FIFA 17: Top Young Center-Backs You Need To Know

Hey guys, if you're anything like me, you love building a killer squad in FIFA. One of the most critical positions to get right is the center-back pairing. A solid defense can win you games, and in FIFA 17, there were some incredible young talents ready to blossom. Let's dive into some of the best young center-backs in FIFA 17, who could form the backbone of your team and dominate the virtual pitch for years to come. Finding the right CBs is super important, especially in Career Mode, where you're building for the future. You want guys who will grow into world-class defenders, and that's exactly what we're looking at here. This isn't just about rating; it's about potential. Let's explore some hidden gems and future stars that you could have snapped up in FIFA 17. We'll talk about their stats, their potential growth, and why they were so valuable. Are you ready to discover some of the best young defenders FIFA 17 had to offer? Awesome, let's get into it!

Why Young Center-Backs Matter in FIFA 17

Alright, before we get to the players, let's talk about why focusing on young center-backs was such a smart move in FIFA 17. First off, remember that in Career Mode, the goal is to build a dynasty. You're not just trying to win this season; you're building a squad that can dominate for five, ten, even fifteen seasons. Young players grow, mature, and become much better than their starting ratings suggest, and this is where the magic happens. A young center-back with a high potential rating could jump from a 70 overall to an 85 or even higher in a few seasons. That kind of growth is invaluable, especially when you're on a tight budget. Buying a young player with a low transfer fee and developing them into a world-class defender is a huge win for your club. Furthermore, young players often have better stamina and work rates than older, more established players. This means they can perform at a high level more consistently throughout a match and throughout the season. They recover faster, they're more energetic, and they can handle the physical demands of the game better. This allows you to rotate your squad less and rely on your young CB pairing week in and week out. Then there’s the financial aspect. Young players are cheaper to buy than established stars. You can invest in them early, and as their value rises with their performances and overall rating, you can even sell them for a massive profit. This cycle allows you to reinvest in other areas of your team, making your club more competitive across the board. The youth academy is a great way to find these future stars, but sometimes you need to scout and identify players who will fit your tactical style and team. Scouting is a crucial aspect of FIFA 17, and identifying young talent requires a sharp eye. In FIFA 17, scouting was just as important, if not more so, than buying ready-made superstars. So, you see, investing in young center-backs was a smart strategy. Now, let’s get to the fun part: the players!

Top Young Center-Backs to Watch in FIFA 17

Now, let's talk about the players you should have been targeting in FIFA 17. These are the guys who, with a bit of development, could turn into defensive beasts. We are talking about potential, growth, and how well they fit into a team. Remember, a good defender is not just about stats; it’s about their work rate, their positioning, and their ability to read the game. We'll look at the best options available and what made them so good. These were the players that you could develop into the backbone of your team. This is about building a team for the future. The players we are mentioning are not only talented but also had the potential to grow significantly, becoming some of the best defenders in the game. Let's get started, shall we?

1. Aymeric Laporte

Aymeric Laporte was a name that FIFA 17 players knew well. Even though he wasn't exactly a “youngster”, he was still relatively young. He was a rock at the back for Athletic Bilbao. He was already a solid defender at the start of FIFA 17, with high defensive stats, and his potential was through the roof. His composure, strength, and tackling were top-notch, and he could easily develop into a world-class center-back. His stats were impressive from the get-go. He had high ratings for marking, interceptions, and heading accuracy, making him a nightmare for opposing forwards. His potential was what made him truly special. If you nurtured him properly, his overall rating would climb into the high 80s, making him a cornerstone of your defense. Getting him was not always easy, as he played for a well-known club, but the investment was definitely worth it. He also possessed good passing skills for a center-back, allowing him to initiate attacks from the back, something extremely valuable in FIFA 17. You could easily build your defense around him, and he would not disappoint. He could pair with almost anyone, bringing solidity and experience to your backline. So, if you were looking for a reliable, high-potential center-back, Laporte was your man.

2. José Giménez

José Giménez, the Uruguayan beast from Atlético Madrid, was another fantastic option. He was known for his aggressive style of defending, his strength, and his determination. Even at a young age, he had all the attributes of a world-class defender. He was tough, quick, and always ready to put his body on the line. What set Giménez apart was his aggression and his tackling ability. He was always in the face of his opponents, winning the ball back and preventing chances. His potential was very high, so if you give him enough playing time and training, he’d become a defensive powerhouse. He was also a good header of the ball, making him a threat during set pieces. Giménez was relatively affordable compared to some other top talents. He was a great pick-up if you needed a defender who would give 110% every match. He was a perfect match for any manager who valued grit, determination, and defensive stability. His high work rate meant he was always active and involved in the game. His presence alone was enough to make your defense feel more secure. If you needed a defender who was ready to fight for every ball, José Giménez was a brilliant choice in FIFA 17. He was the perfect embodiment of a hard-working, no-nonsense defender.

