Fullbacks: Pace Rules All

If center backs are about awareness and strength, fullbacks are all about one thing-pace. No matter what others say, the fastest fullbacks will always outperform slower "defensive specialists."

Ridle Baku (Bundesliga, 82 rated)

With 90 sprint speed and stamina to burn, Baku is tailor-made for bombing up and down the pitch. His defending isn't perfect, but you don't need perfect-just someone who can recover when wingers sprint in FC 26 Coins behind.

Leonardo Spinazzola (Serie A, 82 rated)

A fan-favorite, Spinazzola combines 86 sprint speed with decent defending. His stamina is weak, but for the price he'll get the job done. Expect him to dominate Serie A starter squads.

Ola Aina (Premier League, 78 rated)

With 87 sprint speed and the ability to play both left and right back, Aina is one of the most versatile budget defenders in FC 26. His physicality gives him the edge over smaller fullbacks.

Destiny Udogie (Premier League, 81 rated)

Already well-known, so he might be pricier than others. Still, with pace, balance, and defensive stability, Udogie is a safe investment for a couple of months.

Olga Carmona (PSG, 81 rated)

One of the best women's options this year. With 88 sprint speed and solid dribbling, she offers attacking threat and defensive reliability. Playing for PSG makes her easy to link as well.

At fullback, don't overthink it-pick the players with the highest pace you can afford, then slap a Shadow on them.

Midfielders: Versatility is King

A great midfield balances defense, passing, and the ability to contribute to attacks. The best starter mids aren't the flashy ones-they're the ones who can do everything decently well.

Denis Zakaria (Ligue 1, 81 rated)

A yearly favorite. With 86 sprint speed, 81 defensive awareness, and elite physicality, Zakaria is a rock at CDM. He can also fill in at CM, giving you flexibility for early formations.

Kouadio Koné (Bundesliga, 80 rated)

A classic box-to-box option. Good pace, great stamina, and solid defensive stats. He's not flashy, but he'll win you games in a two-man midfield.Andrine Hegerberg (Division 1 Féminine, 84 rated)

Criminally underrated. With 88 dribbling, excellent passing, and solid defending, she's one of the best budget CMs in the game. Her low stamina is a drawback, but subbing her out at 70 minutes solves that problem.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Serie A, 81 rated)

The definition of versatile. Can play CDM, CM, or CAM. With good strength, solid passing, and the ability to contribute on both ends, Loftus-Cheek is a must-try for Serie A squads.

Crystal Dunn (PSG, 83 rated)

Another underrated option. Though her defensive awareness was slightly nerfed, Dunn remains a brilliant two-way midfielder with buy Fut Coins pace, agility, and passing ability.

Early in the cycle, midfielders with stamina and sprint speed dominate games. Look for players who can play multiple positions, since that flexibility makes squad building much easier.