FIFA 20: Best CDMs to sign on Career Mode for every budget

FIFA 21 may be on its way, but that doesn’t mean we’re done with FIFA 20 just yet, and Career Mode still provides a way to keep the game fresh.

When it comes to Career Mode, most players might look to build their attack first and worry about the rest of the squad later.

It’s a system that makes sense with virtual title races often won and lost on how big strikers perform in tight games. Others may look to fill the wings with pace, getting the better of their opponents by steering clear of challenges, playing on the counter-attack.

But what of the defensive midfielders?

Almost every popular formation in FIFA 20 utilises at least one CDM, who will be needed to sweep up in front of the defence, start the attacks, or both.

That makes it vital for the right defensive midfielder to be bought early on. But who is the right CDM for you and your budget?

We’ve taken a look at some of the best CDM options across an array of transfer fees to make your job just a bit easier, although we’re only looking at those available in the first transfer window. We only ask for a thank you in your press conferences after the league has been won.

Values and presence of release clauses may vary per save. All prices correct at the time of publishing on 27/07/2020.

FIFA 20 best CDMs to sign on Career Mode – Under £1m

Andres Balanta (Deportivo Cali)

When looking for cheap, but good, options at CDM in FIFA 20 Career Mode it’s best to turn your attentions away from Europe and search for younger players you can grow.

Perhaps the best option for this is Deportivo Cali midfielder Andres Balanta, currently playing in Colombia’s top flight. At just 19 years old, the CDM has an overall of 61 with decent stamina (71), standing tackle (63) and short passing (64). Valued at around £450k, you won’t have to pay more than that for the teenager who has the potential to grow to 78 overall, despite his higher release clause.

Mattia Viviani (Brescia)

But if you do want a solid European option, it might be worth taking a look at Italian youngster Mattia Viviani.

The Brescia CDM starts FIFA 20 with an initial rating of 63 with a pretty decent spread of stats. His lowest average is shooting at 57, but that’s not too mad for a defensive midfielder and his pact at 71 will ensure he isn’t too easy to get past. Viviani’s solid 60+ in tackling will only get better if you help him reach his potential overall of 83. The Italian is valued at £650k in game and Brescia will allow him to leave for just below that sum, giving you a tidy cheap player.

James Garner (Manchester United)

One English option you could go for without breaking the bank is Manchester United’s CDM James Garner.

The 19-year-old has decent all-round stats for his overall rating of 65, including 65 short passing and 63 standing tackle. The biggest point of interest on the Englishman’s profile is his potential of 84, meaning he can turn into a gem if you get him early on. Garner is initially valued at £1.1m but Man Utd will accept a around £950k if you persevere.

FIFA 20 best CDMs to sign on Career Mode for £1m-£10m

Oliver Skipp (Tottenham Hotspur)

Moving into a lower mid-range for teams who can afford slightly more, but still want to keep it low, Tottenham Hotspur’s Oliver Skipp could be a valuable signing.

The 19-year-old has featured for Tottenham’s first team this season but will likely be out of it on FIFA 20, and this is where you can capitalise. Coming in with an initial rating of 67, Skipp boasts 73 short passing and 69 standing tackle, while also rising as high as 84 in Career Mode. He’s valued at £1.3m and Spurs should accept that.

Ludovit Reis (Barcelona)

Barcelona are full of midfield talent and most of them will be out of reach for all but the biggest teams. But one you could lure away easily is Ludovit Reis.

Starting with a rating of 70, the Dutch midfielder is certainly one to cut out opposition attacks; his interceptions rating starts at 75. The 19-year-old is also pretty good in the air, with jumping rating of 82 while his standing tackle’s 70 shouldn’t be ignored. Reis has an initial value of £2.8m, but it might just be worth triggering his £7.5m release clause to avoid any hassle when it’s available.

Orel Mangala (Stuttgart)

Even more impressive than Skipp and Reis is Stuttgart CDM Orel Mangala, who should really cost more than he does given how good he can become.

With a rating of 74, the Belgian midfielder has three-star skill moves and four-star weak foot to add to 77 short passing and impressing dribbling stats. Mangala also has decent strength at 72, which will only improve if you help him reach his potential overall rating of 83. He’s valued at £7.5m, but Stuttgart will hold out for around £9.5m with a sell-on.

FIFA 20 best CDMs to sign on Career Mode for £10m-£20m

Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United)

Moving onto the slightly more expensive CDMs, you shouldn’t overlook Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips.

He is being linked with a big move in actual reality, so it should come as to no surprise to see art imitating life on FIFA 20. Starting with a rating of 76, the Englishman won’t be bullied in the middle of the pitch with an 83 physical rating, including 82 strength and 84 aggression. Very much a defence-minded midfielder, Phillips’ standing tackling of 76 will be useful. He is initially valued at £8.5m but Leeds will take around £11m.

Marc Roca (Espanyol)

A passing maestro, Marc Roca can be key in your attacking play at CDM if you manage to lure him from Espanyol.

The Spaniard starts with a rating of 78 but has short passing of 83 and long passing of 84 in addition to 80 vision. But not only capable of spraying balls around the pitch, Roca also has 76 standing tackle and 74 sliding tackle, meaning he is good at both ends. With a potential overall rating of 86, Roca can have a release clause of £29.9m but you can get him for a lot closer to his value (£13m) with Espanyol accepting around £16m.

Sandro Tonali (Brescia)

Another already-decent CDM who can continue to improve is Sandro Tonali.

The Italian starts FIFA 20 with a rating of 77, with especially impressive passing attributes including 81 short passing and 81 long passing Not to mention four-star weak foot and 77 physical. But the biggest drawing point for the teenager is his potential rating of 91. Tonali’s initial value is £16m but Brescia are tough negotiators. Around £19.5m should do it, maybe with a small sell-on clause involved.

FIFA 20 best CDMs to sign on Career Mode for £20m and above

Lucas Torreira (Arsenal)

For some players, £20m won’t be considered expensive, but not every team is blessed with a high budget and might want to spread their finances. That’s where Lucas Torreira could come in.

The Uruguayan is currently has a rating of 81 and also has the potential to rise to 87 in Career Mode. Torreira is a very good all-round CDM with impressive passing, dribbling, defending and physical stats including 87 aggression and 83 short passing. He’s valued at £19.5m, and although Arsenal will be demand much more than this, you can get them to do business for around £32m with good negotiation.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)

Another Premier League CDM who could represent a good addition to your team if you have the funds is Wilfred Ndidi.

Everyone knows how good the Nigerian is, and he has been given a boost to 84 on FIFA 20, more deserving of his quality. And so his potential of 88. As a result, his defending is now at 86, including 87 marking and 88 standing tackle. Ndidi will also rarely tire in a match with 92 stamina. And his 90 jumping helps stop attacks in the air or on the ground. As a result of his boost, Ndidi is valued at £33m but can be yours for around £42m.

Fabinho (Liverpool)

Now, if you’ve got big money to play with then there’s only one CDM for you: Fabinho.

Boasting an initial rating of 86, the Brazilian CDM is capable of adding to both defensive and attacking sides of your game. He has 84 short passing and 87 standing tackling, and can be crucial in a penalty shootout with 91 penalties. Fabinho also has the potential to rise to 89, making him potentially the best defensive midfielder in Career Mode. Naturally, he won’t come cheap. Valued at £44m, Liverpool won’t budge on Fabinho unless you offer around £70m, though it could be more depending on your luck.