Hey there, fellow FC 26 enthusiasts! I’m excited to share my comprehensive guide on the best players for the Protect the Wings Evolution. When I first heard about this evolution, I was both intrigued and skeptical – another paid evolution? But after diving deep into the stats and testing multiple players, I can tell you this: some of these evolved fullbacks are absolute game-changers.
I’ve spent countless hours researching, testing, and analyzing the Protect the Wings Evolution to bring you the most complete guide available. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your defense or add some attacking flair from the wings, I’ve got you covered with the best meta picks that’ll help you dominate in Division Rivals and Weekend League.
What is the Protect the Wings Evolution?
Before we dive into the player recommendations, let me break down exactly what the Protect the Wings Evolution is all about. This evolution is designed specifically for fullbacks (LB and RB positions) and costs 400 FP or 30,000 coins to unlock. Yeah, I know – another paid evolution, but hear me out on why this one might be worth your coins.
The evolution transforms your selected fullback into a defensive powerhouse with significant upgrades across the board. What I love about this evolution is how it addresses the core needs of modern fullbacks: pace, defensive capabilities, and physical presence. When I evolved my first player using this, I was shocked at how much of a difference it made in my defensive stability.
Protect the Wings Evolution Requirements
Here’s what you need to know about the requirements:
- Overall Rating: Max 84
- Total Positions: Max 3
- PlayStyle: Max 10
- PlayStyle+: Max 1
- Excluded Rarity: World Tour Silver Stars
- Position: Must be LB or RB
- Excluded Position: CB (no centerbacks allowed)
I’ll be honest – the position restrictions can be frustrating. I had a perfect player in mind who got locked out because he had 4 positions. But these restrictions are there for balance, and honestly, they make sense for a fullback-specific evolution.
Evolution Upgrades Breakdown
This evolution comes with four levels of upgrades, each with specific challenges to complete. Let me walk you through what you can expect at each level:
Level 1 Upgrades
- Overall: +8 (to 86)
- Passing: +5 (to 80)
- Acceleration: +10 (to 86)
- Jumping: +10 (to 78)
Challenge: Play 1 match in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty using your active EVO player.
Level 2 Upgrades
- Defensive Awareness: +15 (to 85)
- Slide Tackle: +15 (to 82)
- Stamina: +20 (to 85)
- Strength: +15 (to 80)
- PlayStyles: Jockey (level 6)
Challenge: Win 2 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty using your active EVO Player.
Level 3 Upgrades
- Aggression: +15 (to 80)
- Heading Accuracy: +10 (to 75)
- Interceptions: +15 (to 84)
- Positions: Adds LB and RB
- PlayStyles: Quick Step (level 6)
Challenge: Play 2 matches AND win 1 match in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty using your active EVO Player.
Level 4 Upgrades
- Dribbling: +7 (to 82)
- Sprint Speed: +15 (to 86)
- Standing Tackle: +10 (to 80)
- PlayStyles+: Slide Tackle (level 1)
- Roles: Fullback++
Challenge: Play 1 match in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty using your active EVO player.
When I completed these challenges, I was impressed by how the progressive upgrades really transform the player. The +20 stamina and +15 strength in particular make a massive difference in late-game situations.
Top 10 Best Players for Protect the Wings Evolution
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! After extensive testing and research, here are my top 10 picks for the Protect the Wings Evolution. I’ve ranked them based on their base stats, potential after evolution, and overall impact on the game.
1. Alphonso Davies (LB)
Base Stats (84 rated): 94 PAC, 66 SHO, 78 PAS, 85 DRI, 74 DEF, 76 PHY
When I evolved Davies, I was absolutely blown away by the results. His 94 pace combined with the evolution upgrades makes him nearly unstoppable on the wing. What I love about Davies is his versatility – he’s equally effective in defense and when joining the attack.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 96, Sprint Speed 99 (insane!)
