FIFA 21 Best Defenders: 10 Featured Players

In FIFA 21, defensive systems must be the players’ priority, and defenders are the main pieces to form a solid team at the back. In addition to good marking, tackling and interception skills, defenders also need balanced numbers in physical strength, speed, and acceleration. 

Check below the list of the 10 best defenders in FIFA 21. It is worth remembering that FIFA 21 is available for download on PlayStation 4 (PS4), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Origin and Steam), in addition to winning versions for PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S in the future.

The list below brings not only some of the best-rated defenders of the game but also other young defenders who stand out in Ultimate Team mode (considering only the standard card versions) and can develop considerably in Career mode.

Virgil Van Dijk – Liverpool

Virgil Van Dijk FIFA 21 Rating

The defender arrived at Liverpool for a world record and since then has shown all his quality as one of the key pieces of Jurgen Klopp’s scheme. At FIFA 21, VVD is the most highly rated defender, with very high attributes in all fundamentals. Good speed, impeccable positioning, and physical strength are the strengths of the Dutchman, who still has 1.93 in height.

  • Potential in Career Mode: 91

Sergio Ramos – Real Madrid

Ramos FIFA 21 Rating

One of the icons of the last decade at Real Madrid, Sergio Ramos is much more than just an advocate. With great offensive performance, the Spaniard scores goals very often, which was reflected in his digital version of FIFA 21. Besides the offensive skills, Ramos is also a rock in defense, with the agility of displacement and a lot of technique in scoring and defending.

  • Potential in Career Mode: 89
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Kalidou Koulibaly – Napoli

Koulibaly FIFA 21 Rating

Constantly the target of rumors about the transfer to European giants, Koulibaly is the defensive pillar of Napoli’s strong team. Although he has lost a general point compared to last year’s game, the Senegalese remains one of the safest options for defenses, both in FUT and Career mode. His physical vigor is his main weapon, as well as balanced numbers in speed and defense.

  • Potential in Career mode: 88

Raphael Varane – Real Madrid

Varane  FIFA 21 Rating

One of the most desired Ultimate Team defenders has returned even stronger for the 2021 season. Ramos’ partner at Real, the Frenchman is still young, but he squanders talent in scoring and has the speed to chase the best strikers in the game. Varane is very valued in Career and FUT and justifies the values with one of the most accurate performances for the position.

  • Potential in Career mode: 88

Matthijs de Ligt – Piedmont Calcio

De Light FIFA 21 Rating

The prodigy of Juventus (or Piedmont Calcio, in FIFA 21) keeps improving with each new edition of the game. At only 21, the Dutch defender is already among the best in the Ultimate Team and is certainly the best signing in career mode for those seeking a top defender with the potential for much evolution. A highlight that deserves to be mentioned is the ease with which the player uses both feet for passes and shots.

  • Potential in Career mode: 92

Clement Lenglet – Barcelona

Lenglet  FIFA 21 Rating

Another Ultimate Team mode hit, French people benefit from their nationality to be used in various formations. Lenglet is also left-footed, a feature that can enhance the safety of a duo. In Career mode, the Barça defender is an interesting target because he is only 25 years old and has a lot of development ahead of him.

  • Potential in Career mode: 89
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David Alaba – Bayern

Alaba FIFA 21 Rating

Bayern’s left-sided starter for many seasons, Alaba gradually migrated to the defense, a position in which it became an important part of the Bavarian team. Even with the decrease in his general level and his speed compared to FIFA 20, the Austrian left-hander still has much to offer in the game, with good defensive performance and constant presence in support of attacks.

  • Potential in Career Mode: 84

Joe Gomez – Liverpool

Gomez FIFA 21 Rating

Don’t be fooled by Joe Gomez’s general attributes in FIFA 21. Even with only 83 points, the Liverpool defender has all the desired skills for a great defender, as well as a promising future in Career mode, where he can grow a lot. Quite fast and safe in the defense, the English is an interesting addition to any squad of the game.

  • Potential in Career mode: 88

Diego Carlos – Sevilla

Carlos FIFA 21 Rating

Little known here, the Brazilian defender has been standing out in European soccer since 2014, with stints in Portugal, France, and Spain. Currently in Sevilla, Diego “burst” in the FIFA 21 Ultimate Team thanks to his good numbers in speed, defensive support, and physical advantage. The ease with both legs is also a factor that plays in favor of the defender.

  • Potential in Career Mode: 85

Eder Miliṭo РReal Madrid

Militao FIFA 21 Rating

Another defender with apparently weak attributes who shines in FIFA 21 is Eder Militão. The third Real Madrid player on the list, the Brazilian has only 80 points in his overall average (one less than in FIFA 20), but he yields a lot on the field and facilitates calls at FUT. For the Career mode, the 22-year-old player can go far, ensuring enough quality to evolve.

  • Potential in Career mode: 87

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