EA FC 26's Hold and Play Evolution has quickly become a fan favorite in Ultimate Team, offering free, impactful upgrades that transform ordinary players into tactical powerhouses. Designed to boost defensive stability, passing reliability, and duel-winning ability, this evolution rewards players who prioritize controlled, patient gameplay-perfect for squads looking to FC 26 Coins dominate possession and shut down opposition attacks alike.

Before diving into the top player picks, it's critical to understand the evolution's core requirements and upgrades. Eligible players must have a maximum overall rating of 86, no more than 10 playstyles, cannot be World Tour Silver Stars, and cannot be goalkeepers. The evolution features two upgrade levels, each unlocked by completing simple in-game tasks, with stat boosts that align perfectly with defensive and playmaking roles.

Key Upgrades of the Hold and Play Evolution

Level 1 upgrades focus on foundational defensive and passing skills: +1 overall rating, +2 passing (capped at 87), +4 interceptions (capped at 89), and the Intercept playstyle at level 7. To unlock this, you only need to play and win 2 matches in Squad Battles (minimum Semi-Pro difficulty) or other game modes like Rivals, Champions, or Live Events with your active evolution player.

Level 2 takes things further with game-changing defensive boosts: +2 heading accuracy (capped at 88), +7 defensive awareness (capped at 87), +5 slide tackle (capped at 90), +7 stand tackle (capped at 90), and the Long Ball Pass playstyle at level 7. Unlocking it requires playing 3 more matches and winning 2 additional matches under the same conditions as Level 1.

These upgrades make the evolution ideal for defensive midfielders, center-backs, and full-backs-positions where interceptions, tackling, and reliable passing are non-negotiable. The best picks are players whose base stats complement these boosts, turning them into meta-ready assets for your squad.

Top Defensive Midfielder Picks

Defensive midfielders (DMs) benefit most from the Hold and Play Evolution, as the stat boosts directly enhance their ability to shield the backline, win duels, and start attacks with precise passes. Patrick Vieira's Winter Wildcards Icon card is a standout choice here.

Vieira's base stats already excel in physicality and defensive awareness, and the evolution elevates his weaknesses. His interceptions jump to 89 after Level 1, while Level 2 boosts his defensive awareness to 87 and slide tackle to 90-making him an immovable force in midfield. The Long Ball Pass playstyle also adds versatility, allowing him to switch play quickly after winning possession.

Felix Nmecha's Prime Time card is another excellent option for budget-conscious players. With a base overall of under 86, Nmecha gains significant upgrades from the evolution: his passing becomes more reliable, interceptions improve drastically, and his tackling stats turn him into a consistent ball-winner. He's perfect for squads needing a balanced DM who can contribute both defensively and offensively.

Ideal Center-Back Choices

Center-backs (CBs) thrive with the Hold and Play Evolution's defensive and heading upgrades, as these stats are critical for winning aerial duels, intercepting through balls, and shutting down strikers. Zagadou's Winter Wildcards card is a top recommendation for this role.

Zagadou's base physicality is already impressive, and the evolution amplifies his defensive capabilities. Level 2 upgrades push his stand tackle and slide tackle to 90, making him lethal in one-on-one situations, while his heading accuracy reaches 88-ideal for defending set pieces and clearing crosses. The Intercept playstyle also helps him read the game better, allowing him to cut out passes before they reach opposition attackers.

Eric Dier's Winter Wildcards card is another solid pick for CBs. Dier's base defensive awareness is strong, and the +7 boost from Level 2 turns him into a tactical genius at the back. His passing also improves, making him a reliable option for building play from the defense-a key trait for modern center-backs.

Top Full-Back Recommendations

Full-backs (FBs) benefit from the evolution's balance of cheap Fut Coins defensive and passing upgrades, especially if you use them in a stay-back role. Alexander Bah's Thunderstruck card is a standout choice for both right-back and left-back positions.

Bah's base pace and defensive stats are solid, and the Hold and Play Evolution takes him to the next level. His interceptions jump to 89 after Level 1, allowing him to cut out wide passes and start counterattacks, while his tackling upgrades make him a reliable defender against fast wingers. The Long Ball Pass playstyle also makes him effective at switching play to the opposite flank.

Sergino Dest's Joga Bonito card is another excellent full-back option. Dest's base technical ability is strong, and the evolution adds much-needed defensive upgrades. His passing becomes more consistent, making him a threat when overlapping, while his tackling stats improve-perfect for balancing defensive duties with attacking contributions.