Best Defensive Midfielders With High Potential In EA Sports FC 25

Summary

• Top CDMs have high potential ratings for future growth in EA Sports FC 25
• Locatelli, Guimarães, Gray, Pavlović, Mainoo, Hjulmand, Tonali, Caicedo, Tchouameni & Rice are prime choices
• Players like Caicedo, Tchouameni & Rice have high overall ratings and potential for evolution.

Defensive midfielders (CDMs) are employed in several EA Sports FC 25 formations, and they act as extra cover in front of the defense. Apart from helping in overall defending, the players in the particular position also sometimes act as playmakers, helping distribute the ball across the pitch.

When signing a CDM in the game, it would be ideal to select those with high potential ratings. These players will showcase growth and eventually become among the best choices for the particular position. Here is a list of the defensive midfielders with the highest potential in EA Sports FC 25.

Only players who have the potential to grow at least one overall have been included in the list. The overall ratings and potentials outlined below are as of EA Sports FC 25’s December Squad Update.

10

Manuel Locatelli

• Overall rating: 83
• Potential: 86

Manuel Locatelli has become an essential part of Juventus, and he is the workhorse in the center of the park. He could be a decent pickup in EA Sports FC 25’s Career Mode, and his passing abilities will certainly be of great use.

The player begins the first season at an overall rating of 83, and he can showcase decent growth to reach a potential rating of 86. It will hardly take him a season or two to reach that mark, and he may even surpass that mark.

9

Bruno Guimarães

• Overall rating: 85
• Potential: 86

Bruno Guimarães is an absolute magician on the pitch, and the Brazilian defensive midfielder has been among the most crucial players for Newcastle United. His stats are extremely well-balanced, and his best traits are his passing, dribbling, and physicality, which are essential for any CDM.

Apart from using him in the defensive midfielder position, Bruno Guimarães is also solid as a central midfielder, and he is a perfect fit for the box-to-box role. Looking at his numbers, he starts at an overall rating of 85, and his potential is at 86.

8

Archie Gray

• Overall rating: 73
• Potential: 87

Archie Gray emerges as probably the finest young defensive midfielder and the English prospect has been impressing everyone with his performances at Tottenham Hotspur. The former Leeds United player would be an amazing signing in EA Sports FC 25’s Career Mode when you are going for a Road to Glory rebuild.

EA has assigned him an overall rating of 73, whereas his potential in the game allows him to reach the mark of 87. You can also use him as a right back, but it would be preferred to play him in his primary position.

7

Aleksandar Pavlović

• Overall rating: 76
• Potential: 87

Another emerging CDM is Aleksandar Pavlović, and those who have watched him playing for Bayern Munich would know how well the youngster actually performs. The German wonderkid has already made his breakthrough and is performing regularly for the club.

With an overall rating of 76 and a potential of 87 on EA Sports FC 25, Aleksandar Pavlović is someone you must certainly have on your shortlist for the defensive midfielder position. He is particularly good at defensive duties and would ensure you get the ball back easily.

6

Kobbie Mainoo

• Overall rating: 78
• Potential: 87

Kobbie Mainoo has been a beacon of light for Manchester United and the defensive midfielder has been one of the star performers for the Red Devils at his young age. He is extremely versatile, and you can actually end up utilizing him in the different positions in the midfield.

Keeping in mind his talent, EA has given Kobbie Mainoo a decent overall rating of 78, and you can develop him into a superstar. His potential in the game lies at 87, and it would take a few seasons for him to reach that number.

5

Morten Hjulmand

• Overall rating: 81
• Potential: 87

Morten Hjulmand is blooming at Sporting CP, and the Danish midfielder has all the right qualities to become a top player. He was extremely solid during the 2023/2024 season, and he played a decent role in the team’s success. His start to the 2024/2025 season has also been pretty fine.

He has an overall rating of 81, and he would be a safe bet if you are looking for an established defensive midfielder for your team in EA Sports FC 25. His potential is 87, and buying him will ensure that you have a good player for the future.

4

Sandro Tonali

• Overall rating: 85
• Potential: 87

Sandro Tonali was one of the biggest wonderkids in world football, and fans will vividly remember him from his AC Milan days. Since his transfer to Newcastle United in the Premier League, he has faced several setbacks, including a ban which prevented him from playing for a couple of months.

Regardless, he is anticipated to make a strong comeback, and he still comes with remarkable numbers in the Career Mode. Sandro Tonali essentially starts the first season with an overall rating of 85, while his potential is 87.

3

Moisés Caicedo

• Overall rating: 84
• Potential: 88

Moisés Caicedo is finally proving his worth for Chelsea, and the club is seeing a turnaround after a string of poor seasons. The Ecuadorian has been delivering outstanding performances in the Premier League, and a player like him will add a lot to your side in EA Sports FC 25’s Career Mode.

He has an overall rating of 84 and quickly climbs to 85 in a period of a few weeks. His eventual potential rating of 88 gives him sufficient room to grow. It would be better to utilize him in either the Holding or Deep-Lying Playmaker roles in the game.

2

Aurélien Tchouameni

• Overall rating: 85
• Potential: 88

Real Madrid stands out as probably the most stacked team in world football, and the team has superstars in nearly every position. They have Aurélien Tchouameni for the defensive midfield position, and the Frenchman is an absolute joy to watch on the pitch.

Over the last few seasons, he has been delivering consistent performances for both the club and the national team, and he still has considerable scope to improve. Coming to his numbers in the game, he possesses an overall rating of 85, whereas his potential in the game is set at 88.

1

Declan Rice

• Overall rating: 87
• Potential: 88

Arsenal under Mikel Arteta has been special, and they have been playing brilliant football. This can be attributed to the presence of players like Declan Rice, who makes everything seem so easy and simple. He is one of the finest defensive midfielders you can sign in EA Sports FC 25, and you will have to pay a massive transfer fee to get his signature.

He commences the Career Mode at an overall rating of 87, and he remains among the best options from the start. In the meantime, his potential is 88, and he may surpass that number with development plans and gametime.