Is the "I'll Protect You" EVO Worth 100k? The META Choices You Shouldn't Miss in FC 26

EA has officially released the "I'll Protect You" Evolution, a premium EVO that can turn an ordinary center-back into a top-tier option in FC 26 Ultimate Team. This guide breaks down the upgrade, the objectives, and the best players to choose for maximum value.

Evolution Overview & Attribute Boosts

The "I'll Protect You" EVO comes with a high cost: 100,000 FC 26 Coins or 1,000 FC Points. It's one of the pricier defensive Evolutions, but the upgrades are extremely strong.

What This EVO Improves

This upgrade focuses heavily on defensive reliability:

• Significant boosts to Pace, Strength, Defensive Awareness, and Tackling
• Adds Anticipate+, one of the best defensive PlayStyles+ for center-backs
• Multiple additional PlayStyles: Anticipate+, Pinged Pass, Long Ball Pass, and Intercept.

These boosts can elevate many average defenders into fully meta CBs, especially if the player already has:

• Solid pace
• A good defensive body type
• Ability to become Lengthy
• Strong core defensive PlayStyles
• Required Challenges & Difficulty

You'll need to complete five levels of objectives:

• Level 1: Play 2 matches in Squad Battles (Semi-Pro+), Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Live Events using your EVO player.
• Level 2: Win 1 match on the same modes using your EVO player.
• Level 3: in 1 match.
• Level 4: Play 1 match and get 2 assists with your EVO player.
• Level 5: Win 1 match using your EVO player.

Difficulty Assessment

Overall difficulty is low to moderate. Most users will complete it naturally through Squad Battles or Rush. The only mildly annoying challenge is the two assists, especially for pure center-backs, but still manageable.

Best Players for the "I'll Protect You" Evolution

Here are the top picks if you want the biggest upgrade for your 100k coins.

No.1 Ibáñez (Roma): Best Overall META Choice

Pros:

• Nearly every top defensive PlayStyle (Jockey, Block, Intercept, Slide Tackle, etc.)
• Anticipate+ makes him elite in close duels
• Well-rounded stats with high reactions and ball control
• Strong interception and positioning intelligence

Cons:

• Harder chemistry links

If you can ignore league links, this is one of the strongest CBs you can build with this EVO. Absolutely worth the cost.

No.2 Éder Militão: Safest and Most Reliable Pick

Pros:

• Already a complete defender with elite speed
• Gains multiple top-tier defensive PlayStyles after EVO
• Huge acceleration/sprint upgrades
• Can link with other chain Evolutions (e.g., Dynamic Distributor)

Cons:

• Lean body type can feel weaker in physical duels

For players wanting a stable, high-end CB, Militão is one of the best long-term investments.

No.3 Jorrel Hato: Meta Movement + Positional Versatility

Pros:

• Hato stands out because he already has elite movement traits: Jockey + Quick Step offer one of the best defensive mobility combinations in FC 26.
• Can play CB or LB
• Height is solid at 6'0"
• Works especially well as a ball-playing CB

Cons:

• Low dribbling: not ideal as a full-back

A fantastic choice if you want a mobile defender with elite animations.

No.4 Mascarell: High-IQ Defender With Great Flexibility

Pros:

• 99 Reactions, 92 Composure
• Excellent links for Arsenal past & present teams
• If you already have FC Points from pre-order bonuses, this EVO is a smart use.

No.5 Ronald: Budget Saliba-Style Option

• Very similar profile to Saliba
• Quality depends heavily on chemistry links
• Not as premium as the top three, but still strong after the EVO

Consider These Players, But Not Always Worth 100k

• Tchouaméni: Pace capped at 80 makes him too slow
• Gvardiol: Good stats but cannot get Anticipate+
• Kouznetsov, McKenna, etc. : Decent upgrades but not truly meta unless you run a themed squad

Low-Value / Not Recommended Choices

Avoid players who:

• Have very low pace
• Require expensive chain Evolutions (ex: Isaac Touré ends up costing 120k+)
• Have poor Reactions or Composure

These two stats heavily affect CB responsiveness this year.

Key Things to Consider Before Selecting Your Player

To maximize this EVO's value, look for defenders with:

• Ability to become Lengthy
• High Acceleration and Sprint Speed
• High Reactions & Composure
• Strong defensive PlayStyles (Jockey, Intercept, Anticipate)

Also remember:

Quick Step + Jockey = the strongest defensive combo in FC 26

If a player has both (like Hato), you get a massive meta advantage.

Is the "I'll Protect You" EVO Worth Doing?

This EVO is expensive, but Anticipate+ alone is a game-changing upgrade for center-backs. When paired with a player who already has good pace and animations, this EVO can give you a defender usable for months.

If your chem links are solid, the three best picks are:

• Ibáñez
• Éder Militão
• Hato

For players unsure who to choose, these three provide the best mix of value, longevity, and meta strength.