Defensive midfielders provide protection for your defence, and the good ones can set you away on counter attacks too!
Keep reading for the best young CDM’s on FIFA 21 Career Mode.
Wilfred Ndidi (OVR 84 - POT 88)
Age: 23
Position(s): CDM, CM
Value (Release Clause): £32.9M (£64.9M)
Wage: £86k
Ndidi is hoping to secure Champions League football with Leicester this season, after narrowly missing out last year.
The Nigerian's FIFA 21 card is very impressive, with a 4 star weak foot, 92 stamina, 90 interceptions and 89 standing tackle.
Denis Zakaria (OVR 83 - POT 87)
Age: 23
Position(s): CDM, CB, CM
Value (Release Clause): £27.5M (£48.7M)
Wage: £40k
Zakaria averaged 40 passes per match in the Bundesliga in 2019/20, with a pass completion rate of 87%, and had 2 assists.
The Swiss international possesses great physical attributes for a CDM, with 85 sprint speed, 87 strength and 89 aggression.
Konrad Laimer (OVR 82 - POT 86)
Age: 23
Position(s): CDM, CM, RB
Value (Release Clause): £23.4M (£41.5M)
Wage: £48k
Konrad Laimer is hoping to improve on the 6 assists and 2 goals that he registered in the Bundesliga last season.
The Austrian will cover a lot of ground in midfield, with 89 stamina, 83 acceleration and 86 sprint speed.
Rosberto Dourado (OVR 81 - POT 81)
Age: 20
Position(s): CDM, CM, CAM
Value (Release Clause): £15.8M (£29.9M)
Wage: £27k
Despite not featuring in Ultimate Team, due to the fact that he plays for Atletico Mineiro, you can still sign Dourado in Career Mode.
The Brazilian's high attacking work rate means he may be more suited to a conventional CM or CAM position.
Boubacar Kamara (OVR 79 - POT 87)
Age: 20
Position(s): CDM, CB
Value (Release Clause): £15.3M (£32.1M)
Wage: £26k
The Frenchman picked up one goal and two assists in 24 appearances in Ligue 1 last season.
It will be worth activating Kamara's release clause in FIFA 21, as he has excellent potential for growth in Career Mode, reaching his maximum at 87 rated.
Declan Rice (OVR 79 - POT 86)
Age: 21
Position(s): CDM, CM
Value (Release Clause): £14.9M (£31.2M)
Wage: £27k
Declan Rice has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League.
The English international's FIFA 21 card boasts 81 standing tackle, 80 stamina and 80 aggression.
Sander Berge (OVR 79 - POT 86)
Age: 22
Position(s): CDM, CM
Value (Release Clause): £14.4M (£30.2M)
Wage: £30k
Berge seems to have cemented his spot as a regular in Chris Wilder's team, as Sheffield United hope to build on an excellent first season back in the Premier League, after finishing ninth.
The Norwegian will not get bullied off the ball in midfield, with an outstanding 91 strength!
Scott McTominay (OVR 79 - POT 84)
Age: 23
Position(s): CDM, CM
Value (Release Clause): £14M (£27.6M)
Wage: £77k
The Scotsman is hoping to cement his place as a starter for Manchester United this season and form part of a quality midfield trio, along with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.
McTominay's FIFA 21 card boasts strong physicality, with 84 stamina, 84 strength and 85 aggression.
Igor Zubeldia (OVR 79 - POT 84)
Age: 23
Position(s): CDM, CM, CB
Value (Release Clause): £14M (£30.3M)
Wage: £23k
Real Sociedad's midfield anchor impressed last season, showing he can command the tempo of games on his own.
The Spaniard has a good passing range and strong physical attributes, with 82 short passing and 83 stamina.
Melvin Parrela (OVR 79 - POT 79)
Age: 20
Position(s): CDM
Value (Release Clause): £11.3M (£21.4M)
Wage: £17k
Parrela is another player who will not feature in this year's Ultimate Team, but could still be a great option for defensive midfield in Career Mode.
The Brazilian brings physicality and strong defensive attributes to the team, with 87 stamina, 84 standing tackle and 82 strength.
