The Best Young Center Backs in EA FC 25

Building a legendary squad in EA FC 25’s Career Mode starts with a rock-solid foundation—and nothing is more crucial than securing young talent with high potential. Investing in the right young players not only strengthens your defense but sets you up for long-term success.

Luckily, EA FC 25 offers a wealth of promising center-backs who can develop into world-class defenders. In this article, we’ll highlight the best young center-backs available, focusing on players aged 24 and under at the start of the 2024-25 season, ensuring your squad's growth and stability for years to come.

The Best Young Center Backs - Under 18

Looking for an affordable young talent to develop and eventually sell for a profit? Or perhaps a future star to anchor your defense? Whatever your strategy, these are the best value-for-money, under 18 defenders in EA FC 25.

Pau Cubarsi, 17 - Overall 72, Potential 88

At just 17, Pau Cubarsi is already emerging as a top center-back talent. One of La Masia’s brightest prospects, he’s showing the potential to follow in the footsteps of Barca legend Gerard Piqué. With an impressive 72 overall rating that could grow to a remarkable 88, Cubarsi is a highly recommended option as a mid-table starter in any top league or a valuable rotational player with the potential to shine when given the chance.

Tobias Palacio, 17 - Overall 68, Potential 84

Born and raised at Argentinos Juniors, Argentinian center-back Tobias Palacio is an excellent choice for clubs seeking a future defensive star. Known for his impressive movement and defensive skills, Palacio comes at an affordable price—valued at €2.8M with a €6M release clause—making him accessible to most teams in their first transfer window. With a potential growth of +18, he's a bargain investment with long-term upside.

Luka Vušković, 17 - Overall 64, Potential 86

Fresh out of Croatia’s U19 League, Westerlo's Luka Vušković boasts the highest potential growth on our list, with an impressive +22 difference between his current overall rating and maximum potential. Starting the 24-25 season with solid heading accuracy, Vušković also excels physically, boasting 83 strength and 81 jumping, making him a force to be reckoned with in the air and a valuable long-term investment.

The Best Young Center Backs - Under 21

Whether you're a mid-table club in need of a reliable starter or an elite squad searching for successors to an aging defense, these wonderkids are exactly what you’re looking for.

Antonio Silva - Overall 79, Potential 87

Swift and technically gifted, Benfica’s Antonio Silva can elevate your club’s defensive line even at just 20 years old. Already emerging as one of Portugal’s finest young talents, Silva boasts a potential rating of 87. His ability to execute precise long-range passes makes him an ideal choice for squads looking to bypass the midfield and launch quick, direct attacks. Silva’s combination of defensive prowess and playmaking ability makes him a valuable asset for any team.

Giorgio Scalvini - Overall 78, Potential 88

Another hidden gem from Bergamo Calcio, 20-year-old Giorgio Scalvini is a dominant aerial and physical presence, excelling at intercepting high balls and making an impact during offensive corners. With a solid overall rating of 78 and a potential growth of +10, Scalvini can be the solution to an aging defense or serve as a valuable substitute with the potential to grow into a future starter.

Zeno Debast - Overall 76, Potential 86

Sporting squad member Zeno Debast is a highly versatile center-back with excellent dribbling, passing, and defensive skills. Comfortable with both feet, Debast can initiate counter-attacks or deliver accurate passes to your playmakers, making him an ideal choice for offensively-minded teams. With a solid 76 overall rating, he’s already capable of fitting into Europe’s top defenses and, with time, could evolve into one of the continent’s finest.

The Best Young Center Backs - Over 21

For established clubs in need of a reliable long-term starter, look no further. These are the best U-21 center-backs in EA FC 25, each boasting an overall rating of 80 or higher.

William Saliba, 23 - Overall 87, Potential 89

Arsenal’s number 2, William Saliba, is a fantastic addition to any team’s starting eleven. With an impressive 87 defense rating, 82 pace, and 83 physicality, Saliba is the complete package. His standout abilities—Anticipate+ and Jockey—further elevate his defensive prowess, making him a top choice for pressing opponents into submission.

Nico Schlotterbeck, 24 - Overall 85, Potential 88

Borussia Dortmund's standout young center-back, Nico Schlotterbeck, combines excellent technical and physical attributes that will strengthen any defense. With an impressive 85 overall rating, Schlotterbeck excels in tackling, thanks to his Slide Tackle+ ability, and is also a strong threat in the air with his power headers. His potential to grow to an 88 overall makes him a top pick for managers seeking a long-term solution in their starting eleven.

Odilon Kossounou, 23 - Overall 81, Potential 88

Fast, strong, and technically gifted, Bayer Leverkusen’s loanee to Atalanta Odilon Kossounou (Bergamo Calcio in EA FC 25) brings invaluable qualities to any squad. With an impressive overall rating of 81, he's a solid choice for even top-tier teams in the world’s most competitive leagues. Even more exciting, Kossounou has the potential to grow to an 88 rating, offering a +7 total growth.

Honourable Mentions

Goncalo Inacio, 23 - Overall 80, Potential 87

Yet another talent from Sporting, 23-year-old Gonçalo Inácio is an excellent choice for teams seeking a ball-playing center-back. He poses a significant threat during corners, effortlessly intercepts high balls, and can deliver impressive long-range crosses and precise short-range passes. Inácio has all the tools needed to make a strong impact on the field and leave a lasting impression in any match.

Jarrad Branthwaite, 22 - Overall 79, Potential 87

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite is the perfect example of a no-nonsense center-back. Agile, technically skilled, and physically dominant, Branthwaite ensures that no attacker breaches your defense without a challenge. His standout qualities include excellent aerial presence and top-tier tackling abilities, making him a solid choice for teams seeking a reliable and tough defender.

Leny Yoro, 18 - Overall 78, Potential 86

French center-back Leny Yoro, now with Manchester United, is a formidable presence for opponents to contend with. His tackling ability often sparks game-changing counterattacks. At just 18, Yoro has significant room for growth, starting with an impressive overall rating of 78 and the potential to reach a remarkable 86. With such development, he could even surpass some of his more established teammates.

Best Young Center Backs, Summarised