FIFA 17 is almost here! With Deadline Day firmly ticked off the list, the next major date for a host of football fans is September 29, when the annual edition of the ultimate football sim is rammed joyously into consoles across the nation and not removed for months thereafter.
We’ve all now seen the trailer – which is an absolute treat – so we’re aware of how good the game looks, while any self-respecting FIFA aficionado has extensively researched the Frostbite game engine and how different the new technology will make the game feel, so one of the only unturned stones is the players’ ratings… but we can reveal some of them now!
So get ready to see which stars will be among the best, as we count down from 30 to 11 ahead of the big release of the top TEN. Here we go…
30 – Eden Hazard
Chelsea’s Belgian may have had a poor 2015/16, but he remains a lethal player in FIFA.
29 – Georgio Chiellini
A composed yet commanding centre-back, it’s no surprise to see the imposing Italian in the top 30.
28 – Petr Cech
Arsenal’s stopper is largely hailed as one of the best in the business, which is reflected by an impressive 88 rating.
27 – Toni Kroos
Often a forgotten member of the Real Madrid XI, the German is one of the best passers in European football.
26 – Gianluigi Buffon
Part of the furniture when it comes to top European footballers, the Italian has been at the highest level for longer than some football fans can remember and is, arguably, still in the discussion when it comes to the best goalies.
25 – Marco Reus
The cover star of the game, Reus is one of the most lethal attacking midfielders around, combining pace, technique and composure.
24 – Andres Iniesta
Metronomic passing and fearsome dribbling, the Spaniard remains one of the top central midfielders.
23 – Diego Godin
The uncompromising Uruguayan has been one of the key components of Atletico Madrid’s XI for a while now and is sure to be popular in virtual form this year.
22 – Philippe Lahm
Like a fine wine, Lahm keeps getting better with age. The German full-back has it all and can also play in midfield.
21 – Kevin De Bruyne
Another amazing Belgian talent, Man City’s attacking midfielder is prolific in terms of assists and goals from just behind the strikers and will be just as deadly in FIFA 17 as he is in real life.
20 – Pepe
Rugged, determined and technically adept, the Portuguese centre-back is old school in terms of approach but remains one of the top defenders in FIFA 17.
19 – Gonzalo Higuain
One of the most expensive players in the history of football, Higuain’s reputation and goalscoring ability is reflected with an 88 rating.
18 – Paul Pogba
Man United’s new talisman is up there among the best midfielders on the planet and is sure to be widely used virtually over the coming months.
17 – Antoine Griezmann
After starring for France at EURO 2016 Griezmann’s performances warrant his position in the top 20.
16 – Thiago Silva
PSG’s Brazilian is a real athlete and an all-round top defender.
15 – Luka Modric
The Croatian is once again one of the top central midfielders and is sure to be an Ultimate Team favourite.
14 – Sergio Ramos
He may get a fair few red cards, but there’s no denying that Ramos is a top centre-back.
13 – Thibaut Courtois
Despite Chelsea’s woes, like Hazard, Courtois remains one of the finest goalies in FIFA 17.
12 – Mesut Ozil
The Arsenal favourite was brilliant in FIFA 16 and that looks set to continue this year!
11 – Sergio Aguero
Pace and deadly finishing, Aguero will be one of the Premier League’s leading lights in FIFA 17.
10 – David De Gea
Kicking off the top 10 as the first member of the ’90 club’ we have De Gea. The Man United goalie’s heroics over the past 12 months have (spoiler alert) made him the second best stopper in FIFA 17.
9 – Robert Lewandowski
The Pole that scores the goals, Bayern Munich’s lethal marksman is once again one of the finest centre-forwards available, with his 90 rating well deserved.
8 – Jerome Boateng
Lewandowski’s team-mate, Boateng, is also in the ‘90 club’ as one of the top centre-backs available. With pace and presence, he’ll be an Ultimate Team favourite.
7 – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Manchester United’s giant Swede has seen his rating boosted by one to move up to 90.
6 – Gareth Bale
The top rated British player (not really a shock) is Bale, with a tasty looking 90 next to his name!
5 – Manuel Neuer
The top-ranked goalkeeper is Germany’s Neuer, whose rating has moved up to a whopping 92!
4 – Luis Suarez
Just missing out on the top three is Barcelona’s Suarez! The Uruguayan was lethal in FIFA 16, and that looks set to continue.
3 – Neymar
In just ahead of Suarez is Neymar. The Brazilian’s fearsome pace and dribbling stats are sure to make him an online favourite once again.
2 – Lionel Messi
A shifting of the guard? Messi is no longer ‘el numero uno’ in FIFA, with his 93 rating in place. Those in the camp backing his old enemy need not get excited though, the Argentine will still be a dominant force!
1 – Cristiano Ronaldo
We’re sure ‘Ronny’ will love this! The Portuguese EURO 2016 winner had an excellent 2015/16 in which helped Real Madrid to the Champions League, and it’s hard to argue against his fearsome stats this year!