FIFA 14 Ultimate Team: Best Centre-Backs to Build Your Squad Around at Launch

That pristine copy of FIFA 14 isn’t going to unwrap itself.

Once you’ve released EA Sports’ latest footballing sim from its shell, the hard work begins. Ultimate Team is set to dominate gamers’ interests once more, and as usual, the annual transition ensures there’s plenty of difficult decisions to make.

We’ve already taken a look at the best strikers and midfielders you should consider building your squad around. With the firepower covered, it’s time to consider those behemoths who should be employed to stop the opposition getting a from scoring themselves.

Which centre-backs represent smart buys at this stage of the year? Let’s take a look at the main candidates. As ever, all statistics and card images are courtesy of FUThead.

Bailey Wright, Preston North End

The best bronze players have their vital statistics stacked with quality. Never mind Bailey Wright’s poor passing and average ball control, he’s built to defend.

Standing at 5’8”, Wright is reasonably short for a centre-back. Even so, his 91-rated jumping is amongst the best on the game, trumping players such as Thiago Silva and equaling the leaping ability of Sergio Ramos.

Added to this, the Preston defender’s pace and strength is rated at silver standard, ensuring his most valuable attributes coincide with the role he needs to play.

For those looking to build hybrid teams, the Australian can also be linked with his countrymen and anyone in England’s League One, opening up an array of options for the more inventive team builder.

Michael Almeback, Brondby IF

Michael Almeback was a ridiculous specimen on FIFA 13. While the Swedish centre-back has seen his overall rating drop by four points this year, he’s still worth picking up as a silver stalwart at the back.

Similar to Wright, Almeback's excellence lies within a few numbers. His jumping, sprint speed, strength and aggression are all rated in the 80s, topping many gold cards. At 6'0", Almeback is both athletic and ready for physical battles against players of any quality.

It's a shame Almeback is no longer playing in the Belgian Pro League. Last year, building a partnership alongside Cheikhou Kouyate pretty much ensured the opposition were in for a tough time.

Kolo Toure, Liverpool

He may have travelled from Manchester City to Liverpool on a free transfer this summer, but Kolo Toure is an excellent cut-price buy. Just like last year, the Ivorian’s strength and tackling prowess makes him a real asset to any Premier League team.

The experienced centre-back is often overlooked, but his vital statistics eliminate the assertion that he isn’t worth your time.

Toure’s standing tackle and sliding tackle numbers come in at 82, while his aggression and strength hit 84 and 85 respectively. Adding to this, he possesses decent pace and the intelligence to mark his man until the bitter end.

Combined with Daniel Agger or Mamadou Sakho, Toure's presence will also excite those looking to build hybrid sides. Brendan Rodgers has brought a versatile set of centre-backs in at Anfield, something that provides players with huge opportunity on FIFA 14.

Which centre-backs are you going to build your FIFA 14 Ultimate Team around? Be sure to let me know in the comments section below and chat with me directly on Twitter:

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