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Best CDMs EAFC 26
Image credit: EA Canada

The best CDMs EAFC 26 has to offer are the backbone of any solid team, and in Career Mode, picking the right ones can define your success. 

These players can dictate tempo and link defense to offense seamlessly. I’ve gone through every standout option and analyzed how they fit in different team setups, so you can see who’s worth signing now and who’ll shine in the long run.

From defensive anchors to versatile engines, this guide covers the cream of the crop. Keep reading to find the CDMs who’ll transform your midfield and elevate your squad.

CDMs with Best Career Mode Potential in EAFC 26

CDMs (Center Defensive Midfielders) are game-changers in FC 26 Career Mode. I’ve picked players who can control the midfield and set the pace of matches.

With these choices, you’ll know who can anchor your squad now and grow into absolute stars over time. Some of these guys already shine in the top leagues, while others have unreal potential if you give them the right development.

This guide is all about helping you build a balanced, future-proof midfield. Pick the right CDMs here, and your team will feel solid from the first match to the final season.

Who Are the Best CDMs To Buy in FC 26 Career Mode?

Portraits of best CDMs to buy in FC 26 Career Mode: Rodri, Declan Rice and Joshua Kimmich.
Player NameAgeClubPosition(s)Market Value (Est.)Current RatingPotential Rating
Rodri29Manchester CityCDM/CM€117-122M9090
Joshua Kimmich30FC Bayern MünchenCDM/RB/CM€80-85M8988
Declan Rice26ArsenalCDM/CM€87-92M8788
Moisés Caicedo23ChelseaCDM/CM€70-75M8788
Sandro Tonali25Newcastle UtdCDM/CM€65-70M8687
Ryan Gravenberch23LiverpoolCDM/CM€55-60M8587
Aurélien Tchouaméni25Real MadridCDM/CM/CB€54-598487
Martin Zubimendi26ArsenalCDM/CM€40-45M8386
Morten Hjulmand26Sporting CPCDM/CM€39-44M8386
Angelo Stiller24VfB StuttgartCDM/CM€33-38M8384

After checking out these midfield anchors, I’d say Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Angelo Stiller are the ones I’d grab in Career Mode.

Rice is a rock in the middle of the park. He combines defensive power with smart distribution that keeps my team in control.

Zubimendi has insane stamina and positioning, which makes him a nightmare for opposing attackers.

Stiller is younger and still developing, but his passing and work rate make him a hidden gem for a future-proof midfield.

Each of these CDMs brings something unique to the squad, and any of them can become the backbone of my team for years to come.

Best CDMs for Lower League Teams

Portraits of best CDMs for lower league teams: Gravenberch, Tchouaméni and Zubimendi.
Player NameAgeClubPosition(s)Market Value (Est.)Current RatingPotential Rating
Ryan Gravenberch23LiverpoolCDM/CM€55-60M8587
Aurélien Tchouaméni25Real MadridCDM/CM/CB€54-598487
Martin Zubimendi26ArsenalCDM/CM€40-45M8386
Morten Hjulmand26Sporting CPCDM/CM€39-44M8386
Angelo Stiller24VfB StuttgartCDM/CM€33-38M8384

Lower league squads can punch above their weight with the right CDMs.

Ryan Gravenberch drives the team forward with energy and strength, Aurélien Tchouaméni dominates defensively, and Morten Hjulmand adds grit and tactical awareness.

Each of these CDMs can elevate a lower league team on their own, which will help you control matches and compete against stronger squads.

Best CDMs for Top League Teams

Portraits of best CDMS for top league teams: Sandro Tonali, Rodri and Moisés Caicedo.
Player NameAgeClubPosition(s)Market Value (Est.)Current RatingPotential Rating
Rodri29Manchester CityCDM/CM€117-122M9090
Joshua Kimmich30FC Bayern MünchenCDM/RB/CM€80-85M8988
Declan Rice26ArsenalCDM/CM€87-92M8788
Moisés Caicedo23ChelseaCDM/CM€70-75M8788
Sandro Tonali25Newcastle UtdCDM/CM€65-70M8687

Running a top-tier squad means you need midfielders who can boss the pitch.

Rodri reads the game like a pro; he drops perfect passes and shuts down attacks. Joshua Kimmich mixes lockdown defense with playmaking chops. Sandro Tonali has the stamina and vision to keep the tempo blazing.

These guys turn your midfield into a command center, controlling the flow and keeping you ahead in every match.

Cheap Wonderkid CDMs in EA FC 26 Career Mode

Portraits of cheap wonderkid CDMs in Career Mode: Lavia, Ricci and Casadó.
Player NameAgeClubPosition(s)Market Value (Est.)Current RatingPotential Rating
Romeo Lavia21ChelseaCDM/CM€25-30M7885
Samuele Ricci24Milano FCCDM/CM€28-33M7885
Marc Casadó22FC Barcelona CDM/CM€12-17M7986
Nicolas Seiwald24RB LeipzigCDM/CM€20-25M7784
Eric Martel231. FC KölnCDM/CM/CB€12-17M7683

If you’re grinding Career Mode on a budget, Marc Casadó, Romeo Lavia, and Samuele Ricci are absolute gems.

Casadó’s vision and passing punch above his price, Lavia brings insane energy and tackling, and Ricci can boss the midfield with precise control and clever positioning.

Snagging these kids lets you stack a potent midfield without draining your transfer funds, which gives your team high upside while keeping coins for other upgrades.

EAFC 26 Best CDMs

A solid midfield keeps your squad from falling apart, and I’ve already scoped out the other positions in detail. Dive into these guides if you want to stack your team with the best players and dominate Career Mode:

  • Best CAMs – These playmakers control the action and pick apart defenses with pinpoint passes. They’re the ones pulling strings when your squad needs to break through tight lines.
  • Best Center Midfielders – Workhorses that boss the middle of the pitch. They’re intercepting, tackling, and driving play forward, keeping the engine of your team running smooth.
  • Best Left Midfielders – Speed demons who can roast fullbacks on the flank. Their dribbles, crosses, and sneaky runs create chaos for any opponent.
  • Best Right Midfielders – Players that stretch defenses and create openings on the wing. When they pick up the ball, you know things are about to get messy for your rivals.
  • Best Center Backs – Commanders of the backline who read the game like a pro. Their tackles, blocks, and aerial dominance make it almost impossible for attackers to get past.

Keep grinding, swapping, and testing combos to build a midfield that’s impossible to beat. Your CDMs set the pace, but pairing them with the right squadmates will let you crush every match.

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Nate Kencana

Tech Writer | Your Go-To for Gaming Reads and More

Hi! I'm Nate. An Indonesian wordsmith who's passionate in storytelling, SEO, football, and billiards.

I write for a living, play music as a side hustle, and try to make Neuer-level saves between the posts in football.

When I'm not writing or chasing my sons (re: cats) around the house, I'm usually watching Arsenal match highlights or driving around the town while listening to Tulus.

The rest? Is still unwritten.