- Defending: Interceptions 89, Defensive Awareness 89
- Physical: Stamina 96, Strength 91
- Dribbling: 89 with Quick Step PlayStyle
Davies is my top recommendation because he addresses everything you need in a modern fullback. When I use him, I feel confident knowing he can track back on defense and still contribute to the attack. His pace alone makes him worth the evolution cost, but the defensive upgrades turn him into a complete player.
2. Theo Hernandez (LB)
Base Stats (84 rated): 90 PAC, 76 SHO, 78 PAS, 83 DRI, 79 DEF, 83 PHY
Theo is another absolute beast who becomes even more terrifying after this evolution. I’ve always been a fan of his attacking prowess, but the defensive upgrades in this evolution make him much more well-rounded.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 96, Sprint Speed 99
- Defending: Interceptions 94, Defensive Awareness 94
- Physical: Stamina 99, Strength 98
- Dribbling: 90 with Quick Step PlayStyle
What makes Theo special is his physical presence. At 6’2″ with 99 strength after evolution, he’s a nightmare for wingers to deal with. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my defensive stability since evolving him – he wins almost every physical duel.
3. Jeremie Frimpong (RB)
Base Stats (83 rated): 94 PAC, 62 SHO, 74 PAS, 84 DRI, 72 DEF, 63 PHY
Frimpong is pure pace and attacking flair, but the evolution addresses his biggest weakness: defensive capabilities. I was skeptical about evolving him initially due to his low defensive and physical stats, but the results surprised me.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 96, Sprint Speed 99
- Defending: Interceptions 87, Defensive Awareness 87
- Physical: Stamina 83, Strength 78
- Dribbling: 91 with Quick Step PlayStyle
While his physical stats aren’t as impressive as Davies or Theo, Frimpong’s pace and dribbling make him a constant threat on the counter-attack. I love using him when I need an extra attacking outlet from the right side.
4. Marcos Llorente (RB)
Base Stats (84 rated): 89 PAC, 79 SHO, 78 PAS, 81 DRI, 78 DEF, 82 PHY
Llorente is the definition of versatility, and this evolution only enhances that. What I appreciate most about him is his balanced stats – he’s good at everything but exceptional in multiple areas.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 95, Sprint Speed 96
- Defending: Interceptions 93, Defensive Awareness 93
- Physical: Stamina 98, Strength 97
- Dribbling: 88 with Quick Step PlayStyle
Llorente is my go-to recommendation for players who want a complete fullback. He’s not the fastest, but he’s fast enough. He’s not the strongest defender, but he’s solid. What makes him special is his consistency across all areas – he never has a bad game.
5. Joao Cancelo (RB)
Base Stats (84 rated): 83 PAC, 73 SHO, 84 PAS, 84 DRI, 78 DEF, 74 PHY
Cancelo is the playmaker’s choice for fullback. His passing and dribbling are already excellent, and the evolution adds the defensive solidity he sometimes lacks.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 87, Sprint Speed 92
- Defending: Interceptions 93, Defensive Awareness 93
- Physical: Stamina 94, Strength 89
- Dribbling: 91 with Quick Step PlayStyle
What I love about Cancelo is his football intelligence. Even before the evolution, he always seemed to be in the right position. After evolution, his defensive improvements make him one of the most well-rounded fullbacks in the game.
6. Stefan Posch (RB)
Base Stats (84 rated): 82 PAC, 60 SHO, 77 PAS, 73 DRI, 83 DEF, 80 PHY
Posch is the defensive specialist’s choice. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense defender who can shut down wingers, he’s your man.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 86, Sprint Speed 91
- Defending: Interceptions 98, Defensive Awareness 98
- Physical: Stamina 96, Strength 95
- Dribbling: 80 with Quick Step PlayStyle
I’ll admit, Posch isn’t the most exciting player to evolve, but he’s incredibly effective. His defensive stats after evolution are absolutely insane – 98 interceptions and defensive awareness make him a wall on the right side.
