The CDM position is one of the most high-value and crucial positions to get right in the world of football. Every world-class side has a world-class defensive midfielder who helps hold formation, win back possession, and recycle the ball, and the same is certainly true in the Fifa space. As well as the popularity of formations like the 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3, the slower pace of Fifa 22 and emphasis on patient passing play makes having a world-class CDM is no longer a luxury that can be avoided. With that in mind, Gamelevate takes a look through who the best CDMs are in Fifa 22 Ultimate Team.
N’Golo Kante (Chelsea/France)
Regarded as possibly the best player in the world in his position, N’Golo Kante shot to the football community’s attention in the 2015/16 as the Player of the Year in Leicester City’s miracle Premier League winning team that season. He was signed by Chelsea that summer, winning back-to-back Premier League titles, and has since gone on to win a Champions League, World Cup, Europa League, and an FA Cup.
Kante was given an upgrade in Fifa 22 Ultimate Team, going from an 88 to a 90, and his total stats of 2,179 represents a well-rounded CDM perfect in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich/Germany)
Joshua Kimmich is one of Germany’s most exciting emergences over the past five years or so and was lauded as an heir to the great Phillip Lahm when he broke through RB Leipzig’s academy as a right-back.
Since his breakthrough, Kimmich has established himself as a versatile and highly competent figure with Bayern Munich, winning six Bundesliga titles, three DFP Pokals as well as the Champions League in 2019/20.
His card in Fifa 22 is once again one of the most versatile in the game, with a total of 2,283 stats. His 89 rating as a CDM with four-star weak foot is exceptional, with his 85 ball control, 89 aggression, and 85 represents
Casemiro (Real Madrid/Brazil)
Casemiro signed for Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2013 and has gone on to become a near ever-present as a CDM in one of the most successful midfield trios in modern footballing history. Along with Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, Casemiro has won two La Liga titles and a whopping four Champions Leagues.
And whilst Real Madrid’s sparkle has been tarnished slightly in recent times, Casemiro’s 89 rating and 2.219 total stats still make him one of the best defensive midfielders in the game. His defending and power totals alone are worth 435 and 260 points respectively, making him one of the best options for the 4-3-3 formations.
Sergio Busquets (Barcelona/Spain)
Perhaps the most iconic and influential defensive midfielder of his time, Sergio Busquets came through the fabled La Masia youth academy in Barcelona and has redefined what the role of a player in his position is. A gifted passer and blessed with a superb level of composure, Barcelona’s demise over the past couple of seasons hasn’t done Busquetes’ Fifa rating any harm.
86 Overall, 2,012 total stats, medium/medium work rates, and a height of 6’2 give the Spaniard a great baseline, but it is with Busquetes’ 86 ball control, 86 reactions, and 87 short passing that his impact is best shown off.
Fabinho (Liverpool/Brazil)
Fabinho established himself as one of the most crucial and impressive cogs in the Leonardo Jardim-led Monaco side that broke the PSG dominance in Ligue 1 and reached the 2016/17 Champions League semis. He joined Liverpool in 2018 and has already won a Premier League and Champions League title.
In Fifa 22, Fabinho holds an 86 rating and a cool 2,163 total stats in-game. 87 Standing tackle, 85 interceptions, 87 short passing and 86 reactions are all the types of numbers players in Ultimate Team want to see for their CDM, and Fabinho is still one of the game’s best options when it comes to deep-lying defensive midfielders.
