It’s official: the EA FC 26 season is in full swing, and with the March 2026 Tactical Overhaul now live, the meta has shifted significantly. It seems like only yesterday that Trent Alexander-Arnold — the highest-rated right-back in the game — was a fresh-faced 17-year-old with a 68 overall, fighting to break into Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool side.
Now, Alexander-Arnold is 27, in the absolute peak of his career, and has fundamentally redefined the right-back position. What was once seen as an "unattractive" or strictly defensive role is now the tactical heartbeat of elite squads.
In EA FC 26, a new wave of teenage talents is emerging to follow in Trent’s footsteps. Whether you're looking for a lockdown defender or a creative engine for your Career Mode dynasty, these five wonderkids are the best investments you can make. While some managers prefer the grind of match earnings, others may choose to buy EA FC 26 coins to secure these targets before their value skyrockets.
Here are the top five young right-backs to sign in EA FC 26.
5. Josh Acheampong (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s 19-year-old powerhouse has seen a significant boost since last year. Standing at 6'3", Acheampong is a physical anomaly for a right-back, making him one of the most versatile defenders in the game.
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OVR: 70 | Potential: 85
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Key Stats: 76 Pace, 76 Strength, 80 Jumping.
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Role Mastery: He now carries Stopper+ and CB versatility, making him perfect for high-line defenses.
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Our Tip: In FC IQ 2.0, use him as a Falseback. His physical presence allows him to tuck into a back-three during possession, giving your LWB total freedom to attack. At roughly £3M, he’s still a bargain.
4. Martim Fernandes (Porto)
Porto’s talent factory has produced another gem. Martim Fernandes has graduated from a "prospect" to a genuine first-team star at the Estádio do Dragão.
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OVR: 75 | Potential: 85
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Key Stats: 82 Pace, 75 Crossing, 73 Short Passing.
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Role Mastery: Features the Whipped Pass PlayStyle and Wingback+ role.
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Our Tip: He is the ultimate "possession" full-back. If you play a high-press, possession-heavy 4-3-3, Fernandes is your man. His market value has risen to around €17M, so move fast before he hits 80+ OVR.
3. Iván Fresneda (Sporting CP)
After overcoming the injury woes that plagued his early career, Fresneda has stabilized into a very reliable, high-potential asset in the Portuguese league.
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OVR: 76 | Potential: 85
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Key Stats: 79 Pace, 76 Standing Tackle, 4-star Weak Foot.
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Role Mastery: Versatile enough to play LB and RM.
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Our Tip: Fresneda lacks a "specialist" identity but excels as a "jack-of-all-trades." He is the perfect signing for a mid-tier club (think Atalanta or Aston Villa) because he can cover three positions without a drop in quality. Expect to pay around £14M.
2. Conor Bradley (Liverpool)
In real life, Bradley has proven he’s the legitimate heir to the Trent throne. In EA FC 26, his stats reflect that explosive growth.
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OVR: 78 | Potential: 84+
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Key Stats: 80 Pace, 84 Stamina, 84 Aggression, 77 Crossing.
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Role Mastery: Attacking Wingback++
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Our Tip: Bradley is an engine. He fits a "Heavy Metal" football style perfectly. If you are using Liverpool, he’s a ready-made starter. If you're buying him, he’ll cost closer to £18M-£22M, but his high stamina means he can play every minute of a congested season.
1. Rico Lewis (Manchester City)
Described as "the most intelligent young player" by his coaches, Rico Lewis is the crown jewel of right-back wonderkids.
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OVR: 77 | Potential: 86
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Key Stats: 80 Dribbling, 79 Short Passing, 84 Agility.
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Role Mastery: Inverted Wingback++ and Holding CM++.
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Our Tip: Lewis is barely a right-back in the traditional sense. In FC IQ 2.0, slot him into the Inverted Wingback role. He will drift into the midfield alongside your CDM, effectively giving you an extra playmaker. He’s the most "Trent-like" in terms of influence, though his style is more about short, intricate passing than long diagonals.
