-backs, with the likes of Jules Kounde, Eder Militao, and David Alaba all fitting the bill of a mobile CB.
Each of these would be a great partner for Rudiger, and we expect Ronald Araujo to be added to that category too next season.
The Barcelona star is currently an 82 OVR in FIFA 22, and his 84 Sprint Speed should excite FUT fans.
Ferland Mendy will remain a fan-favourite at left-back, although the right-back spot still looks a problem area for La Liga squad builders.
Wing Wizards
What a season Vinicius Jr is having, and his rating is set to rocket sky-high in FIFA 23.
Vinicius Jr has 18 goals and 19 assists in all competitions, putting him among the very best in terms of goal contributions.
An 84 OVR with blistering 95 Pace and five-star Skill Moves, the Brazilian is going to be hot property early on in FUT 23.
Add the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele into the mix, and the La Liga front line is looking dangerous!
Meta XI
Is this how your La Liga XI could look in the early days of FUT 23?
Pace across the front three, great energy and quality in midfield, and a defence that is as quick as it is solid, this really could be the way to go.
Just imagine if Real Madrid signs Kylian Mbappe too...