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Best defensive midfielders in EA FC 25

September 26, 2024

The acronym ‘CDM’ wouldn’t sound out of place in any documentary or film discussing the 2008 financial crisis.

But CDMs and CDOs are two very different things. One, thanks to EA Sports, has been thrust into the football lexicon to describe a holding midfielder, while the other was a key facilitator in ensuring the US housing market went bust 16 years ago. So, yeah, two very different things.

Nobody would have described Claude Makelele as a ‘CDM’ (central defensive midfielder) back in his apex. It’s a modern phenomenon and, despite it’s increased prominence in footballing jargon, it’s not a phrase you’re going to hear managers dish out in pre and post-match conferences.

But hey, it works for EA and the acronym remains a part of their latest game.

Here are the ten highest-rated holding midfielders in EA FC 25, including those who have ‘CDM’ listed as an alternate position.

Mac Allister was forced into a deeper role during his first season at Liverpool / Alessandro Sabattini/GettyImages

The Turkish star believes himself to be the best in the world / Alessandro Sabattini/GettyImages

Xhaka was an instrumental figure for an all-conquering Bayer Leverkusen side last season / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages

Oberdorf is a powerful holding midfielder / Christof Koepsel/GettyImages

Barella is a do-it-all midfielder / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

De Jong continues to be dogged by injuries / KOEN VAN WEEL/GettyImages

Gundogan is back in Manchester having spent just one season at Barcelona / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImages

Rice can play multiple midfield roles / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

Guijarro is a cultured holder / Pedro Salado/GettyImages

Rodri has one of the highest-rated cards in EA FC 25 / Visionhaus/GettyImages