FIFA 23: Best CDMs [Top 10] - 33rd Square (2024)

After playing midfield across various FIFA titles, I‘ve learned an elite CDM is the foundation of any great squad. They set the defensive shape, facilitate attacking moves, and control games through the center of the park.

This FIFA 23 guide will inform you of all the crucial and excellent players that you can trust to dominate the midfield.

What Makes A Great CDM?

In my experience, the best FIFA CDMs blend defensive nous with technical quality on the ball. Key traits I look for include:

Tenacious Tackling

Top-tier standing tackle and slide tackle ratings allow CDMs to win possession consistently. I find 90+ in both makes huge difference against the trickiest dribblers.

Physical Power

Strength and aggression above 85 enable CDMs to boss midfields, outmuscle opponents and come out on top in 50/50s. Stamina must also be 90+ to cover ground tirelessly.

Composed Distribution

Short passing 85+ retains possession, while 80+ long balls switch the angle of attack. 85+ vision also enables panoramic Pirlo-esque distribution.

Press Resistance

Dribbling and close control in the 80s helps battle the relentless pressure of high blocks and heavy metal presses. Agility above 85 gives them edge in close quarters combat.

Keeping these in mind, below are my experiences using FIFA 23‘s elite CDMs.

10. Marcelo Brozović – Finesse Ball Winner

The first CDM that stood out when I tested Serie A squads was Inter regista Marcelo Brozović. Boasting 94 stamina and 85+ standing/sliding tackle, the Croatian anchored midfield and harried attackers masterfully.

I was impressed how Brozović used agile turns and feints to evade challenges, before distributing calmly to his midfielders. His 84 long shots also provide a threat when pushing into advanced areas.

For only 20K coins, Brozovic offers complete midfield play for Serie A sides. I prefer an architect chemistry style to maximize that well-rounded distribution.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Architect – Passing, Dribbling, Physicality

9. Sergio Busquets – Cerebral General

As a La Liga regular, I‘ve always admired how Sergio Busquets controls games with intelligence instead of physicality. The Spanish veteran may lack mobility, but makes up for it with elite positioning, vision and technique.

In FIFA 23, Busquets replicates these cerebral strengths perfectly. He distributes smoothly with 87 short passing and dictates tempo from deep areas. With 90 composure and 87 reactions, he resists opposition presses with ease.

For a budget under 15k coins, Busquets brings a level of midfield generalship matched only by elite Icons. I use an architect chemistry style to sharpen his distribution.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Architect – Passing, Dribbling, Physicality

8. Sandro Tonali – Complete Midfield Presence

While testing out Serie A CDMs, I was blown away by how Sandro Tonali controlled games. Just 22 years old, the Italian tank showcases traits of a veteran regista.

I was impressed how smoothly Tonali recycles possession with his 84 short and 83 long passing range. He also chipped in attackingly, with 79 shot power and 81 long shots from distance.

Defensively, 82 stand tackling and 84 interceptions helped Tonali regain possession consistently. With 83 strength and 81 aggression, he also held his own in physical battles.

For a mere 1500 coins, Tonali brings startling maturity and completeness to Serie A midfields. I prefer a backbone chem style to increase his physical dominance.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Backbone – Physicality, Defending

7. Fabinho – Lean Tackling Machine

While dominating midfields with my Premier League side, Fabinho emerged as the ultimate pure CDM. Standing at 6’2”, the Brazilian uses his long levers expertly to tackle opponents before they realize it.

I was amazed by how Fabinho‘s 88 standing tackle and 86 sliding tackle helped regain possession consistently. He also covers ground smoothly to track attacking runs thanks to his 88 stamina.

In possession, 84 short passing returns the ball to playmakers quickly after winning tackles and interceptions. His strength does let him down occasionally against brute force midfielders.

For just over 30k coins, Fabinho brings pure defensive skills to fortify midfields. I prefer a guardian chem style to boost his weaker attributes.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Guardian – Dribbling, Defending

6. Rodri – Press Resistant Controller

In my experience using Premier League CDMs, Rodri stood out as the composed deep playmaker. Under pressure from swarming opposition, the Spaniard uses press resistant dribbling to keep attacks flowing.

