
While games of FIFA and PES can often feel like the last five minutes of a cup final, Football Manager has always been more authentic. In FM, having midfielders clocking up pass after pass is a common part of the fun that one can have here. However, having the right blend of midfielders is very important – so how can you go about doing that?
Here are five ball-winning midfielders in Football Manager 2020 that should be realistically attainable for most teams who are competing in a decent top-flight league.
Emre Can

For clubs towards the top end of European football, former Liverpool and Juventus midfielder Emre Can would make a good investment. He’s powerful, technically adept, good with the ball, and intelligent. Though getting him means waiting at least one season (or using the editor), he’s a very wise investment for any club who wants a committed powerhouse in the middle of the park.
Expensive? Yes. But very much worth your investment if you need power and consistency.
Florentino Luis

Nicknamed ‘The Octopus’ in the past, Florentino Luis is a fantastically rangy midfielder who could help you to win the midfield battle in time. A very aggressive midfielder who has some excellent attributes, including a very impressive Tackling attribute of 16.
He’s a good midfielder with high octane work rate and a modern game understanding that ensures he can control the midfield for you. Not the most technically proficient, but an efficient enough passer of the ball to win it and pass it on.
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Ronaldo Vieira

Though arguably more suited to a creative game, Vieira can play a more aggressive and physical role if needed. He’s an excellent midfielder with great physical attributes and the ability to play constantly. He is a good proficient midfield talent well worth looking into, though he might not be suitable as an out-and-out ball winner. Combined with another equally powerful midfield force, though, he might be just what you need.
Nohan Kenneh

Another Elland Road academy graduate, Nohan Kenneh has excellent potential and no shortage of desire to win the ball and pass it on. He’s very much affordable from early on in the game and could easily make a top-flight player in the near future.
A very strong player with natural energy and a desire to pick the ball up in tough positions before playing it on. Definitely a wise investment for any club looking for a midfielder that has time on his side and massive potential.
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Kristoffer Ajer

Though the big Norway defender has moved into central defence at Glasgow Celtic, he could easily play in midfield in FM2020. He’s good enough to do exactly what a ball winner should; slam the opponent, take the ball, and pass it on to a teammate. He’s a very good player for this role, though it would be wise to have him ‘Hold Position’ if possible as his massive height can make getting back in time tougher than it is for some of the other players on this list!
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