3. Jonathan Tah

Jonathan Tah, a tall, imposing defender from Bayer Leverkusen, was a true gem. Tah had it all: size, strength, and pace. What made him especially attractive was his athleticism. He was quick enough to keep up with speedy forwards, strong enough to outmuscle them, and good in the air. His combination of speed and strength made him a great defender. He was perfect for dealing with those tricky through balls and pacey wingers. His potential was sky-high. He had the potential to become one of the best defenders in the game. He was a good option to develop for the future, if you needed a long-term project. His physicality and athleticism were matched by his game intelligence. He was a smart defender who knew when to step up and when to drop back. He was a solid choice for any team. Tah was known for his composure and his ability to remain calm under pressure, which is a rare trait for a young defender. He was definitely a must-have for any manager looking to build a dominant defense. He was a modern center-back, blending power, speed, and intelligence. The perfect choice for any team looking for a long-term solution in the heart of their defense. He was a future star, that's for sure.

4. Alessio Romagnoli

Alessio Romagnoli, the Italian defender, was a classy choice. He was known for his elegant style of play. He was a great tackler, positionally sound, and very good in the air. He had the potential to become a truly world-class defender. What set Romagnoli apart was his composure and his ability to read the game. He made very few mistakes and was always in the right place at the right time. His potential was extremely high, and with enough playing time, he would grow into a leader at the back. He was very good at anticipating plays and making smart decisions, and those are essential attributes for a top defender. He was also a solid passer, which allowed him to initiate attacks from the back. He had a mature and tactical approach to defending, making him a very smart player. Romagnoli was a great pick if you wanted a defender who was both technically skilled and positionally excellent. He was one of the most reliable young defenders in FIFA 17. He was the ideal choice for any manager looking for a calm, composed, and technically gifted center-back. He was the kind of player who could anchor your defense for years.

5. Marquinhos

Marquinhos, playing for Paris Saint-Germain, was another high-potential defender. He was a versatile player capable of playing as a center-back or even as a defensive midfielder. He had the speed, agility, and defensive skills to dominate. He was the perfect example of a modern defender who could do it all. His versatility was a massive advantage. He could fill in multiple roles, giving you tactical flexibility. His potential was high, making him a great long-term investment. He was also a very good passer, capable of starting attacks from deep. He was also known for his excellent tackling ability and his ability to read the game, making him a very reliable defender. His pace was also a significant advantage, allowing him to catch up with fast attackers. He was the complete package, with the ability to do everything. He was a very consistent performer. If you were lucky enough to sign him, you could be sure that he was going to deliver. Marquinhos was a great choice if you wanted a versatile defender who could handle any situation. His adaptability, coupled with his high potential, made him a valuable asset. Marquinhos was the ideal choice if you wanted a versatile defender who could adapt to any situation.

Maximizing Your Young Center-Backs' Potential

So, you’ve got these talented young center-backs. Now what? How do you ensure they reach their full potential in FIFA 17? It’s all about smart management, training, and playing time. Let's delve into the key strategies that will help you unlock their full potential and build a world-class defense.

• Give Them Playing Time: This is the most important thing. A young player won't grow if they're stuck on the bench. Make sure they get regular game time, especially in matches where you can afford to give them some experience. Cup games and lower-profile league matches are great opportunities. Playing consistently is the only way to help their stats improve. The more they play, the better they get. If they make mistakes, don’t worry, that’s part of the learning process. Rotate your squad so they have a chance to play and develop. Regular playtime is the key to unlocking their growth potential.
• Training Drills: FIFA 17 had a training system that allowed you to focus on specific player attributes. Use this wisely! Target their weaknesses and maximize their strengths. Train them to improve their marking, tackling, heading accuracy, and strength. Focus on what they need to improve the most. Regular training helps to boost their stats and accelerate their development. Regular and targeted training is essential for player growth. Use the training drills to boost their key attributes.
• Mentorship: FIFA 17 allowed you to assign a senior player to mentor a younger one. Choose a veteran defender with high stats in the areas you want your young player to improve, and assign him as a mentor. This can give a significant boost to their stats, accelerating their growth. The mentorship feature can boost specific stats and accelerate the growth process. Choose the right mentors to maximize their development.
• Adjust Your Tactics: Make sure your tactics suit your young defenders' strengths. If they're fast, use a high defensive line. If they are good in the air, focus on defending crosses. Tailor your tactics to maximize their impact. Adapt your tactics to match their strengths. This will help them thrive in the game. Make sure the tactics are suitable to their playing style.
• Patience is Key: It takes time for young players to reach their potential. Don't expect instant results. Be patient, and keep giving them playing time and training. Their growth will be worth the wait. Sometimes you have to be patient. It takes time for players to reach their potential, and the results are worth it. Development takes time. Be patient and give them time to grow.

Conclusion: Building a Defensive Dynasty

Alright, guys, that's a wrap on the best young center-backs in FIFA 17! We’ve covered some amazing talents. From established stars to hidden gems, these players had the potential to become the backbone of your defense, offering both immediate impact and long-term growth. Building a strong defense in FIFA 17 was all about identifying these young talents and nurturing them. Remember, it wasn’t just about their starting ratings; it was about their potential and how they would develop over time. By investing in these players, giving them playing time, and training them properly, you could build a defensive dynasty that would dominate the virtual pitch. So, go back, reminisce, and see if you actually had these players in your FIFA 17 squad. Happy gaming!