7. Alexander Bah (RB)
Base Stats (84 rated): 84 PAC, 60 SHO, 74 PAS, 77 DRI, 83 DEF, 80 PHY
Bah is similar to Posch but with better pace. He offers a nice balance between defensive solidity and athletic ability.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 88, Sprint Speed 93
- Defending: Interceptions 98, Defensive Awareness 98
- Physical: Stamina 96, Strength 95
- Dribbling: 84 with Quick Step PlayStyle
What I like about Bah is his reliability. He’s not going to score many goals or create many chances, but he’ll consistently shut down his opponent and provide defensive stability.
8. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB)
Base Stats (82 rated): 81 PAC, 35 SHO, 75 PAS, 75 DRI, 83 DEF, 78 PHY
Wan-Bissaka is already known as one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game, and this evolution takes his defensive capabilities to another level.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 85, Sprint Speed 90
- Defending: Interceptions 98, Defensive Awareness 98
- Physical: Stamina 94, Strength 93
- Dribbling: 82 with Quick Step PlayStyle
I’ve always been a fan of Wan-Bissaka’s defending, but his pace was sometimes a concern. The evolution addresses that perfectly, giving him enough speed to keep up with most wingers while maintaining his elite defensive abilities.
9. Hadjam (LB)
Base Stats (84 rated): 90 PAC, 70 SHO, 75 PAS, 84 DRI, 78 DEF, 82 PHY
Hadjam is an interesting option who offers great pace and decent all-around stats. He’s not as well-known as some of the other players on this list, but he’s definitely worth considering.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 96, Sprint Speed 99
- Defending: Interceptions 93, Defensive Awareness 93
- Physical: Stamina 98, Strength 97
- Dribbling: 91 with Quick Step PlayStyle
What surprised me most about Hadjam was his physical presence. With 98 strength after evolution, he’s surprisingly strong and wins most physical duels. Combined with his elite pace, he’s a constant threat on the left side.
10. Eduardo Camavinga (LB)
Base Stats (83 rated): 80 PAC, 68 SHO, 81 PAS, 84 DRI, 78 DEF, 80 PHY
Camavinga is the versatile midfielder who can play at left back, and this evolution makes him a legitimate option there full-time.
After Evolution Highlights:
- Pace: Acceleration 86, Sprint Speed 91
- Defending: Interceptions 93, Defensive Awareness 93
- Physical: Stamina 96, Strength 95
- Dribbling: 91 with Quick Step PlayStyle
What I love about Camavinga is his ball-playing ability from the back. His passing and dribbling are already excellent, and the evolution adds the defensive solidity needed to play as a fullback. He’s perfect for players who like to build from the back.
Complete Player Comparison 2026
To help you make the best decision, here’s a comprehensive comparison table of all the top players with their key stats after evolution:
| Player | Position | Pace | Defending | Physical | Dribbling | Passing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alphonso Davies | LB | 99 | 89 | 96 | 89 | 80 | All-around play |
| Theo Hernandez | LB | 99 | 94 | 99 | 90 | 80 | Physical dominance |
| Jeremie Frimpong | RB | 99 | 87 | 83 | 91 | 74 | Attacking threat |
| Marcos Llorente | RB | 96 | 93 | 98 | 88 | 78 | Versatility |
| Joao Cancelo | RB | 92 | 93 | 94 | 91 | 84 | Playmaking |
| Stefan Posch | RB | 91 | 98 | 96 | 80 | 77 | Defensive solidity |
| Alexander Bah | RB | 93 | 98 | 96 | 84 | 74 | Balanced defense |
| Aaron Wan-Bissaka | RB | 90 | 98 | 94 | 82 | 75 | Elite defending |
| Hadjam | LB | 99 | 93 | 98 | 91 | 75 | Pace & strength |
| Eduardo Camavinga | LB | 91 | 93 | 96 | 91 | 81 | Ball-playing |
Is the Protect the Wings Evolution Worth It?
I know what you’re thinking – “Another paid evolution? Is it really worth 30,000 coins or 400 FP?” Let me give you my honest opinion based on extensive testing.
