FIFA 17: Top Center Backs For Your Ultimate Team
Alright guys, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of building a rock-solid defense in FIFA 17. We're talking about the absolute best center backs (CBs) that will make your opponents sweat every time they even think about approaching your goal. Choosing the right CBs is crucial, folks. They're the last line of defense, the ones who need to be quick, strong, and have a knack for sniffing out danger. In FIFA 17, having a pair of formidable CBs can be the difference between lifting that trophy and watching your rival celebrate. We've scoured the virtual pitches, analyzed stats, and recalled those nail-biting moments to bring you a definitive list of the top-tier defenders you absolutely need to consider. Whether you're building an Ultimate Team from scratch or looking to upgrade your current squad, this guide is your go-to for finding those defensive titans. We'll break down what makes them stand out, their key attributes, and why they deserve a spot in your starting XI. Get ready to bolster your backline, because with these guys, your defense will be as impenetrable as a medieval fortress. We're going beyond just the flashy attackers and focusing on the unsung heroes who win you games with their defensive prowess. Think of them as the sturdy walls that protect your castle, ensuring no one gets past without a serious fight. So, buckle up, and let's find the perfect CB partners to secure those crucial clean sheets. It's all about smarts, strength, and that undeniable presence in the heart of your defense. Let's get started on solidifying your back four, because a great offense might win you games, but a legendary defense wins you championships. We're going to look at pace, defending stats, physical attributes, and even their composure on the ball, because in FIFA 17, even your defenders need to be well-rounded. You can't afford to have a weak link at the back, so pay attention, and make the right choices. Your victory depends on it!
The Stalwarts: Unbeatable CBs You Need
When we talk about the best center backs in FIFA 17, certain names just scream dominance. These are the players who consistently perform at a high level, offering a blend of physical presence, speed, and defensive intelligence that's hard to match. First up, we have the undisputed king, Sergio Ramos. Yes, he might have a fiery temperament, but his stats in FIFA 17 are simply phenomenal. His strength, aggression, and defensive awareness are off the charts. He's a beast in the air, winning headers like it's his job, and he's surprisingly quick for a central defender. Ramos is that kind of player who can make a last-ditch tackle, block a shot, and then immediately stride forward to start an attack. He's the complete package, a true leader on the pitch who embodies the spirit of a relentless defender. Then there's Thiago Silva. Even in FIFA 17, he was a masterclass in positioning and tackling. While he might not be the quickest anymore, his tactical intelligence and incredible defensive standing make him a nightmare for strikers. He reads the game like a book, anticipating passes and intercepting crucial balls before they even reach dangerous areas. His composure is also a huge asset, meaning he rarely makes rash decisions under pressure. Another name that has to be mentioned is Laurent Koscielny. For those looking for a pacey and agile CB, Koscielny was your man in FIFA 17. He could keep up with the fastest forwards, making him ideal for defending against counter-attacks. His tackling was sharp, and his ability to slide in and win the ball cleanly was second to none. He offered a different dimension to the classic strong, slow defender, bringing a much-needed element of speed to the heart of your defense. Don't forget about Chris Smalling. He was an absolute unit in FIFA 17, a classic powerhouse defender. His strength and physicality were immense, making him almost impossible to push off the ball. Combined with decent pace and strong defensive stats, Smalling was a budget-friendly yet incredibly effective option for many players. He was the go-to guy for anyone who wanted a no-nonsense, physically dominant center-back who could bully attackers out of the game. These guys represent the pinnacle of defensive talent in FIFA 17, offering a variety of skills that cater to different playstyles. Whether you prioritize raw power, blistering pace, or intelligent positioning, there's a top-tier CB on this list who will shore up your defense and give you the confidence to push forward. Remember, a strong defense is the foundation of any successful team, and these players are the bedrock upon which victories are built. They are the silent guardians, the last line of resistance, and their impact on your team's performance cannot be overstated. Investing in these defensive titans will undoubtedly pay dividends throughout your FIFA 17 campaign, ensuring you concede fewer goals and secure more wins. It’s about creating an impenetrable fortress at the back, and these are the architects of such defenses. Their presence alone can demoralize opponents and give your attacking players the freedom to express themselves, knowing they have a reliable safety net behind them. So, choose wisely, and build a defense that strikes fear into the hearts of your rivals.
