Football Manager 2022 Best Young Central Defenders: Ten rock solid youngsters you need in your team

Football Manager 2022 has arrived, meaning it's time for you to jump in and start assembling your team of superstar youngsters for the season ahead.

We've got you covered for ten of the best young centre backs you can sign in this year's game, with many of these options certain to grow into world-beaters.

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Matthijs De Ligt (CA 159 - PA 185)

Age: 21

Club: Zebre

Value: £92 - 115 million

Wage: £200,000 a week

After bursting onto the scene at Ajax and helping them to a memorable Champions League campaign, De Ligt looked likely to become one of the world's best defenders.

Whilst he may not have hit those giddy heights at Juve (or Zebre as they're known in FM22), we still believe that this young Dutchman is the finest young defender available in this year's game.

Jules Kounde (CA 153 - PA 170)

Age: 22

Club: Sevilla

Value: £68 million

Wage: £69,000 a week

Already a top target for many of Europe's elite clubs, there's no surprise to see Jules Kounde on this list.

A rock-solid centre half with excellent defensive stats, this French youngster is exactly the man you need commanding your backline in FM22.

Cristian Romero (CA 151 - PA 164)

Age: 23

Club: Tottenham (on loan from Atalanta)

Value: £41 - 50 million

Wage: £27,500 a week

Recently arriving in London, initially on loan with a view to a permanent, Cristian Romero is a promising young defender who shone in Serie A last season.

Already impressive in England top-flight, this defensive commander could easily become one of the best defenders in Europe.

Dayot Upamecano (CA 153 - PA 173)

Age: 22

Club: Bayern Munich

Value: £57 - 86 million

Wage: £130,000 a week

Bayern Munich's muscular, tough-tackling French commander is easily one of the most exciting defenders in Football Manager 2022.

Dayot Upamecano has the determination, pace and strength to become world-class, and we think you need him in your team.

Eder Militao (CA 155 - PA 166)

Age: 23

Club: Real Madrid

Value: £93 - 146 million

Wage: £150,000 a week

Eder Militao is one of the priciest options on this list, but that's understandable when you consider his reputation and skill level.

An expert defender with a great range of stats, this Brazilian dominator could easily emulate the likes of Thiago Silva and become one of the best in the world.

Edmond Tapsoba (CA 148 - PA 160)

Age: 22

Club: Bayern Leverkusen

Value: £55 - 87 million

Wage: £49,000 a week

A lesser-known option currently dominating Bayer Leverkusen's backline, Edmond Tapsoba is an expert penalty taker as well as a top-class defender.

Ready to step into your team, and set to grow even further, this young defender is definitely one to watch in Football Manager 2022.

Gabriel (CA 147 - PA 164)

Age: 23

Club: Arsenal

Value: £57 - 92 million

Wage: £50,000 a week

With Ben White and Gabriel commanding their backline, Arsenal has a defensive duo that could dominate for years to come.

With a strong presence at the back with a great jumping reach, Gabriel could easily become one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Maxence Lacroix (CA 140 - PA 140 - 170)

Age: 21

Club: VfL Wolfsburg

Value: £22 - 29 million

Wage: £62,000 a week

A FIFA 22 legend who possesses all the pace and skill to become a legend in Football Manager 2022, Maxence Lacroix is the man you need in your backline.

With the potential to become an elite-level defender, this French star would be worth every penny.

Wesley Fofana (CA 148 - PA 175)

Age: 20

Club: Leicester

Value: £168 - 225 million

Wage: £55,000 a week

Wesley Fofana is one of the most lauded centre-halves in the world right now, and it's not hard to see why.

A strong, composed option with great pace and technique, Leicester will command a big fee, but we believe that you should through the entire war chest at this potential superstar.

Ibrahima Konate (CA 136 - PA 157)

Age: 22

Club: Liverpool

Value: £35 - 56 million

Wage: £70,000 a week

Liverpool's newest recruit could be one of their smartest, with Ibrahima Konate possessing all the stats to become a world-beater.

With great strength and jumping reach, Konate is yet another French defender who could become one of the very best in the world.

Click here to find out everything we know about Football Manager 2022.