FIFA 23 Midfielders: Fastest Central Midfielders (CMs)

Central midfielders who can cover ground from box to box effectively and track the movement of opposing attackers are essential in order to control the flow of the game in midfield. Indeed, FIFA gameplay is designed to favor fast players, and having them in the engine room of the team is essential in FIFA 23.

Choosing the fastest central midfielders in FIFA 23

This article takes a look at the fastest central midfielders (CMs) in the game with Marcos Llorente, Federico Valverde and Latif Blessing being amongst the quickest in FIFA 23.

These speed demons are ranked based on their pace rating and the fact that their favoured position is central midfield (CM).

At the bottom of the article, you will find a full list of all the fastest CDM in FIFA 23.

Marcos Llorente (84 OVR – 85 POT)

Team: Atlético de Madrid

Age: 27

Wage: £70,000 p/w

Value: £41.3 million

Best Attributes: 90 Sprint Speed, 88 Pace, 85 Acceleration

One of the finest central midfielders in Spain, Llorente is the fastest central midfielder in FIFA 23, and his lung-bursting runs will be key in Career Mode.

Llorente is a well-rounded performer given his 84 overall rating and 85 potential, but his pace is what really sets him apart in the game. The versatile 27-year-old is also rated with 90 sprint speed, 88 pace, and 85 acceleration. 

The Spaniard recorded a career-high 12 goals and 11 assists as Atlético Madrid became champions of La Liga in the 2020–21 season. Llorente has become a key part of the national side in recent times and looks set to feature at the World Cup.

Moe Bumbercatch (79 OVR – 82 POT)

Team: AFC Richmond

Age: 25

Wage: £46,000 p/w

Value: £19.8 million

Best Attributes: 88 Acceleration, 87 Sprint Speed, 87 Pace 

This highly-rated central midfielder is one to keep an eye on in FIFA 23 with his 79 overall ability and 82 potential. 

Bumbercatch’s speed is a key weapon in the game, and his 88 acceleration, 87 pace, and 87 sprint speed will fit right into your Career Mode team. 

Although the 25-year-old is made up in FIFA 23, he is very much worth getting for his impressive ratings. Given his modest price, Bumbercatch should be a top pick. 

Federico Valverde (84 OVR – 90 POT)

Team: Real Madrid

Age: 23

Wage: £151,000 p/w

Value: £56.8 million

Best Attributes: 91 Sprint Speed, 87 Pace, 82 Acceleration

A versatile player known for his pace, stamina, and work rate, it is no surprise to find the 23-year-old among the fastest central midfielders in FIFA 23. Valverde is already one of the best in his position at 84 overall and can develop further with 90 potential.  

Being a model team player, his pace has seen him deployed out wide and he would be a powerful runner in your Career Mode team with 91 sprint speed, 87 pace and 82 acceleration. 

Since making his Real Madrid debut in 2018, the Uruguayan has grown from strength to strength, and he was a vital cog in their 2021-22 La Liga-winning side. He also provided the assist for Vinícius Júnior’s game-winning goal against Liverpool in the Champions League final to give Real Madrid their record 14th European Cup.

Nguyễn Quang Hải (66 OVR – 71 POT)

Team: Pau FC

Age: 25

Wage: £2,000 p/w

Value: £1 million

Best Attributes: 87 Sprint Speed, 86 Pace, 85 Acceleration

One of Asia’s brightest talents, the 25-year-old is the fourth name on the list of the fastest central midfielders in FIFA 23.

He might be a little-known with 66 overall and 71 potential, but Quang Hải has pace to burn and he could be an underrated weapon in Career Mode. He boasts 87 sprint speed, 86 pace, and 85 acceleration.

Having left hometown club Hanoi in search of a chance to cement his career in Europe, he joined Ligue 2 side Pau to become the first Vietnamese player to sign for a French club. Quang Hải is a national hero and scored three goals as Vietnam reached the final round of the 2022 World Cup qualification for the first time.

Latif Blessing (70 OVR – 74 POT)

Team: Los Angeles FC

Age: 25

Wage: £4,000 p/w

Value: £1.9 million

Best Attributes: 88 Acceleration, 86 Pace, 85 Sprint Speed

Fans of Major League Soccer will not be surprised to find Latif Blessing among the fastest central midfielders in FIFA 23 despite him not being the most attractive option with 70 overall and 74 potential. 

The 25-year-old is known for his pressing and work rate off the ball, skills that are essential in the game. His running statistics of 88 acceleration, 86 pace, and 85 sprint speed are eye-catching. 

The Ghanaian moved to Los Angeles FC with the second selection of the 2017 MLS Expansion Draft and has become a key player over the past four years, making over 100 appearances for the club.

Fredy (71 OVR – 71 POT)

Team: Antalyaspor

Age: 32

Wage: £15,000 p/w

Value: £1.3 million

Best Attributes: 87 Sprint Speed, 86 Pace, 84 Acceleration

This age-defying performer is one of the fastest central midfielders in the game despite his advancing years. He would add an immediate burst of pace in midfield despite no margin for improvement on his 71 overall ability. 

Fredy boasts 87 sprint speed, 86 pace, and 84 acceleration in FIFA 23, and his work rate should be considered if you are looking for a cheap veteran who can get across the pitch with ease.

The 32-year-old moved to Turkish club Antalyaspor in January 2019 and totalled 40 appearances in all competitions for the Scorpions last season, scoring six times and assisting on four more goals. Fredy has won 31 caps for the Angola national team, scoring once.

Nicolás de la Cruz (78 OVR – 79 POT)

Team: River Plate

Age: 25

Wage: £16,000 p/w

Value: £14.2 million

Best Attributes: 87 Acceleration, 85 Pace, 83 Sprint Speed

Another relatively unknown player amongst the fastest central midfielders in FIFA 23 is one who could prove a revelation in Career Mode with 78 overall and 79 potential.

The midfielder’s running statistics show he possesses blistering pace to cover the midfield areas with 87 acceleration, 85 pace, and 83 sprint speed.  

De la Cruz provided five goals and four assists in 29 appearances during the 2020-21 season with Argentine side River Plate. Having made four appearances during Copa America 2021, the 25-year-old is a full Uruguay international, and he looks set to make La Celeste’s 2022 World Cup squad. 

All of the fastest central midfielders on FIFA 23

In the table below, you’ll find all of the quickest central midfielders in FIFA 23, sorted by their pace rating.

If you want the fastest central midfielders to control the middle of the field in your FIFA 23 Career Mode, look no further than the list provided above.