Best center-backs to buy in FIFA 21 Ultimate Team

June 2023 · 4 minute read

Center-backs are the pillars of the team in FIFA 21, so it’s important to add the very best to your FIFA Ultimate Team. To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the fastest, cheapest, and overall best center-backs in FIFA 21.

FIFA 21 is praised for making strides in gameplay, especially in terms of defending. However, the added realism and authenticity means there is more depth and complexity too. It’s not as simple as holding the contain button anymore.

For that reason, it’s all the more important to master the art of defending. Of course, to make things a little easier in FIFA Ultimate Team, it’s a good idea to slip into a manager’s shoes and find what’s best for you and your team.

But with so many different players, prices, statistics, and other variables on the market, it can be hard to try and narrow it down.

To help you out, here’s a set of lists that go over the fastest, best, and cheapest center backs in FIFA Ultimate Team, courtesy of FUTBIN. Keep in mind these picks are based on a player’s standard cards and prices may vary, so you’ll want to keep track of the charts to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Top-tier meta defenders can transform an average team.

Best meta center-backs in FIFA 21

If you’re looking to build-up top tier defense and money isn’t an issue, these are the players you need to consider picking up in the center-back position.

There’s no doubt every single one of these players would be an asset to your team so just consider which one would fit best in what you’re trying to build.

Player NameOVR RatingMarket Price
Virgil van Dijk90125,000 – 130,000
Sergio Ramos8985,000 – 90,000
Aymeric Laporte8753,000 – 57,000
Pique8645,000 – 51,000
Rapheel Varane8662,000 – 90,000
Marquinhos8520,000 – 25,000
Kalidou Koulibaly8866,000 – 75,000
Mats Hummels8646,000 – 50,000
Matthijs de Ligt8522,000 – 25,000
Thiago Silva8522,000 – 25,000
Not everyone has the money to buy top-tier players – so finding budget options is important.

Best budget center-backs in FIFA 21

Not everyone has the spare coins to splash out on a top-tier defense. Luckily, there are plenty of budget center-back options that are cost-effective for any player looking to build a solid team.

Player NameOVR RatingMarket Price
Joe Gomez838,000 – 10,000
Nathan Ake792,000 – 3,000
Joel Matip836,000 – 8,000
Kostas Manolas834,000 – 5,000
Lukas Klostermann802,000 – 3,000
Fikayo Tomori761,500 – 2,000
Diego Carlos836,000 – 8,000
Eder Militao801,500 – 2,000
Alessio Romagnoli836,000 – 7,000
Jerome Boateng822,000 – 3,000
Pace is a rare trait in most center-back, but it’s extremely important.

Fastest center-backs in FIFA 21

Speed in the center-back position is hard to come by as most defenders are extremely physical but lack pace and acceleration. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the fastest center-backs in FIFA 21 so you can create a lightning-fast defense.

Keep in mind, not all of these players are top-tier, but they can keep up with attackers when they make a break.

Player NameOVR RatingMarket Price
Ike Opara751,000 – 2,000
Lukas Klostermann802,000 – 3,000
Rapheel Varane8662,000 – 90,000
Joe Gomez838,000 – 10,000
Kostas Manolas834,000 – 5,000
Clinton Mata771,000 – 2,000
Georgiy Dzhikiya771,000 – 2,000
Fikayo Tomori761,500 – 2,000
Nacho Fernandez802,500 – 3,000
Bartolomeu Quissanga774,500 – 5,000
A balance of pace and physicality in defense is the perfect combination.

That rounds of our lists of the best center-backs in FIFA 21’s Ultimate Team. Hopefully, this has given you plenty of options to create a top-tier team that consistently wins games.

Keep in mind we have guides for every position, whether it’s best goalkeepers, strikers, or full-backs, we’ve got you covered no matter what you’re looking for.

For more FIFA 21 guides, news, leaks, and more – follow us on Twitter @UltimateTeamUK. 

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