In EA FC 26, central midfielders (CMs) are often the heartbeat of a team. They control the tempo of the game, dictate passes, break up opposition attacks, and provide both defensive stability and attacking creativity. Whether you're building your dream team in Career Mode or aiming to climb the ranks with a lower-league side, selecting the right central midfielders can make all the difference. The right blend of technical ability, physicality, and mental attributes is crucial for success, and EA FC 26 gives players a wealth of options to choose from. Here, we'll explore some of the best central midfielders you can target in Career Mode, whether you're looking for established stars or up-and-coming talent.

1. Kevin De Bruyne (OVR 91)

It's hard to discuss central midfielders in FC 26 Coins without mentioning Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian playmaker is a consistent performer in the game and is arguably one of the most complete midfielders in the game. With 91 overall, his vision, passing, and dribbling are exceptional, and he is a maestro in the middle of the park. De Bruyne's passing range is phenomenal, able to thread through balls to your forwards with pinpoint accuracy. His ability to dictate the tempo and create chances makes him a must-have for teams with ambitions of winning the league or even the Champions League.

In Career Mode, he's a great addition if you're looking for a player who can control the game and provide assists, though his age (32) and high price tag (around £60 million) mean he may be a more feasible option for bigger clubs rather than lower-league teams.

Key Stats: Passing 92, Vision 91, Dribbling 87, Stamina 77

2. Luka Modrić (OVR 88)

Luka Modrić is another seasoned veteran who is still a master in the central midfield role. Though he is now in his 30s (he's 39 in EA FC 26), his technical ability and vision remain top-notch. As a player, Modrić offers everything you'd want from a deep-lying playmaker. His ball control and passing are phenomenal, and he is able to transition play quickly from defense to attack with his incredible vision and decision-making.

Though his physicality has slightly decreased due to his age, his intelligence on the ball more than compensates for it. In Career Mode, you'll find him at a relatively low cost compared to De Bruyne, making him a viable option for teams looking to add experience and creativity to the midfield without breaking the bank.

Key Stats: Passing 91, Vision 88, Dribbling 86, Stamina 70

3. Jude Bellingham (OVR 88)

One of the brightest young stars in world football, Jude Bellingham has become a central figure for both club and country. In EA FC 26, he's a dynamic central midfielder who can do it all – defend, attack, and press. At just 22 years old, his potential is through the roof, with many fans predicting that he'll be the next big name in world football.

Bellingham's well-rounded stats make him a great pick for teams looking to build a midfield that can do both the dirty work and offer creativity. His work rate and physical attributes ensure he's effective both defensively and offensively, while his passing and dribbling allow him to link up play seamlessly. As his potential grows (he can reach an overall rating of 91), he becomes a true box-to-box midfielder.

Key Stats: Passing 84, Vision 84, Dribbling 85, Stamina 87

4. Joshua Kimmich (OVR 88)

Joshua Kimmich is another superb central midfielder to target in Career Mode. Known for his versatility, Kimmich can play both as a defensive midfielder and as a more traditional central midfielder. His tactical awareness, passing, and ability to win the buy FIFA 26 Coins ball back are second to none, making him a reliable and efficient player to control the midfield.

While Kimmich is less of a creative spark than someone like De Bruyne, his all-around game and leadership qualities make him indispensable. Whether you're playing him as a holding midfielder or allowing him to make surging runs forward, Kimmich is capable of making an impact in all areas of the pitch. At 29 years old, he's in his prime, and his relatively high work rate makes him a solid choice for teams looking for consistency and stability.

Key Stats: Passing 88, Vision 85, Stamina 86, Defensive Awareness 85