FIFA 23 Best Defenders: Van Dijk, Lucio, And More

Deciding who the FIFA 23 best defenders are is a tricky task, because you need to consider a wide range of options across three positions too. While the attackers might be the ones scoring your goals and doing fancy tricks, without good defenders in FIFA you'll have more leaks than FUTSheriff's timeline. So, to find out who the FIFA 23 best defenders are make sure to carry on reading down below.

• Don't miss this guide for the FIFA 23 cheapest 85 rated players if you ever need to complete an SBC.

FIFA 23 Best Defenders

When looking at who the FIFA 23 best defenders are, you have to take into account the obvious fact that the defence is split across three positions with very different roles. You're likely going to want a completely different type of player for your centre back as you would for your full back, so we have split this guide into two sections of centre back and full back.

Furthermore, while there are some top tier players who can play in one of the positions due to the new alternate position feature this year, we're only going to consider players whose best position is in the defence. Apologies to anyone hoping to see Mid Gullit in this list.

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FIFA 23 Best CBs

Here are our picks for the best centre backs in FIFA 23, in no particular order:

• World Cup Hero Lucio
• World Cup Stories Virgil van Dijk
• Mid Paolo Maldini
• World Cup Phenoms Eder Militao
• World Cup Icon Laurent Blanc

With both Lucio and Virgil van Dijk, both of their base versions were already at the top of the food chain in terms of defenders, so that when they received a boost it was automatic that they retained their place. 

The two cards are near-identical in terms of stats, offering pace, physicality, and unbeatable defending. Alongside this, they both have the right body type to bully players off the ball and long, gangly legs to stretch for any tackle.

Mid Maldini is a bit of a default boring choice, but he still remains one of the best defenders you can buy in FIFA. Soon to be overtaken by his prime when it is released, Mid Maldini just does everything right. In the most cliche of terms, it's like having a cheat code on your team.

The World Cup Phenoms Eder Militao card has revitalised a player that would otherwise have been a bit left behind in the meta. Being the fastest card in our selection with a whopping 87 pace, Eder Militao will likely catch up to even the speediest of wingers.

Finally, World Cup Icon Laurent Blanc is a bit of a sleeper choice - even though he is generally well regarded. The main reason people look over Blanc is his comparatively lower pace, which is a bit ridiculous considering he still reaches the 80 mark here. His body type and overall in-game presence is where Blanc excels though, beating any player on strength alone if you encounter them one v one.

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FIFA 23 Best Full Backs

Here is who we have chosen for the FIFA 23 best full backs in the game:

• World Cup Icon Roberto Carlos
• Mid Cafu
• Path to Glory Kyle Walker
• World Cup Hero Capdevila
• World Cup Icon Gianluca Zambrotta

In terms of left backs in FIFA 23 right now, both World Cup Icon Roberto Carlos and World Cup Hero Capdevila are the gold standard. While the left flank is his natural (and best position), you could easily stick Roberto Carlos anywhere on the pitch and he will do well. Conversely, Capdevila was a bit of a surprise hit, especially after a fairly underwhelming standard FUT Hero card. He is absolutely commanding on the left though, with many pro players calling him the best left-back in the game.

For right backs, you have Mid Cafu, Path to Glory Kyle Walker, and World Cup Icon Zambrotta to choose from, and they all have their own specificities to suit your team. Cafu is the classic pick, being as strong as ever this FIFA in both defence and attack, while also providing a very viable double nation link too. If you're looking for defensive stability in your full backs though, there is no better choice than Kyle Walker, especially with this Path to Glory version. And finally, Gianluca Zambrotta is the perfect attacking choice, especially with his four star skills and five star weak foot.

So, that completes this list of the FIFA 23 best defenders, giving you ten players to choose from to round out the perfect back line. If you want to know who the FIFA 23 cheapest 87 rated players are to save some money, make sure to have a read of this guide.