EA Sports FC 26 has dropped a new Player Pick SBC that lets you choose between two promising defenders: Dean Huijsen of Real Madrid and Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal. Both cards cost around 55 k coins to complete and look appealing on paper, but they serve completely different roles in-game. Here’s the breakdown to help you decide which one fits your squad best.
Dean Huijsen – Towering Center Back Presence
Huijsen stands 6’6″ (1.98 m) and instantly commands attention on the pitch. He offers:
- 5-Star Weak Foot – useful for distributing from the back
- Key PlayStyles: Intercept and Block for solid defensive coverage
- Lengthy Acceleration Type, ideal for straight-line duels
- Stopper role, meaning he steps forward aggressively to win the ball
Performance:
Huijsen is dominant in body-to-body duels and aerial battles. His size gives him long reach for tackles and blocks, making him great inside the box or in a deep line. However, his jockey speed and lateral movement feel heavy, so you’ll need to time tackles carefully and avoid being drawn out of position.
He fits best in:
- Five-back or deep 4-2-3-1 setups
- Lengthy chem styles like Shadow or Anchor
- Pairings with quicker CBs such as Éder Militão or Rüdiger
If EA’s upcoming defending/jockey update improves responsiveness, Huijsen could become a true meta beast. Even now, his Real Madrid link and physical dominance make him a safe, budget-friendly option for players who like old-school, no-nonsense center backs.
Riccardo Calafiori – Ball-Playing Defender or Physical Full-Back?
Calafiori’s card looks similar at first glance but plays very differently. He comes with:
- Fullback+ PlayStyle+, not Defender-focused
- Bruiser and Aerial Fortress traits, adding aggression and heading power
- Left-Footed, making him useful on the left side of a back four
- Lengthy acceleration profile, great straight-line speed once moving
Despite being listed as a center back, Calafiori performs best as a left back or wide CB. His lack of core defensive playstyles (like Jockey or Anticipate) limits him centrally, but the Bruiser trait helps him win shoulder challenges when defending in space.
He’s most effective when:
- Used as a defensive left back in a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3
- Given a Shadow chem style to boost pace and interceptions
- Paired with attack-minded players like Martinelli or Kvaratskhelia ahead of him
Think of him as a physical full-back, not a meta center back.
Verdict – Who to Pick?
| Role | Player | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best for Center Backs | 🏰 Dean Huijsen | Huge frame, intercepts and blocks everything, strong links to Real Madrid and La Liga hybrids. Heavy turns but dominant in the box. |
| Best for Left Backs / Hybrid Formations | ⚡ Riccardo Calafiori | Great for a defensive LB role with bruiser engagements and lengthy pace. Lacks defensive playstyles for CB meta. |
| Casual / Fun Pick | 🤝 Calafiori | More versatile and fun to use if you like trying different positions. |
| Meta / Competitive Pick | 🧱 Huijsen | More reliable under pressure and better suited for tight games against pacey attackers. |
Our pick
If you want a meta center back who feels secure and wins duels, go for Dean Huijsen.
If you prefer a versatile defender who can play left back or wide CB, pick Riccardo Calafiori.
For most FUT players, Huijsen is the safer and more rewarding choice, offering Real Madrid links, reliable defensive animations, and long-term evolution potential.
