In FIFA 23, defending is especially important, as you don't want to leave gaps at the back for your opponent to exploit. While you can score as many goals as you want but you won't get very far if you keep giving them away at the defensive end. So in this article, we bring some crucial defending tips that will change your game once and for all.

Use Manual Player Switching

Due to how inconsistent traditional L1/LB player switching is on FIFA, you need to utilize the manual switching mechanic to be able to switch to any player on the pitch at any given time. Switching to your preferred player while defending will allow you to cover open spaces and make interceptions more efficiently. Imagine a scenario where an opponent's player is running down the left flank, and you could manually switch to your left back to track your opponent's run and win the ball back.

Use Dynamic Tactics

Dynamic tactics have been an excellent addition to FIFA recently and can be used to put your stamp on a team. Whether you prefer to sit deep, press high up the pitch, or fall somewhere in between, selecting the right defensive structure can go a long way to keeping the opposition at bay. Play around with the various tactics to find which best suits your style of play.

Speed Is Important

Speed is one key factor in FIFA 23, which applies to both attackers and defenders. Fast attackers will help you outrun your opponent's defenders, while fast defenders are crucial to defending against counterattacks. They can trackback properly and catch up with pacey strikers on counterattacks. Whether you are playing quick matches or career mode, please have at least one speedy defender in your line-up to cover your backline, such as Alphonso Davies (25,000 FIFA 23 Coins) with 94 Pace.

Timing the hard tackle

You can command the hard tackle by pressing and holding O on PS and B on Xbox. After trying the hard tackle on lower-level opponents a few times, you will notice that it is such an effective maneuver. The best way to time a hard tackle is to jockey close to the ball holder, then launch the tackle when you're near the ball. It's important to avoid making erratic tackles because they leave your player stuck in the tackle animation for about a second, and that second is all your opponent needs to execute a counterattack.

Play With The Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper is the backbone of any team's defensive unit, and it's no different in FIFA 23. During a game, the goalkeeper has many opportunities to get involved in his team's play, so it's worth exploring them all. You can always rush your goalkeeper out by pressing triangle on PS and Y on Xbox. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of defending and might be the game-changer to your defending skills. 

That concludes our defense guide on how to defend in FIFA 23. These tips will help you limit the number of chances you concede and improve your ability to keep the ball out of the net in FIFA 23.