Pace vs. Power: Finding Your Perfect CB Partnership
Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of building the best CB partnership in FIFA 17. It’s not just about picking two individual superstars; it’s about finding two players whose strengths complement each other. This is where the tactical chess match really begins, guys. You have two main philosophies when it comes to center backs: pace and power. Ideally, you want a bit of both, but often you'll find yourself leaning towards one or the other, or trying to find that perfect balance. For instance, pairing a lightning-fast defender like Raphaël Varane with a more physically dominant player like Diego GodÃn could be a dream combination. Varane's blistering pace allows him to cover large areas of the pitch, chase down speedy wingers, and recover from any defensive lapses. He's your 'sweeper keeper' in a sense, but on the ground. On the flip side, GodÃn brings that incredible strength, aerial ability, and defensive positioning. He’s the rock, the one who wins every physical battle, intercepts crosses, and generally makes life miserable for target men. He’s the guy you want marking the big, strong strikers who love to battle it out in the box. This kind of pairing covers all your bases. If your pacey defender gets beaten, the strong one is there to clean up. If a fast attacker tries to exploit space, the quick defender can track them down. Another excellent combo could involve Vincent Kompany and perhaps a slightly faster, more agile defender. Kompany, when fit, was a beast in FIFA 17 – strong, commanding, and excellent in the air. Pairing him with someone like Jérôme Boateng, who offered a great mix of physicality and decent pace, would create a formidable duo. Boateng’s all-around stats made him a reliable presence, capable of handling most attacking threats. The key here is to understand your own playstyle and the threats you face most often. Are you up against teams that rely heavily on quick wingers and through balls? Then pace is your priority. You'll want CBs who can close down space quickly and intercept those dangerous passes. Think John Stones (who, while not the fastest, had good defensive stats and composure) paired with someone who could really fly. Conversely, if you're facing teams with powerful strikers who love to hold up the ball and play physically, you need that brute strength and aerial dominance. Players like Kalidou Koulibaly (if available and affordable in your scenario) or the aforementioned GodÃn would be invaluable. Don't underestimate the importance of composure and defensive awareness, either. A CB might have 90 pace, but if they panic and make silly fouls or miss tackles, their speed is negated. This is why players like Leonardo Bonucci, known for his intelligence and passing from the back, could be surprisingly effective even if they weren't the quickest. They organized the defense, made smart interceptions, and rarely put a foot wrong. Ultimately, the best center back pairing in FIFA 17 is the one that best suits your game. Experiment with different combinations, pay attention to the stats that matter most to your defensive strategy, and find those two players who can form an unbreakable bond at the heart of your defense. It's a crucial decision that can define your success on the virtual pitch, so choose wisely and build a backline that’s both resilient and reliable, capable of shutting down any attack that comes its way. Remember, a well-balanced partnership is the cornerstone of a strong defense, providing security and confidence throughout your team. The synergy between your two CBs is paramount, turning a solid defense into an impenetrable wall.