With 86 short passing range, Rodri smoothly switches the angle of attacks to unsettle defences. Out of possession, 88 stamina allows him snuff out threats across the middle and defensive thirds.

At 6’3” his 82 strength also enables Rodri to hold off challenges, before releasing the ball to advanced playmakers. For 25k coins, he brings sturdy presence and distribution to elite midfields.

I prefer a guardian chemistry style to round off Rodri‘s technical game.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Guardian – Dribbling, Defending

5. Franck Kessié – Midfield Marshman

While exploring La Liga CDMs, I was drawn to Franck Kessie‘s unique blend of power and mobility. Unlike traditional lumbering enforcers, the Ivorian has pace to burn despite his stocky frame.

I was amazed how Kessie races across midfield hunting down possession, before overpowering opponents in tackles. With 85 stand tackling and 84 interceptions, he wins the ball back effectively.

In attack, Kessie facilitates play with 83 short passes before making lung bursting forward runs. For a mere 1500 coins, he brings brutal ball-winning skills.

To sharpen his distribution game, I prefer a backbone chemistry style on powerhouse Kessie.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Backbone – Physicality, Defending

4. Casemiro – Midfield Man Mountain

Crossing over to the Premier League, Casemiro immediately leapt out as the division‘s supreme ball-winner. Boasting 90 stand tackle and 87 slide tackle, the Brazilian regains possession at will before opponents can react.

I‘ve been amazed at how Casemiro uses sheer strength to outmuscle and outpace attacking talent. His 91 aggression and 90 strength strike fear into agile dribblers and target men alike.

Casemiro also impresses on the ball, switching play effectively with 84 short and 83 long passing range. For 70k coins, he brings unmatched physical presence to elite midfields.

To sharpen his reactions, I use a backbone chemistry style when dominating with Casemiro.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Backbone – Physicality, Defending

3. Declan Rice – New-Age English Enforcer

After hearing the hype around Declan Rice, I tried him out to add steel to my Premier League squad. The Englishman immediately impressed with his unique blend of mobility, tackling, distribution and stamina.

I‘ve been amazed at how Rice races across midfield hunting down possession, before timing crunching stand tackles. With 83 interceptions and leading 84 stand tackling, he wins the ball back in midfield consistently.

Declan also impresses in possession, switching play incisively using 83 short and 84 long passing range. For just 25k coins he brings immense maturity and completeness.

I use an anchor chemistry style when dominating midfields with Rice. This rounds off his physical and defensive attributes.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Anchor – Pace, Defending, Physicality

2. N‘Golo Kante – Midfield Terrier

As an avid Chelsea supporter, I‘ve always admired N‘Golo Kante‘s uniqueness as a diminutive ball-winning genius. Unlike lumbering enforcers, Kante uses his low center of gravity to nip in and win tackles with perfect timing.

In FIFA 23, Kante‘s strengths shine through in his 90 interceptions and 93 standing tackling. He races around midfield hunting possession, before poking tackles away flawlessly.

With 95 stamina, Kante also covers every blade of grass imperiously. His high attacking work rates produce occasional goals when he storms into advanced areas.

For around 100k coins, Kante brings unrivaled ball-winning skills honed over years of excellence. To boost his strength, reactions and pace, I use an anchor chemistry style.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Anchor – Pace, Defending, Physicality

1. Joshua Kimmich – Complete Midfield Maestro

Finally we arrive at my pick for FIFA 23‘s #1 CDM – Bayern Munich‘s Joshua Kimmich. Boasting well-rounded excellence, Kimmich plays with the poise and effectiveness of a world class regista.

His 85 interceptions and 85 standing tackling help Kimmich win back possession consistently. On the ball he dictates games majestically, using 90 long passing and 85 vision to spray balls around.

The German also impresses in tight spaces, with 88 agility and 85 ball control to evade challenges. 94 stamina gives him the mobility to control transitions at both ends.

For around 300k coins, Kimmich brings unrivaled completeness and big game control to midfields. To boost his pace and physicality, I use an engine chem style when dominating with this elite CDM.

Standout Stats:

Preferred Chemistry Boosts:

Engine – Pace, Passing, Dribbling

And that sums up my experiences using FIFA 23‘s standout CDMs! Let me know which midfielder is your personal favorite to control games with!

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