Seriously, a good defense is usually just the best defense.

All the best teams have the strongest foundation. However good your attack is, winning titles is impossible without a top-class backline. You won't be surprised to find that there are a few Italian teams down here, not to mention the usual giants of European football, but I've also dug up a couple of sides that might not jump to mind when you think of the best defensive teams on FIFA 20.

10. Lazio

Felipe here is clearly on his way. Pace and defending already solid.

We're kicking things off with a team that is both Italian and unexpected. Choosing Lazio comes with the underdog tag, so you'll have your work cut out taking on the rest of Italy. Fortunately, they have a solid starting defence, and a couple of real gems in the youth setup. 

Why Lazio is great for defense:

• Your goalkeeper is Thomas Strakosha; 83 rated, 88 potential. 
• Francesco Acerbi (84 rated) and Stefan Radu (80) are a solid starting partnership. 
• Lucas Leiva (84) and Marco Parolo (80) are dependable CDMs. 
• Luiz Felipe (78-87), and Nicolo Armini (66-84) are a top center-back pairing for the future.

Lazio's full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

9. Ajax 

Noone is as sick of that Rihanna song as Andre 'What's My Name?' Onana.

They are one of the best teams to start a Career Mode game with, and part of Ajax's appeal is the wealth of defensive development at your disposal. You'll need to wait to fulfill the full potential of most of the backline, but it'll be worth it in a couple of seasons for on-field excellence or transferred into a healthy transfer kitty. 

Why Ajax is great for defense:

• Andre Onana (85-89) and Kjell Scherpen (67-81) can be one of the best goalkeeping duos. 
• You have the reliable and versatile Daley Blind (83) to cover any gaps. Nicolas Tagliafico (83-84) is the other rearguard rock. 
• Lisandro Martinez (79-86) and Edson Alvarez (76-83) can take over from Blind at CDM. 
• Noussair Mazraoui (76-82), Perr Schurrs (74-83), and Sergino Dest (72-82) are the base of a future unit. 

Ajax's full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

8. Inter

Unreal new signing Diego Godin (from another great defensive team on this list) could make the difference this year.

The Italian giants have begun a huge rebuild in a bid to get back to the top of Europe. While they don't have as much youth on their side as their local rivals, they have formed a vintage, miserly Italian defense. 

Why Inter is great for defense:

• Snapping up Diego Godin (87) was a masterstroke. He slots in with Milan Skriniar (86-90) and Stefan de Vrij (85-86).
• They protect one of the best keepers in the game, Samir Handanovic (88). 
• Alessandro Bastoni (75-85) is a natural successor in the middle. 
• Marcelo Brozovic (83-85) and Roberto Gagliardini (78-81) are the CDM screen. 

Inter's full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

7. Bayern Munich

This young man is a legend in the making.

If you want to walk into a club that is set up for success from day one, look no further than the German champions. You can still squeeze a little potential out of that top-tier defense though. Or just steal all of Dortmund’s best players to be as realistic as possible

Why Bayern Munich is great for defense:

• You have the 89-rated legend Manuel Neuer guarding your goal. 
• Alphonso Davies (77-88), Benjamin Pavard (80-85), and Odriozola (79-84) provide strength in depth in the wide areas. 
• Niklas Sule (85-90) and Lucas Hernandez (84-89) are the future of this great club.
• Joshua Kimmich (87-90) is a world-class holding midfielder these days. 

Bayern Munich's full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

6. Atletico Madrid

The best keeper in the game? Barca fans might be upset by that claim.

Being famously resolute in defense has served Atleti well over the past decade or so. Many great defenders have moved on since then, but the red and white side of the Spanish capital remains a force to be reckoned with. 

Why Atletico Madrid is great for defense:

• The keepers get better and better, right? Jan Oblak (91-93) is the best of the bunch on show here. 
• Jose Maria Gimenez (85-89) Stefan Savic (83-84) and Felipe (84) are your team’s backbone. 
• Renan Lodi (79-86), Marcos Llorente (81-86), and Hermoso (81-87) are high-profile development projects. 
• Manu Sanchez is a prodigy. Grow him 19 rating points to an 83 overall. 

Atletico Madrid's full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

5. Juventus (Piemonte Calcio) 

At least 'Piemonte' players have retained their real names. Sorry, PES.

