In EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team, defense has evolved into a complex chess match of baiting passes, using manual control to EA FC 25 Coins cut off lanes, and adapting to the ever-changing meta. Among all the pros and streamers, one name stands out as arguably the best defender in the world: Nicolás Villalba — better known in the FC esports community as Nicholas99.

Representing Argentina and consistently ranked as one of the top global players across FIFA and now EA Sports FC, Nicholas99 has developed a defensive style that neutralizes the fastest attackers, the most meta skillers, and even the infamous constant pressure tactic. But what exactly makes his defending so elite in FC 25? Let’s break it down.

The Importance of Manual Defending in FC 25
One of the biggest shifts in FC 25 is the continued emphasis on manual defending over AI reliance. While earlier titles allowed players to lean heavily on automatic jockeying and positioning, the current meta punishes that approach.

Nicholas99 capitalizes on this shift better than almost anyone. His defensive style is built around precise left-stick jockeying, early interception reads, and midfield pressing to suffocate build-up play. He controls players off the ball constantly — switching between fullbacks, CDMs, and center backs with surgical speed to apply pressure exactly where the opponent least expects it.

In fact, he often defends two or three moves ahead, baiting his opponent into “safe” passes that immediately get shut down. His anticipation turns defensive sequences into mini checkmates.

Defending the Meta Formations (41212 Narrow, 4222, 442)
In FC 25, formations like 4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow), 4-2-2-2, and 4-4-2 are everywhere in elite and pro-level play. They thrive on quick, central build-up, recycling possession, and runners from deep.

Nicholas99 has mastered the art of shutting these down by clogging the middle of the pitch with aggressive CDM positioning. His go-to defensive formation — when not in possession — is often a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1, where the midfield four press back and cut off passing lanes.

One of his most iconic moves is to select his right or left CDM manually, hover them near the passing lane to the CAM, and then jockey sideways to force a predictable ball into his trap. This is especially effective against 41212 Narrow users who look to use quick 1-2s down the spine.

Right Stick Switching and Lane Cutting
While many players rely solely on L1/LB switching, Nicholas99 elevates his defending with right stick switching — arguably the most essential high-level technique in FC 25.

His switching is lightning fast, and it allows him to control the defender closest to the ball before the pass is made. He cuts passing lanes by shifting into position manually rather than reacting late.

This is especially visible when he defends long driven passes or when players attempt to switch play. You’ll often see him select a winger or fullback before the ball reaches that area, then manually jockey toward the target, reducing the opponent’s time on the ball.

Using Pressing Triggers (Second Man Press, Teammate Contain)
Another key strength in Nicholas99’s defensive arsenal is his smart use of pressing tools like R1 (Second Man Press) and Teammate Contain. Rather than spamming it, he times it perfectly to apply pressure from one side while manually controlling a cut-off angle from the other.

This gives the illusion of a passing lane opening up, only for it to close instantly — a baiting strategy that forces errors.

In transition defense, he’s often seen triggering a midfielder to press, while he controls a CB or fullback to deal with a potential through ball or runner.

Fullback Mastery — Stopping Cutbacks and Width Abuse
One of the biggest challenges in FC 25 is dealing with cutbacks and width exploitation, especially from players using speedy wingers like TOTY Mbappé or Evolutions-enhanced players with 99 pace.

Nicholas99 is never caught ball-watching. He tracks runs with his manual fullback switching better than almost anyone. Instead of dragging a CB out of position, he uses the closest fullback, manually tracks the wide player, and anticipates the square pass.

He also often leaves his far-side fullback deeper if he predicts a wide switch, ensuring coverage against back-post crosses.

Mental Discipline and Composure
What separates Nicholas99 isn’t just mechanical mastery — it’s mental discipline. He rarely dives in. Instead, he guides attackers into dead zones, holding his ground and forcing a mistake.

In 1v1 defending, he stays compact and calm, never overcommitting. This is especially important in FC 25, where explosive sprint and controlled dribbling can break low-skill players, but fall short against defenders with perfect timing.

He forces opponents to try one skill move too many, and that’s when he pounces.

Defensive Custom Tactics Breakdown (From Livestreams)
While exact tactics can vary slightly, here’s a general outline of defensive settings Nicholas99 has showcased in his streams and tournaments:

Defensive Style: Balanced or Pressure on Heavy Touch

Width: 35–45

Depth: 60–70 (he uses high lines, trusting his ability to cut through balls manually)

Defenders Instructions:

CBs: Stay Back While Attacking

Fullbacks: Balanced (he tracks runs himself rather than relying on Stay Back)

CDMs:

One on Stay Back + Cover Center

One on Balanced + Cover Center

Custom Press Triggers: Toggled manually with R1, not automatic Constant Pressure

Defending Set Pieces and Counter-Attacks
Nicholas99 is also elite at handling corners and counter-attacks. He positions a tall CB at the near post manually to clear crosses and drags a midfielder back near the edge of the box to collect second balls.

When facing fast breaks, he doesn’t panic switch. Instead, he uses delayed switching to track the ball carrier while dragging midfielders back. It’s a calm, composed system that limits chaos.

Training Like Nicholas99
To adopt his style of defense, FC 25 players should focus on:

Right Stick Switching Drills: Practice selecting players ahead of time.

Manual Jockeying: Use L2 + left stick to track, avoid slide tackles unless 100% sure.

Interception Reads: Cut passing lanes with midfielders, not defenders.

Baiting Pressure: Force poor decisions by offering fake space.

Replay Study: Watch your own gameplay or Nicholas99’s streams for positioning patterns.

Final Thoughts
Nicholas99 isn’t just a brilliant attacker — he’s a defensive wall. His gameplay in EA Sports FC 25 exemplifies the evolution of 
FC Coins  elite defense: a blend of quick reactions, smart switching, and psychological baiting. While many chase highlight goals and meta attackers, it’s Nicholas’ defending that wins him trophies.

By learning from his techniques and staying disciplined, any player can elevate their backline performance — and perhaps, one day, stand toe-to-toe with the best defender in the world.