Midfielders are the heartbeat of any team in FIFA 22. They link defense with attack, dictate tempo, and can make the difference between dominating possession or losing control. Choosing the right midfielders depends on your system (4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, 4-1-2-1-2, etc.), budget, and preferred playstyle.

🔹 Types of Midfielders in FIFA 22

  1. CDM (Defensive Midfielder / Anchor)

    • Role: Protect the defense, break up attacks, recycle possession.

    • Attributes to look for: Strength, interceptions, stamina, defensive awareness, short passing.

  2. Box-to-Box Midfielder (CM)

    • Role: Cover ground, contribute in both attack & defense.

    • Attributes: High stamina, work rates, balanced passing, dribbling, tackling.

  3. Playmaker (CAM / Deep-lying CM)

    • Role: Control tempo, create chances, unlock defenses.

    • Attributes: Vision, passing, composure, ball control.

  4. Attacking Midfielder (CAM)

    • Role: Final third creativity, scoring, skill moves, quick dribbling.

    • Attributes: Agility, finishing, flair, positioning.

🔹 Best Midfielders by Category

🛡️ Best Defensive Midfielders (CDMs)

  • N’Golo Kanté (Chelsea) – The ultimate ball-winning midfielder. Incredible stamina, interceptions, and positioning make him a must-have.

  • Casemiro (Real Madrid) – Strong physical presence, excellent tackling, and aerial ability. Great for holding possession and shielding backline.

  • Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – A budget-friendly option in Career Mode and FUT. High defensive stats and stamina.

👉 Use them in 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 holding formations to dominate defensive control.

🔄 Best Box-to-Box Midfielders (CMs)

  • Paul Pogba (Manchester United) – Flair, strength, and creativity combined. Perfect for driving runs and distributing long balls.

  • Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich) – FIFA 22 "Gullit Gang" (80+ in all key stats). High stamina, all-rounded, and fits FUT meta perfectly.

  • Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona) – Composed passer, ball retention, smooth dribbling, and positional awareness.

👉 Ideal for possession-based players who want a midfielder that can do everything.

🎨 Best Playmakers (Deep-Lying / CAM)

  • Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – The best passer in FIFA 22. Elite vision, long shots, set-piece specialist. Can play CAM or CM.

  • Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) – Excellent creativity, penalty taker, and late runs into the box. Great hybrid CAM/CM.

  • Thiago Alcântara (Liverpool) – Brilliant dribbling and passing, great for tiki-taka playstyles.

👉 Perfect in 4-1-2-1-2 (narrow) or 4-3-3 (control) formations.

⚡ Best Attacking Midfielders (CAMs)

  • Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich) – High positioning, intelligent movement, underrated in FIFA.

  • Kai Havertz (Chelsea) – Agile, skillful, and tall. A future star in Career Mode and strong CAM in FUT.

  • Phil Foden (Manchester City) – Wonderkid CAM/wing hybrid. Agile, creative, and grows massively in Career Mode.

👉 Best used behind the striker in 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 setups.

🔹 Career Mode Wonderkid Midfielders (Under 21)

If you’re building long-term:

  • Pedri (Barcelona) – Already world-class at 18, grows into one of the best playmakers.

  • Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) – Perfect box-to-box CDM/CM with insane growth potential.

  • Ryan Gravenberch (Ajax) – Tall, technical, versatile CM. Great Career Mode bargain.

  • Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) – Complete midfielder, insane stamina, and long-term captain material.

🔹 Ultimate Team (FUT) Meta Midfielders

  • Renato Sanches (Lille) – FUT community favorite. Aggressive, fast, versatile, great stamina.

  • Marcos Llorente (Atlético Madrid) – Perfect for counter-attacking systems. Pace + defensive awareness.

  • Valverde (Real Madrid) – Strong, quick, and reliable. Great budget FUT option.

⚔️ Key Tips for Using Midfielders in FIFA 22

  1. Use jockey defending with CDMs – Don’t rush; cut passing lanes.

  2. Trigger late runs from CMs – Double tap L1/LB for surprise attacking support.

  3. Switch tempo with playmakers – Mix short passes with through balls.

  4. Don’t overcrowd midfield – Assign clear roles (1 CDM, 1 box-to-box, 1 CAM works best).

  5. Custom Tactics – Keep CDM on Stay Back While Attacking, allow box-to-box to Balanced, and CAM on Free Roam.

✅ Final Verdict:

  • If you want defensive control → Kanté, Casemiro, Ndidi.

  • For balanced play → Goretzka, Pogba, De Jong.

  • If you need creativity → De Bruyne, Bruno, Pedri (Career Mode).

  • For FUT meta & budget → Renato Sanches, Llorente, Valverde.