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Best Players for FC 26 Locked In Evolution Upgrades

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The Locked In Evolution is one of the most valuable defensive upgrades available in EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team. Even though it’s a free EVO, the stat boosts are significant enough to turn a mid-tier defender or ball-winning midfielder into a long-term starter. Because the upgrade path is simple and the requirements are tight, choosing the right player determines how much value you actually get from it.

Best Players for FC 26 Locked In Evolution Upgrades
Best Players for FC 26 Locked In Evolution Upgrades

How Locked In Evolution Works

The Locked In Evolution is a two-level defensive upgrade designed for outfield players. It is not meant to improve attackers, creators, or pace-heavy full-backs. Instead, it strengthens every core defensive ability a CB or CDM relies on throughout a match.

Evolution Requirements (Entry Rules)

Your chosen card must fit all of these conditions:

  • Max Overall: 85
  • Max Pace: 89
  • Max PlayStyles: 10
  • Not a World Tour Silver Stars card
  • Not a Goalkeeper

Because of these restrictions, many high-end meta players are excluded — but several under-used special cards become incredible once evolved.

All Locked In Evolution Upgrades

Level 1 Upgrades

  • Overall: +2
  • Defensive Awareness: +15 (up to 87 max)
  • Slide Tackle: +12 (up to 88 max)
  • Weak Foot: +1 (up to 4★)

Objective: Play 1 match in Squad Battles (Semi-Pro+) or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events with the EVO player.

Level 2 Upgrades

  • Heading Accuracy: +12 (up to 88 max)
  • Interceptions: +15 (up to 88 max)
  • Standing Tackle: +12 (up to 87 max)
  • PlayStyle: Anticipate

Objective: Play 2 matches with the EVO player in the same eligible modes.

After both levels, the card feels like a completely rebuilt defender—much smarter, stronger, and more responsive in tackles.

Who Benefits Most from Locked In?

The stat boosts heavily favor:

1. Center-Backs (CB)

The huge upgrades to Interceptions, Defensive Awareness, and tackling directly elevate CB performance. Anticipate also lets them step into passing lanes more aggressively.

2. Defensive Midfielders (CDM/CM)

Players who already have strong physicals or passing but lack elite defending become excellent ball-winners.

3. Defensive Full-Backs (RB/LB)

If you prefer full-backs that stay back, they gain good value — though central defenders still benefit more.

Avoid using Locked In on attackers, creative CMs, or pace-dependent cards. The upgrades simply don’t help them enough.

Best Players for FC 26 Locked In Evolution

Based on the upgrade pattern and factual player examples provided, these are the top-performing cards for the Locked In Evolution.

1. Hegazi – FC Pro Live (CB)

A perfect fit for Locked In. Hegazi already has size, strength, and solid defensive IQ, but lacks elite ceilings. With this EVO:

  • Awareness jumps into a competitive tier.
  • Tackling becomes far more reliable.
  • Increased heading makes him dominant on set pieces.

Best For: Deep defensive lines or players who rely on AI defending.

2. Unai López – Primetime (CM/CDM)

If you play a possession-heavy style, Unai López becomes a fantastic holding midfielder.

  • Interceptions and Awareness upgrades fix his biggest weakness.
  • +1 Weak Foot helps during tight build-up play.
  • Strong passing means he transitions quickly after winning the ball.

Best For: 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 systems that need a tempo-setting CDM.

3. Zielenski – Captains (CM)

Zielenski’s Captains card already has balanced stats across the board. Locked In pushes his defensive attributes into CDM territory.

  • Anticipate gives him aggressive ball-winning patterns.
  • Strong heading adds utility in both boxes.

Best For: Hybrid box-to-box roles that require consistent defensive work.

4. Højbjerg – Captains (CDM)

One of the most natural fits for this evolution.

  • Huge Interceptions boost transforms him into an elite screen for the back line.
  • Tackling upgrades give him cleaner ball recoveries.
  • His physical profile compliments the boosts perfectly.

Best For: Holding midfielders in narrow formations like 4-1-2-1-2 or 4-2-2-2.

5. Leon Goretzka – Flashback (CM/CDM)

A favorite for many players due to his height, strength, and animation quality. Locked In accentuates all his strengths:

  • Becomes much tougher to dribble past.
  • Excellent aerial presence post-upgrade.
  • One of the best long-term EVO investments because of his versatility.

Best For: Any formation — he fits everywhere.

6. Georginio Wijnaldum – FC Pro Live (CM/CDM)

A great option for aggressive, high-energy playstyles.

  • Defensive boosts make him a complete two-way midfielder.
  • Weak Foot upgrade improves passing under pressure.
  • High stamina synergizes with the new Anticipate PlayStyle.

Best For: High press or quick transition teams.

7. Doué – Ultimate Scream (CB/Utility Defender)

A flexible, fun pick who plays above his rating after the EVO upgrades.

  • Massive Interceptions and tackling boosts suit his aggressive style.
  • Superb if you like pressing up the pitch.

Best For: Players wanting a unique meta CB with standout animations.

8. Cabal – Ultimate Scream (CB)

Another superb defensive evolution target. Cabal works extremely well due to his balanced base stats.

  • Gains elite Interceptions and Awareness after the EVO.
  • Tackling becomes much more consistent.
  • Very reliable in set-piece situations.

Best For: Classic CB roles in defensive or balanced setups.

The Locked In Evolution is absolutely worth completing — especially since it’s free and only requires three games to finish. The defensive upgrades are substantial enough to make many 84–85 rated special cards feel like top-tier options.  Play Now!

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