Hidden Gems and Budget Beasts: Value CBs in FIFA 17
Not everyone has the coins for the likes of Ramos or Thiago Silva, right guys? But fear not! FIFA 17 was packed with some incredible budget center backs and hidden gem CBs who offered fantastic value for money. These are the players who might not have the highest overall rating, but their specific stats punch way above their weight, making them absolute steals for your Ultimate Team. One player who consistently impressed was Eliaquim Mangala. While he might not have been a world-beater, Mangala possessed a great blend of pace, strength, and aggression in FIFA 17. For his price, he was often a dominant force, capable of holding his own against much higher-rated attackers. He was that guy who could surprise you with a crucial tackle or a powerful header. Another fantastic option, especially if you were looking for pace on a budget, was Aymeric Laporte. Before his major injuries, Laporte was a solid defender with good defensive stats and enough pace to keep up with most forwards. He offered a more refined, technical style of defending compared to the pure powerhouses, making him a great partner for a more physical CB. For those on a tighter budget, Niklas Süle was a revelation. This young German defender was an absolute tank. His strength and height made him a nightmare in the air and a formidable presence in the box. While he wasn't the quickest, his sheer physicality often compensated for any lack of pace. He was the definition of a budget beast, a player who could consistently perform well without breaking the bank. Don't overlook players from less prestigious leagues either. Sometimes, you can find absolute gems if you scout around. For example, if you were lucky enough to acquire Felipe from FC Porto, you’d have found a strong, well-rounded defender who often flew under the radar but delivered consistently. He had good defensive stats and a solid physical presence. The key to finding these hidden gems in FIFA 17 is to look beyond the overall rating and focus on specific attributes that are crucial for your playstyle. Do you need pace? Look for defenders with high sprint speed and acceleration. Need strength? Focus on strength, aggression, and defensive standing. Do you win a lot of headers? Check their jumping and heading accuracy. Many lower-rated players excel in one or two key areas, making them surprisingly effective when paired with a more balanced partner. For instance, a slower but incredibly strong CB like Süle could be partnered with a faster, slightly less physical defender to create a balanced and cost-effective duo. These players are the unsung heroes of FIFA Ultimate Team, the ones who allow you to compete with the big spenders without emptying your coin balance. They prove that you don't always need the most expensive players to build a winning team. By being smart with your signings and focusing on value, you can assemble a defense that is both effective and affordable. So, dive into the transfer market, do your research, and you might just unearth the next great defensive bargain. These players offer tangible proof that smarts and strategy often trump sheer spending power in the world of FIFA Ultimate Team. They are the foundation for a successful squad that doesn't require a fortune to build, offering resilience and reliability where it matters most: at the back.
Final Thoughts: Securing Your Victory with Top CBs
So there you have it, folks! We’ve delved deep into the world of FIFA 17 center backs, exploring the elite talents, the perfect partnerships, and the hidden gems that can bolster your defense. Remember, your center backs are the backbone of your team. They are the last line of defense, the ones who have to deal with the direct threat of the opposition's attack. Choosing the best CBs in FIFA 17 isn't just about picking players with high ratings; it's about understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and how they complement each other. Whether you're aiming for the raw power of a Sergio Ramos, the intelligent positioning of a Thiago Silva, the blistering pace of a Raphaël Varane, or the budget-friendly dominance of a Niklas Süle, there's a defender out there for you. A well-organized and strong defense can be the key to winning those tight matches, securing crucial clean sheets, and ultimately, lifting those coveted trophies. Don't underestimate the impact of your CB pairing. A mismatch can lead to exploitable gaps, while a perfect synergy can create an impenetrable fortress. Always consider your playstyle and the types of opponents you face. If you're constantly being caught out by fast strikers, prioritize pace. If you're battling against physically imposing forwards, invest in strength and aerial ability. And for goodness sake, don't forget about the importance of composure and defensive awareness – these mental attributes can often be more valuable than raw physical stats. Building a formidable defense is an art, and with the right center backs, you can master it. So go forth, strengthen your backline, and start turning those potential losses into hard-fought victories. Your defense is your foundation, and with these top-tier and value-for-money CBs, you'll be well on your way to FIFA 17 glory. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun out there on the pitch! A strong defense wins championships, and these players are your ticket to achieving just that. By carefully selecting your center backs, you are laying the groundwork for consistent performance and ultimately, greater success in FIFA 17. It’s about creating a unit that works together seamlessly, anticipating threats and shutting down attacks with efficiency and authority. This meticulous approach to defense will undoubtedly enhance your overall gameplay and lead to more satisfying victories. So, choose your warriors wisely, and let your defense become the stuff of legends.