It comes as no shock to find the biggest team in Italy also has the meanest defense. Although they lost their club name in FIFA when PES took the rights, they have retained their trademark solid backline. 

Why Piemonte Calcio is great for defense:

• Their club servants Giorgio Chiellini (88) and Leonardo Bonucci (86) walk straight into any side. 
• The wonder-kid that is Matthijs de Ligt has a potential rating of 92. With Daniele Rugani (82-85) you have four starting center backs. 
• Wojciech Szczesny (87-88) Blaise Matuidi (84) and Alex Sandro (85) slot into an unstoppable unit. 
• Merih Demiral (77-86) can partner de Ligt for a decade. 

Piemonte Calcio's full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

4. Manchester City 

Not a bad attack to have in front of Rodri and co.

One of English football's top teams is now known for Pep Guardiola's trademark flowing ball-players from front to back. They have some young players with a ridiculous amount of growth to strive for. If nurturing youth is your thing, City is the club for you.

Why Manchester City is great for defense:

• Ederson (88-91) will keep out the strikers that manage to pierce the rearguard. 
• Eymerick Laporte (87-90), Rodri (85-89), Fernandinho (85), and Joao Cancelo (82-86) are solid and skilful. 
• John Stones (81-84) and Benjamin Mendy (80-85) provide quality backup. 
• Long-term managers will love the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko (79-86), Eric Garcia (69-85), Taylor Hardwood-Bellis (60-83), and Gavin Bazunu (59-82). 

Manchester City’s full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

3. Barcelona 

Lenglet is still the plague of many a FUT squad, regardless of ratings.

A lot of Barca's greats are getting on a bit now. The Catalan club will have some rebuilding to do in the next season or two, but at least in defense they are set up for the future. They probably have the best mix of youth and experience on show here.

Why Barcelona is great for defense:

• How about the best goalkeeper in the game in Marc-Andre ter Stegen (90-93), and maybe the best backup keeper in Neto (84-85)?
• Sergio Busquets (88), Gerard Pique (88), and Jordi Alba (86) still have enough time on the clock to allow for the growth of others, like… 
• Clement Lenglet (86-90), Samuel Umtiti (85-88), and Nelson Semedo (82-85). 
• For the real superstar-builders, Barca also boasts Junior Firpo (79-85) and Ludovit Reis (70-83). 

Barcelona's full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

2. Liverpool

From the ultimate chokers to the ultimate champions-elect...

Football fans around the world have seen firsthand how a great defense has transformed Liverpool from perennial contenders into the champions of Europe. Their first league title in thirty years currently hangs on events outside football's control. 

Why Liverpool is great for defense:

• Let's start with the two players that have turned the club's fortunes around shall we? Namely Alisson (90-91) and Virgil van Dijk (91-92).
• Couple them with the usual suspects of Trent Alexander-Arnold (85-90), Andy Robertson (86-89), and Fabinho (86-88). 
• Joe Gomez (82-89) is a phenomenal player to round off the back five, and Joel Matip (83-84) provides stable cover. 
• Nico Williams (64-82), Sepp Van den Berg (66-84), and Ki-Jana Hoever (62-84) are the future. Or the present, if you want to make a zillion pounds from the big boys. 

Liverpool's full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

1. RB Leipzig 

How much potential can you fit into one screenshot?!

Most of these teams are predictable inclusions (because they are amazing), but my number one defensive team in FIFA 20 aren't big-hitters or serial winners. RB Leipzig is the perfect side for a Career Mode veteran. Everyone loves an underdog, that’s why Dodgeball is such a beloved movie.

Why RB Leipzig is great for defense:

• You've got some truly great young prospects; Dayot Upamecano (80-89), Ibrahima Konate (79-88), Ethan Ampadu (68-86), and Tyler Adams (76-86). 
• Peter Gulacsi (85-86) is your dependable last line. 
• Even the options you'll have on the bench are better than a lot of starting squads can manage; Lukas Klostermann (81-85), Konrad Laimer (80-85), Nordi Mukiele (78-85), and Angelino (78-83). 
• You're covered from GK to CDM for years. Now go take on the world!

RB Leipzig's full team details: https://www.futwiz.com/en/fifa20/career-mode/players?minrating=1&maxrati...

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