The Good:
- The upgrades are significant, especially to pace, defending, and physical stats
- Slide Tackle+ PlayStyle, while not the best, is still useful for fullbacks
- Fullback++ role makes players more effective in their position
- The evolved players can be used in future evolutions for even more upgrades
The Not-So-Good:
- It’s a paid evolution, which adds up over time
- Slide Tackle+ isn’t the most desirable PlayStyle+
- Some players feel the stat limits are underwhelming (80 passing on an 86-rated fullback)
My Verdict: If you have the coins or FP to spare and you’re serious about improving your Ultimate Team, I’d say yes, it’s worth it – but only for the right players. I wouldn’t recommend using this evolution on just any fullback. Stick to the top-tier players I’ve listed above, and you’ll see a significant improvement in your team’s performance.
When I evolved Davies, I immediately noticed a difference in my defensive stability and my ability to counter-attack. The same goes for Theo Hernandez – his physical presence after evolution is game-changing. However, I tried evolving a lesser-known fullback first, and while the improvements were noticeable, they weren’t as impactful.
Tips for Maximizing Your Evolution
Here are some pro tips I’ve learned from evolving multiple players:
1. Choose the Right Player
Don’t just evolve any fullback – choose one that fits your playstyle. If you like attacking fullbacks, go with Davies or Frimpong. If you prefer defensive solidity, choose Posch or Wan-Bissaka.
2. Consider Chemistry
Think about how the evolved player will fit into your squad. I always check chemistry links and league/nation compatibility before committing to an evolution.
3. Plan for Future Evolutions
Remember that evolved players can be used in future evolutions. I’m already planning which of my evolved fullbacks I’ll use in the next big evolution release.
4. Complete Challenges Efficiently
The challenges aren’t too difficult, but I recommend completing them in Squad Battles on higher difficulties for better rewards. I usually set the difficulty to Professional or World Class to get better pack rewards while completing the evolution.
5. Test Before Committing
If you’re unsure about a player, try them out in a few matches before evolving them. I always test players in Squad Battles to see if they fit my playstyle.
Common Questions About Protect the Wings Evolution
How long does the Protect the Wings Evolution last?
The evolution is available for 2 weeks from release, so you have plenty of time to complete it. I recommend starting it as soon as possible to maximize the time you can use the evolved player.
Can I use the evolved player in future evolutions?
Yes! One of the best things about this evolution is that the upgraded players can be used in future evolutions. I’m already saving my evolved Davies for the next big evolution release.
Is Slide Tackle+ really that bad?
While Slide Tackle+ isn’t the most desirable PlayStyle+, it’s still useful for fullbacks. I’ve found it helps with last-ditch tackles and clearing crosses. However, some players suggest getting Jockey+ or Intercept+ from the season pass first if possible.
What’s the best position for evolved players?
The evolution adds both LB and RB positions, so you can use them on either side. I’ve found that most players perform best on their natural side, but it’s nice to have the flexibility.
Can I evolve multiple players?
Yes, you can evolve as many players as you want, as long as you have the coins or FP for each evolution. I’ve already evolved three different fullbacks to test them out.
Final Thoughts
After spending weeks testing and analyzing the Protect the Wings Evolution, I can confidently say it’s one of the more impactful evolutions we’ve seen in FC 26 – if you use it on the right players.
The evolution transforms good fullbacks into elite ones, with significant upgrades to pace, defending, and physical attributes. While the 30,000 coin price tag might seem steep, the improvement in performance is worth it for serious players.
My top recommendation remains Alphonso Davies – his combination of pace, dribbling, and improved defending makes him nearly unstoppable. But really, you can’t go wrong with any of the top 5 players I’ve listed.
Remember to choose a player that fits your playstyle and squad needs. And don’t forget to have fun with it – after all, that’s what gaming is all about!
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to bookmark it for future reference, and check out my other FC 26 guides here on webcomicsweekend.com. I’m always testing new players and strategies to help you dominate in Ultimate Team.
Happy evolving, and I’ll see you on the pitch!