FIFA 26

A strong left back can change everything in Career Mode. They cover the toughest flank, stop quick wingers, and still join the attack to deliver crosses or create overloads. Modern systems ask them to do it all: defend, progress the ball, and keep possession safe. Pick the right one, and your team gains width, control, and balance all at once. The five players below fit different budgets and tactics, so think about your system before you sign.

What Defines a Great Left Back

Look for recovery speed to handle long balls into the channel. Good first touch and short passing help escape pressure near the line. Intelligent overlaps and underlaps create clean cutbacks, while proper positioning stops back-post goals. And don't forget: a good left back never stops; stamina keeps them moving from start to finish.

Before picking a left back, think about two things: how you want to build your defense and who's covering when your fullback pushes up.

Federico Dimarco—Lombardia FC (OVR 85, Age 27, Potential 85)
Dimarco plays like a deep playmaker from the wing. His switches of play, whipped deliveries, and early crosses stretch compact defenses. He's ideal for teams that keep the ball and break low blocks. Defensively, he's smart but not aggressive, so pair him with a disciplined center back and a holding midfielder for balance. His price is fair for a proven performer who boosts your game right away.

Milos Kerkez—Liverpool (OVR 82, Age 21, Potential 86)
Kerkez brings non-stop energy and fearless pressing. He steps into midfield to recycle play and still has the legs to recover when caught high. Already effective, with plenty of room to grow, he's a dream for long-term saves. Use him in a system that values quick transitions and overlapping runs. Improve his crossing and decision-making, and he'll turn potential into game-winning output.

Joško Gvardiol—Manchester City (OVR 84, Age 23, Potential 87)
Calm, composed, and rock-solid. Gvardiol gives you defensive security and tactical freedom. He can shut down top strikers, win headers, and slot inside as a center-back when needed. You won't see tricks from him, just accuracy that wins you the midfield. Choose him if your attack already has creativity. With Gvardiol on the left, your defense gains structure, and your midfield can take more risks.

Alphonso Davies—Bayern Munich (OVR 84, Age 24, Potential 87)
Davies changes games with his acceleration alone. He pushes defenders deep before touching the ball and turns loose plays into fast counters. His dribbling through contact is elite, though his aerial game still lags behind. Build around his strengths: encourage early balls into space, drill cutbacks from the byline, and pair him with a vocal center back to manage positioning. For teams built on speed and chaos, he's a weapon.

Nuno Mendes—PSG (OVR 86, Age 23, Potential 89)
Mendes combines pace, technique, and intelligence. His overlaps arrive on time, recovery runs stop counters, and his crossing keeps improving. He fits possession-heavy teams that press high and recycle the ball quickly. The fee is steep, but so is the ceiling: Mendes looks like a cornerstone for clubs aiming at titles and European runs.

How to Pick the Right One

• Need creativity against deep defenses? Dimarco is your man.
• Want energy and future value? Kerkez grows fast and performs now.
• Prefer a defender-first approach? Gvardiol locks down the side.
• Love direct attacks and speed? Davies brings instant danger.
• Planning a long-term project? Mendes gives you elite output for years.

Match your tactics to the player. If you want a creator, set overlaps and early crosses. If you prefer stability, keep your fullback on “stay back” and let the winger stretch play. Training also helps fill gaps: boost Dimarco's crossing, Davies's awareness, Kerkez's finishing, Gvardiol's passing, and Mendes's stamina and vision.

Conclusion
A left back connects defense to attack. The right one can fix a weak flank and spark a title run. Dimarco brings control, Kerkez brings energy, Gvardiol brings balance, Davies brings chaos, and Mendes brings class. Pick the profile that matches your plan, train smart, and your left side will go from vulnerable to stone wall.