EA FC 26's Link-Up Boost Evolution has quickly become a fan favorite in Ultimate Team, thanks to its focus on enhancing passing and team play-the backbone of successful squads in the game's meta. This evolution transforms eligible players into playmaking powerhouses, delivering significant stat upgrades that elevate their ability to FC 26 Coins connect teammates, control possession, and create goal-scoring chances.

Unlike other evolutions that prioritize individual brilliance, Link-Up Boost is all about collective performance. It caters to players who thrive on building attacks from the back or midfield, turning ordinary passers into elite playmakers. To maximize its impact, choosing the right players to evolve is crucial-and that's where this guide comes in.

Understanding Link-Up Boost Evolution: Requirements & Upgrades

Before diving into the best players, it's essential to grasp the evolution's key details. Link-Up Boost Evolution is objective-based, meaning you'll need to complete simple in-game challenges to unlock its full benefits. The good news is these challenges are accessible to all players, regardless of skill level.

To be eligible, a player must meet specific criteria: an overall rating of max 87, pace max 92, dribbling max 89, no more than 10 playstyles, and they cannot be World Tour Silver Stars or goalkeepers. Once completed, the evolution grants a +2 overall boost (taking the player to 88 OVR) along with targeted upgrades: +7 passing (to 90), +3 shooting (to 85), +3 dribbling (to 87), and +2 physical (to 84). It also adds the Incisive Pass and Tiki Taka playstyles, further refining a player's ability to link up with teammates.

Best Midfielders for Link-Up Boost Evolution

Midfielders are the heart of link-up play, making them the top targets for this evolution. They need to balance passing precision, vision, and mobility-and the following picks excel in all these areas, even before upgrades.

Eduardo Camavinga (Gold)

Eduardo Camavinga is a standout choice for Link-Up Boost, thanks to his already impressive base stats and versatility. The Real Madrid midfielder boasts strong dribbling and physicality, which pair perfectly with the evolution's passing upgrades.

Before evolution, Camavinga's passing sits around 83, but the +7 boost pushes it to 90-turning him into a long-range passing specialist. His Tiki Taka playstyle post-evolution makes him ideal for possession-based squads, while his defensive awareness ensures he contributes at both ends of the pitch. He's affordable, widely available, and fits seamlessly into La Liga or hybrid squads.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Gold)

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is another excellent midfield option, especially for players who prefer a more physical playmaker. The Chelsea star has a strong base overall (around 85) and benefits greatly from the evolution's well-rounded upgrades.

His passing jumps from 82 to 89 with the evolution, making him a reliable short and long passer. His physicality (+2 boost to 84) allows him to hold off defenders while orchestrating attacks, and his dribbling upgrade (to 87) helps him navigate tight spaces. Loftus-Cheek's Premier League links also make him easy to fit into popular squad builds.

Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)

For creative midfielders, Rayan Cherki is a top-tier pick. The Manchester City youngster has a natural flair for playmaking, with base stats that align perfectly with Link-Up Boost's focus.

Cherki's base passing (84) becomes 91 after evolution, making him one of the most precise passers in the game. His dribbling (86 to 89) and shooting (82 to 85) upgrades add versatility, allowing him to score as well as create. His Incisive Pass playstyle post-evolution enhances his ability to play through balls, making him a nightmare for opposition defenses.

Best Attacking Midfielders & Wingers

While midfielders are the primary targets, attacking midfielders and wingers who focus on link-up play can also benefit greatly from this evolution. These players act as the bridge between midfield and attack, and the passing upgrades turn them into elite chance creators.

Kenan Yildiz (TOTW)

Kenan Yildiz's Team of the Week (TOTW) card is a hidden gem for Link-Up Boost. The young talent has a base overall of 84, well within the evolution's requirements, and his attacking instincts pair perfectly with the passing upgrades.

Yildiz's passing jumps from 83 to 90, allowing him to play killer through balls to strikers. His shooting upgrade (83 to 86) makes him a threat from outside the box, while his dribbling (87 to 90) helps him create space for buy EA FC Coins passes. He's ideal for players who want an attacking midfielder who can both create and finish.

Angel Di Maria (Rosario Central)

For seasoned players, Angel Di Maria's Rosario Central card is a fantastic choice. The veteran winger/attacking midfielder has a wealth of experience, and the Link-Up Boost evolution revitalizes his playmaking abilities.