Defenders in FIFA 23 are essential for stopping goals and limiting enemy attacks. We've collected a list of the top-tier meta CBs that players should deploy in Ultimate Team to aid in their play and create a wall in front of their opponents. Which players to include on your team is one of the most important decisions you must make in FIFA 23 before exploring all of the essential aspects of Ultimate Team, such as the greatest custom tactics and formations.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best defenders in FIFA 23, explaining what makes them so useful on the pitch and giving some key insights that might change your team for the better.
Top 5 Defenders FIFA 23
António Silva, Benfica
António Silva has developed into a capable defender under the tutelage of Benfica, and the young Portuguese player significantly contributed to Benfica's advancement to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal, where Inter Milan eliminated them. In any case, the center-back has a bright future because so many elite clubs are keeping an eye on him.
António Silva's FIFA 23 rating has increased during the course of the team updates made by EA, and he is presently rated 77. If you consider his potential, he has a Career Mode rating of 88 and is a player you should consider purchasing.
Nico Schlotterbeck, Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund, who is battling Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga championship, relies heavily on Nico Schlotterbeck. He was acquired by Dortmund for €25 million from SC Freiburg, but his services in the game will cost you much more.
The German now has a rating of 82 in FIFA 23, and he has the ability to increase that rating to 87 in the Career Mode, which will be sufficient for your requirements. Moreover, he will undoubtedly be one of the greatest pickups because it is difficult to find a good left-footed defender.
Gonçalo Inácio, Sporting CP
Like António Silva, Gonçalo Inácio is one more Portuguese defender who has made a mark in world football in recent years. The talented centre back has been outstanding for Sporting CP and is consistently improving.
Speaking about his FIFA 23 numbers, Gonçalo Inácio has been provided with a rating of 79 and a high potential of 88. You can try to get him under €50-55 million, and he can be a perfect addition to the defense. He will be floating around the mid-80s mark within a few years.
William Saliba, Arsenal
William Saliba has been among the most vital players for Arsenal, and he is the best young center-back you can end up purchasing in FIFA 23’s Career Mode. The French defender is exceptional on the ball and would be perfect for guiding your backline to trophies.
With a rating of 83 and a potential of 89, William Saliba will fit straight into the team, and you wouldn’t have to worry anymore about conceding many goals. Since he is right-footed, you can pair him with a left-footed center back to enhance the defense.
Joško Gvardiol, RB Leipzig
Joko Gvardiol has become recognized as one of the best defenders in the world thanks to his efforts during the course of the 2022–2023 season. The youthful players contributed significantly to Croatia's remarkable performance in the FIFA World Cup 2022, the pinnacle of international football.
Even the Future Stars promotional video, which features some of the best performers in the world, featured him. Joko Gvardiol, on the other hand, gets a rating of 82 in the game's Career Mode and a high potential of 89. You would have to pay a lot of money to purchase him, and you would need between €70 and €90 million to find a buyer.
If you're after some stronger defenders who can win the ball back in almost any confrontation, consider putting Ruben Dias and Matthijs de Ligt in your CB slots. With physical scores of 88 and 87 respectively, they're among the strongest defenders and will reliably regain possession in 1v1 situations.