For the final time, Electronic Arts has released its ratings for the upcoming FIFA game. FIFA 23 will be the last game in the series to be developed by EA, as the company failed to reach a licensing agreement with FIFA, so it will be creating a new franchise next year titled EA Sports FC.
Each year when the ratings are announced, most people rush to see the ratings of strikers and wingers. However, no trophy-challenging team in real-life or FIFA is complete without solid, reliable center-backs. When deciding who to get at the back, FIFA players will be hoping to sign any of these highly rated center-backs.
8 David Alaba (86)
David Alaba is one of the most versatile players at the top level today, as he can be a standout player at left-back, center-midfield, and, of course, at center-back. The Austrian made a name for himself at Bayern Munich, where he played for over a decade. He then swapped Germany for Spain in his move to Real Madrid on a free transfer, where he has been reliable member of the back line ever since.
If pace is anywhere near as important in FIFA 23 as it has been in previous games, then David Alaba will be an expensive option in Ultimate Team due to his 79 Acceleration and Sprint Speed.
7 Aymeric Laporte (86)
Aymeric Laporte arrived at Manchester City in January 2018 after a potential deal with Southampton for Virgil van Dijk fell through (more on him later). Although it was clear that Liverpool got the better player, Aymeric Laporte quickly became an important part of Pep's side and played nearly every game in the 2018-19 Premier League season. Laporte's career took a dip after that, and he only played a total of 31 league games over the following two seasons.
However, the Span international has found his way back into the first team and was a key part of City's 2021-22 title winning season, earning the player an 86 rating.
6 Thiago Silva (86)
Following a lengthy spell at Paris Saint-Germain, where he became recognized as one of the world's best central defenders, Thiago Silva made his way to the Premier League. The veteran defender wasted little time adjusting to the English division at Chelsea and is today considered, even at the age of 37, to be one of the league's very best center backs.
Thiago Silva has some of the best defensive stats in the game, though his 52 Acceleration and 54 Sprint Speed will likely put some players off the Brazilian in Ultimate Team.
5 Kalidou Koulibaly (87)
For many years, Kalidou Koulibaly was linked with almost every top European side. The Senegalese has long been rated as one of the best central defenders in the world; though, despite all the interest, no club decided to bite the bullet and pay the huge sum that Napoli was asking for, which was believed to be around £80m at one point. However, after the hype, and subsequently, his price came down, Chelsea decided to sign the player and ended up securing him from Napoli for a figure reported to be around £33m.
Koulibaly's career at Chelsea hasn't got off to the best start, though there's plenty of belief that he will soon find his footing and become a solid addition to the London side's back line.
4 Antonio Rüdiger (87)
One of the main reasons why Chelsea signed the aforementioned Koulibaly was because of Antonio Rüdiger's move to Real Madrid. A starting player for Chelsea moving to Madrid would usually suggest that a huge amount of money had been spent; though, unfortunately for Chelsea, they received nothing for Rüdiger's departure, as his contract had expired. The loss of Rüdiger was a huge blow for Chelsea as the German defender had been one of the league's best center-backs under Thomas Tuchel.
Rüdiger's physicality, aerial presence, and whopping 91 Sprint Speed will make him a dominant force in FIFA 23.
3 Rúben Dias (88)
Moving from the Primeira Liga to the Premier League is never easy at the age of 22, especially for a center-back. However, Dias took to the Premier League like a duck to water and, incredibly, won the Premier League Player of the Year award in his first season.
Rúben Dias hasn't looked back since and is today recognized as one of the most important players in a Manchester City team that is stacked with world-class talent.
2 Marquinhos (88)
When playing for a team that is willing to spend as much money in the transfer market as PSG, it's safe to say that players have no choice but to perform on a weekly basis if they want to keep their place. As such, the fact that Marquinhos has begun his 10th season in a row at PSG is an impressive achievement. Moreover, Marquinhos is the captain of PSG, which is equally impressive given how many influential players are in the talented squad.
Any players looking to build a team consisting of Brazilian or Ligue 1 players will surely have Marquinhos high on their list of center-back choices.
1 Virgil van Dijk (90)
Ahead of the pack by two points in the latest game is Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool defender has been considered one of the world's best since moving to Merseyside, with some even claiming that the Dutch international would make it into an all-time Premier League 11. Although van Dijk has struggled somewhat at the start of this season, he fully deserves his 90 rating. The center-back was sensational week in and week out for Liverpool last season, something that many thought wouldn't be possible following his ACL injury.
Virgil van Dijk's strength, pace, and positioning make the defender a dream pick in Ultimate Team.
FIFA 23 is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch, and PC.