Lengthy is a word many FIFA 23 players likely did not expect to be using prior to the game’s release last month. However, it is a term that has taken EA’s final FIFA release. The term originates from the new acceleRATE feature. AcceleRATE is a new movement system within FIFA for next-gen consoles. The feature breaks down sprinting into three different types: controlled, explosive, and lengthy.
Controlled is the standard form of sprinting. Explosive refers to sprints with a high initial speed that effectively tapers off the longer the duration. Think cars with high acceleration. Finally, there is lengthy, a sprinting style consistent with taller players such as Erling Haaland. Lengthy sprint styles feature relativity low acceleration but have high top speeds, a trait helpful in central defenders.
Typically, defenders have regularly been exploited by pacey forwards. In FIFA 23, this trend has declined thanks to the lengthy trait. Should an attacker blast through defenses, centers like Virgil Van Dijk may be able to catch them up before they have a chance to test the goalkeeper. As such, the lengthy trait is one of the most important for a center-back this year. And here are three lengthy center halves to fit any budget.
3 Must-Have Center-backs
Virgil Van Dijk – Expensive
For those with a spare 200,000 coins lying around to spend on a central defender, then there is really only one choice; Big Virgil. Virgil Van Dijk has been one of the most consistent defenders on the planet in recent years. The huge demand for modern footballers means the Dutchman racked up 60 appearances for club and country last season and, despite a slight drop in form from his usual standards, remains the benchmark for central defenders.
For years, Van Dijk has been a monster to play against on Ultimate Team, regularly stopping attacks and leading to gamers making the claim that he is far too OP. The addition of the lengthy feature only adds to that. So, do not be surprised when he reels in a marauding Kylian Mbappe.
Raphael Varane – Midrange
Four-time Champions League winner Raphael Varane’s time in Manchester United has not gone as expected. He could only watch on while his former Real Madrid teammates lifted a sixth European crown in Paris last season while he and his Red Devil teammates were slumping to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League, some 35 points behind eventual champions and rivals Manchester City.
The Frenchman was perhaps a victim of the huge amount of matches that footballers are expected to play and, last season, injuries limited him to just 22 Premier League appearances. In FIFA however, he remains as resolute as ever. His 84 overall rating is fairly modest for a man of Varane’s talents, but he more than makes up for that with 81 pace and 85 defending. Priced at just upwards of 30,000 coins, he could be a great addition to any backline.
Matthijs De Ligt – Budget
Bayern Munich has given former Ajax captain Matthijs De Ligt a new lease on life. The Dutchman joined the Bavarians from Juventus in the summer and already looks like he has put his disappointing three years in Turin behind him. De Ligt has incredible ratings for a central defender, with 75 pace, 84 defending, and 87 physicality. And you can pick him up for just under 8,000 coins.
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