EA Sports FC 26 Career Mode: Best Young Defensive Midfielders to Sign From hidden gems to rising stars, these young DMs can anchor your midfield and shape your squad for years to come

Midfield control is everything in EA Sports FC 26. Whether you’re starting a save with a powerhouse or building a club from scratch, a reliable defensive midfielder (DM) can be the difference between winning and losing.

Here’s a breakdown of the best young DMs to sign, combining high potential with strong attributes.

🇵🇹 Dario Essugo – Chelsea

OVR: 75
Potential: 85
Age: 20

Essugo finds himself buried in Chelsea’s depth chart behind elite options like Moisés Caicedo. That makes him a bargain pickup for managers who want a future starter without breaking the bank. With patience, he’ll grow into a reliable engine for mid-table or developing squads.

🇧🇪 Romeo Lavia – Chelsea

OVR: 78
Potential: 85
Age: 21

Another Chelsea talent, Lavia is a step ahead of Essugo but still competing for minutes. Already solid enough for a starting role, he’s perfect for teams chasing Europe. Expect him to hit his ceiling in two or three seasons.

🇧🇪 Zeno Debast – Sporting CP

OVR: 78
Potential: 86
Age: 21

At 6'3" (191 cm), Debast offers size and strength that make him an intimidating midfield shield. He’s physically imposing, and after a year or so of development, he’ll be one of the toughest ball-winners in the game.

🏴 Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace

OVR: 79
Potential: 86
Age: 21

Already a Premier League starter, Wharton’s balanced skill set and four-star weak foot make him a versatile option. With excellent passing range and strong defensive instincts, he’s ideal for clubs that want stability and creativity from deep.

🏴 Archie Gray – Tottenham

OVR: 75
Potential: 86
Age: 19

Gray is the ultimate project signing. At just 19, his potential to hit 86 overall makes him a long-term star. His 6'2" (187 cm) frame and four-star weak foot give him the tools to grow into a complete DM if given game time.

🇨🇲 Carlos Baleba – Brighton

OVR: 81
Potential: 87
Age: 21

Baleba is ready to start at a top club immediately. With an 81 overall and the upside to reach 87, he’s a perfect mix of youth and quality. If you’ve got the budget, he’s one of the safest investments in FC 26.

🇩🇪 Aleksander Pavlovic – Bayern Munich

OVR: 79
Potential: 87
Age: 21

Bayern’s Pavlovic offers size, passing, and vision. At 6'2" (188 cm), he’s a midfield anchor who can dominate possession. With proper development, expect him to break into the mid-80s overall by his third season.

🇳🇱 Jorthy Mokio – Ajax

OVR: 70
Potential: 89
Age: 17

Mokio is the crown jewel of young DMs in FC 26. At just 17, he carries an astonishing 89 potential. He’ll need time—and probably a few loans—but managers who nurture him will end up with one of the best defensive midfielders in the game.

⚽ Final Thoughts

From instant starters like Baleba to long-term projects like Mokio, EA Sports FC 26 offers plenty of young defensive midfielders who can transform your midfield. Whether you want a budget option or a future superstar, these players are worth scouting in your Career Mode save.