- Primary Subject: A curated list of the best budget-friendly fullbacks and center backs for EA Sports FC 27.
- Key Update: With manual defending heavily emphasized and AI team press reduced, selecting defenders with proper physical dimensions, Jockey PlayStyles, and high recovery pace is critical to minimizing early goals.
- Status: Pre-Launch Budget Defensive Guide.
- Last Verified: September 14, 2026.
- Quick Answer: Prioritize height and physical presence for center backs (like Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato) and high pace with Jockey or Intercept traits for fullbacks (like Antonee Robinson and Andrei Rațiu) to maximize early meta efficiency.
Defending in FC 27 is said to receive plenty of changes. There will be no team press abusing and relying on AI.
Early gameplay showed defenders ball-watching what they'd normally intercept in the past, unless you control them.
How long these changes last remains to be seen. But you still need to pick the right defender, with proper attributes and PlayStyles, if you want to concede fewer goals.
It'll be tough to make coins in the first few weeks. Therefore, we have listed some of the best and most affordable starter players for your backline.
Best Budget-Friendly Starter Squad Defenders in FC 27
Below are the most affordable starting fullbacks and center backs in FC 27.
Keep in mind this is a pre-launch assessment to help you jump into squad building quickly.
We have carefully picked players that, in theory, shouldn't be expensive. But their price may be high if they turn out to be meta for any other odd reasons.
5 Best Starter Fullbacks in FC 27
- Antonee Robinson (LB)
- Marco Palestra (RB)
- Dayann Methalie (LB)
- Andrei Rațiu (RB)
- Wesley França (LB, RB)
The key things for a fullback are Jockey and Intercept PlayStyles, lengthy acceleration, and pace attributes with either Quick Step or Rapid.
Of course, any card with all of those isn't cheap. Just pick players that fill some of those categories in the early days, and add the rest, especially PlayStyles, later with Evolutions.
Antonee Robinson and Andrei Rațiu are the two best starter cards. Choose whoever fits your team chemistry better.
Dayann Methalie has great Evolution potential right from day one. The Frenchman plays for Sunderland in the Premier League and has no PlayStyles, giving him a favorable link and customization options.
5 Best Starter Center Backs in FC 27
- Wesley Fofana
- Jorrel Hato
- Jayden Oosterwolde
- Mario Gila Fuentes
- Dávid Hancko
The most important thing to look for in a center back is height. You need tall strides to catch explosive attackers and prevent odd crosses and corners.
They must also be physically strong, at least enough to not get tossed around by attackers.
Stats and PlayStyles can be added with Evolutions, so don't worry much about that. You don't necessarily need to pick someone fast, but high pace will certainly be advantageous.
Some of these cards may get a better version through Objectives and other rewards. You can simply swap them if you can earn them quickly.
That's everything you need to know about the best starter squad defenders in FC 27.
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