Guide: Centre-back

How the centre-back rating is built

The position rating is calculated from the following attributes:

• Defending — the single heaviest attribute.
• Heading — both defensively and on attacking set pieces such as corners.
• Mental strength — calm in the back line and in the closing minutes.
• Experience — only built through matches played.
• Stamina — concentration and duels for the full 90 minutes.
• Passing — safe distribution out of your own box.
• Playmaking — starting attacks from the back.
• Set pieces — goals going forward and safety at the back. A high set pieces rating makes you the coach's choice for attacking free kicks and corners.
• Pace — covering the space behind the back line.
• Technique — handling the ball under pressure.

Speciality

Powerful and Header specialist fit perfectly. Leader is great for a captain build.

There are several routes to the top

No single build is the correct one. Two players in the same position can reach Division 1 and the national team in completely different ways — a specialist who is extreme in one or two attributes, or a broader player who is solid at everything and therefore fits more tactics.

• The specialist route: pour everything into the heaviest attributes of your position and become irreplaceable in that role.
• The all-round route: build several position ratings at once so you always get minutes — minutes give experience, and experience can only be trained through matches.
• Set pieces and mental strength lift every position and are often underrated.
• Adapt to your coach's philosophy and to the positions your squad is thin in.
• The national team picks the best in the country per position — there is room for both specialists and complete players.