The role of defenders has become more important than ever in recent years. Long gone are the days when defenders need to boot the ball out anytime it comes near them. Center-backs are now expected to be well-rounded players who can comfortably play out from the back, and full-backs are now expected to supplement their defensive duty with frequent attacking presence.
The importance of defenders today is reflected in the transfer fees that some of the top players are going for. Central defenders Harry Maguire and Virgil Van Dijk were bought for around £80 million ($111,996,400) each, while full-backs Walker, Zinchenko, and Mendy cost Manchester City over £100 million ($139,933,500) altogether. Thankfully, it’s entirely possible to build a solid backline with a tight budget in Football Manager 21, as there are numerous players that are available for excellent prices.
NOTE: For those interested in the star ratings for the players listed below, it’s worth pointing out that the pictured reports were done using Liverpool’s scouting team, so the ratings will reflect their needs and standards.
10 Holger Badstuber
It’s always tempting to seek out the best wonderkids in Football Manager games in the hope of securing the next Zidane or Maldini, but sometimes it’s best to go for a solid, reliable option. Former Bayern Munich defender Holger Badstuber is nearing the end of his career. However, the 31-year-old still has a lot to offer with his ball-playing ability and excellent defensive composure.
Badstuber is an especially tempting player as he is transfer listed for as little as £1.2 million ($1,679,342) at the start of Football Manager 21.
9 Bruno Fuchs
Bruno Fuchs isn’t quite the completed product yet, but at just 21 years of age, the Brazilian has more than enough time to become a top center-back under the right manager. Fuchs, unfortunately, begins Football Manager 21 with a torn hamstring. Still, the player is worth keeping shortlisted for a winter purchase if he cannot pass a medical in the summer.
Bruno Fuchs is one of the more expensive players on this list, as CSKA Moscow is likely to ask for around £8 million ($11,197,800) for his services. However, the Brazilian defender can be an absolute steal if he reaches his high potential.
8 Anel Ahmedhodzic
From one 21-year-old ball-playing defender to another, Anel Ahmedhodzic has excellent stats for his age and has the potential to be one of the world’s best center-backs in the coming years. Ahmedhodzic doesn’t have a particular strength, but he’s very well-rounded, and his fundamental ball-playing center-back attributes like Passing, Heading, Concentration, Tackling, and Positioning are all decent.
Anel Ahmedhodzic is likely to set you back around £4 million ($5,598,460).
7 Nathaniel Clyne
Unlike the other full-backs on this list that can be bought immediately, Nathaniel Clyne has only just moved to Crystal Palace at the start of Football Manager 21, so a move for the Englishman will need to occur in the winter or following summer transfer window. Clyne is certainly worth the wait, as he is a solid defensive full-back with excellent Work Rate, Tackling, and Teamwork attributes.
Crystal Palace will usually only demand around £4 million ($5,597,420) for Nathaniel Clyne despite his recent move.
6 Jeffrey Bruma
Jeffrey Bruma is a great choice for those looking for a center-back who can comfortably play out from defense. Bruma has a few lackluster attributes like Aggression and Concentration, but his ball-playing abilities make him a great option. The ball-playing defender is best partnered with a more aggressive player, who will lead the back-line and do the dirty work while Bruma leads the team’s attack from the back.
VfL Wolfsburg will only ask for around £2 million ($2,799,200) for the Dutch defender.
5 Andrea Papetti
Italy is famous for its defensive players, and Andrea Papetti looks as though he could be the country’s next big star. Papetti has numerous stand-out attributes for his age, including his Heading, Aggression, Anticipation, Determination, and Acceleration.
Papetti’s enormous potential is certainly not reflected in his transfer fee, as Brescia will only demand around £3.5 million ($4,897,550) for his services. This fantastic price makes the Italian a tantalizing option for any side, as even if they don’t have a starting spot for him immediately, it may be worth bringing Papetti in and loaning him for a few seasons to see if he reaches his potential.
4 Danny Rose
Anyone who watched Amazon’s All or Nothing documentary on Tottenham will know that Danny Rose isn’t on the best terms with his manager, José Mourinho. The Portuguese manager’s lack of belief in the full-back is reflected in Football Manager 21, as he begins the game transfer listed for just £2.5 million ($3,501,570).
Danny Rose should be considered by any team who needs a new left-back, as he is an extremely well-rounded player for his price. You’ll need to act fast to secure his signature, as his great price doesn’t go unnoticed in Football Manager 21, and many teams are looking to sign the cheap Englishman as soon as the game begins.
3 Bosko Sutalo
Croatian defender Bosko Sutalo is a versatile player who can play either center-back or left-back. Better yet, Sutalo is just 20 years old, so there’s plenty of time to mold the defender into any role in either position. The player’s lack of crossing ability makes it seem like the Croatian is best suited for the center-back position, but his solid work rate and pace mean that he could become a defensive-minded fullback like Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Atalanta will ask for around £4 million ($5,599,496) for the Croatian defender.
2 Kwadwo Asamoah
Asamoah is a versatile full-back that can play in several positions and is available for a grand total of £0 despite having played for some of the world’s best sides over the years. The Ghanaian is a very well-rounded player with a fantastic work rate that allows him to play in both the full-back and wing positions.
Kwadwo Asamoah will be turning 32 shortly after the game starts, which is understandably a red flag for some people; but considering his free-agent status and excellent spread of attributes, it may just be worth squeezing the last few years of talent out of the player.
1 Javi Martínez
Fresh off the back of a Champions League win, the versatile Spaniard Javi Martínez is one of Football Manager 21 ‘s most tantalizing budget options in any position. Martínez can comfortably operate as a center-back or defensive midfielder and can also do a central midfield job.
Martínez’s ability on the ball makes him an excellent choice for playing in a modern ball-playing defender role, and his experience and leadership qualities can even make him an immediate option for captaincy. If your side can convince the player to leave the Champions League winners, then his transfer fee will only set you back around £6 million ($8,394,600).
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