A new chapter unfolds in the digital stadiums of EA Sports FC 25, where the art of midfield orchestration receives a profound upgrade. The Incisive Deep Lying Playmaker Evolution has arrived, a transformative path designed to sculpt ordinary central midfielders into visionary architects of play. This evolution is more than a mere stat boost; it is the gift of a new Role+: the Deep-Lying Playmaker. It bestows upon its recipients the divine ability to carve open defenses with a single, weighted pass, to see the lines of play before they form, and to become the silent, brilliant conductor of the attacking symphony. The requirements are precise, a call only answered by those who meet the criteria: a maximum overall of 83, a pace of 81, a passing of 75, and a defending of 80. The chosen must claim CM among their positions and carry the wisdom of no more than seven PlayStyles. For those who qualify, a journey to an 85-rated zenith awaits. Let us explore the midfielders whose stars are destined to rise under this evolutionary light.

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7. Pape Matar Sarr: The Senegalese Sentinel

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From the heart of Tottenham Hotspur's engine room emerges Pape Matar Sarr, a player whose tireless work ethic is the foundation of his game. His base form, a 79-rated CDM with a secondary CM position, is that of a relentless destroyer. Yet, the Incisive Deep Lying Playmaker Evolution sees this warrior-poet unlock a new dimension. Ascending to an 85 overall, his transformed self boasts a beautifully balanced profile:

  • Dribbling: 83

  • Defending: 82

  • Passing: 81

  • Physicality: 80

He becomes the ideal hybrid, a defensive anchor now imbued with the grace and vision to initiate attacks, proving that steel and silk can indeed be forged into one.

6. Felix Nmecha: The Bundesliga's Balanced Prodigy

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Forged in the crucible of Manchester City's academy and now shining in the yellow of Borussia Dortmund, Felix Nmecha represents modern midfield versatility. His 77-rated base card is a canvas waiting for the Evolution's masterstroke. Upon completion, the 85-rated Nmecha emerges as perhaps the most well-rounded candidate, a player whose stats sing a harmonious tune across the pitch:

Stat Category Rating
Pace 85
Dribbling 83
Defending 82
Physicality 81

This statistical symphony allows him to excel not just as a central midfielder, but to fluidly adapt to roles as a defensive midfielder or even an industrious winger, offering tactical flexibility that is pure gold for any manager.

5. Quinten Timber: The Dutch Dynamo

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In the red and white of Feyenoord, Quinten Timber has been a revelation, a driving force in their impressive campaigns. Known for a keen eye for goal from midfield, his 79-rated card is primed for evolution. The resulting 85-rated maestro is the epitome of solidity, a player without a glaring weakness. His post-evolution palette is impressively colorful:

Pace & Dribbling: 83

Shooting & Defending: 82

Passing & Physicality: 81

He is the complete package, a box-to-box engine who can win the ball, drive forward, and finish moves—a true all-action hero made even more potent with the playmaking vision the Evolution grants.

4. Manuel Ugarte: The Uruguayan Enforcer

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From Lisbon to Paris, and now to the theatre of dreams at Manchester United, Manuel Ugarte carries a reputation as a tenacious midfield disruptor. His 81-rated base card reflects this defensive prowess. The Incisive Deep Lying Playmaker Evolution adds a layer of finesse to his formidable frame. As an 85-rated star, his key attributes solidify his role as a modern-day regista:

  • Dribbling: 83

  • Defending: 82

  • Physicality: 80

  • Passing: 79

He transforms from a pure ball-winner into the team's deep-lying heartbeat, capable of breaking up play and instantly turning defense into attack with newfound passing clarity.

3. Joao Neves: The Portuguese Prodigy

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Widely hailed as one of football's brightest young talents, Joao Neves' high-profile move from Benfica to Paris Saint-Germain is a testament to his sublime skill. His 79-rated card only hints at his potential. The Deep Lying Playmaker role feels almost predestined for a player of his intelligence. Evolved to 85, he becomes a midfield jewel:

  • Pace: 85 ⚡

  • Dribbling: 83 🎯

  • Defending: 82 🛡️

  • Passing: 81 ✨

  • Physicality: 80 💪

  • Shooting: 79 ⚽

This evolution perfectly captures his real-world trajectory, enhancing his ability to control the tempo and dictate play from deep, making him a cornerstone for any future-focused Ultimate Team.

2. Franck Kessie: The Ivorian Powerhouse

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A titan during his AC Milan days, Franck Kessie now showcases his talents in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ahli. His 82-rated base card is a monument to physical dominance. The Evolution harnesses that raw power and refines it with strategic purpose. The 85-rated Kessie that emerges is a truly fearsome prospect, boasting perhaps the most imposing physical stat of all:

Physicality: 88 – A testament to his unstoppable presence.

Complemented by 85 pace, 83 dribbling, and 82 in both shooting and defending, he becomes the complete midfield destroyer and distributor, a player who can dominate every blade of virtual grass.

1. Moises Caicedo: The Pinnacle Choice

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At the summit stands Moises Caicedo, the Ecuadorian dynamo whose real-world prowess translates seamlessly into the digital realm. For those crafting a Premier League-themed squad, he is the undisputed crown jewel of this Evolution. Starting from a solid 82 overall, his journey to 85 unlocks a midfielder of remarkable consistency and quality. His evolved stat line is a masterclass in balanced excellence:

Key Stats:

  • Dribbling: 83

  • Defending: 82

  • Passing: 81

  • Pace: 81

  • Physicality: 80

He is the definitive choice, a player who seamlessly blends defensive diligence with the incisive, game-winning passing ability that the Deep Lying Playmaker role demands. In Caicedo, the evolution finds its perfect subject, a midfielder transformed into the ultimate orchestrator for the 2026 season and beyond.