Fraser Gilbert picks out a handful of players who deserve a boost in EA Sports' next edition of the global phenomenon
Since its inception, FIFA Ultimate Team has arranged its standard player cards into three basic categories - bronze, silver and gold. The latter is naturally the most influential, as the game’s best players (75-rated or over) generate the biggest market fees and generally perform more effectively than their bronze and silver counterparts.
As you’d expect, players’ ratings draw much debate. Many find themselves on the cusp of a gold categorisation, but haven’t quite done enough in EA Sports’ eyes to achieve it. With that in mind, we’ve picked out eight players we think deserve the honour of a gold card in FIFA 18 Ultimate Team.
The young German adapted to life in the 2. Bundesliga with apparent ease, achieving promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt
Need to know: It’s amazing what can happen in two years. Schwolow seized an opportunity to become Freiburg’s new first-team goalkeeper in 2015, capitalising on the sale of Roman Burki to Borussia Dortmund. The young German adapted to life in the 2.Bundesliga with apparent ease, achieving promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt. The talented shot-stopper has since led Freiburg to an impressive seventh-place finish in the Bundesliga, while also cementing his place as one of the division's top shot-stoppers.
2. Theo Hernandez
Team: Atletico Madrid (Alaves - loan) Position: LB FUT 17 rating: 66, 74 (Ratings Refresh)
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Need to know: 19-year-old left-back Theo is the subject of much transfer speculation at present. The Atletico Madrid loanee is supposedly set to join his parent club’s biggest rivals, Real Madrid, fresh off the back of an impressive season at Alaves. His performances have earned him a substantial winter upgrade and TOTS honour in FIFA Ultimate Team this year. While his rumoured Blancostransfer would prove controversial, its high-profile nature would only enhance his claim for an improved rating in FUT 18.
The Dutch centre-back consistently impressed on the south coast, memorably scoring a last-minute winner in a 4-3 victory over Liverpool
Need to know: Ake’s Bournemouth loan spell only lasted until January before parent club Chelsea felt the need to recall him. It came as no surprise - the Dutch centre-back consistently impressed on the south coast, memorably scoring a last-minute winner in a 4-3 victory over Liverpool. He’s since featured in Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final victory overTottenham; don’t be surprised if he makes an even bigger impact for the Premier League champions next year.
Need to know: OK, so USA’s 18-year-old wonderkid did receive an upgrade in FUT 17 earlier this year. His base card remains silver, though, and this skilful youngster has surely done enough to obtain the gold standard in FUT 18. The United States international has become a mainstay of Dortmund’s first team this season, and signed a multi-year contract with the German side back in January. Expect this young prodigy to have a very promising future.
5. Lewis Baker
Team: Chelsea (Vitesse - loan) Position: CM FUT 17 rating: 74
The Chelsea loanee recently clinched the KNVB Cup with the side, scoring twice in their semi-final encounter with Sparta Rotterdam
Need to know: One of English football’s most promising talents has spent the last two years at Vitesse of the Eredivisie. The Chelsea loanee recently clinched the KNVB Cup, scoring twice in his team's semi-final encounter with Sparta Rotterdam. Baker received a special MOTM card for those exploits in FUT 17, but still failed to crack the 74-rated mark in the process. The midfielder’s excellent 10-goal season in the Dutch top flight suggests he’ll enjoy a much-improved rating later this year.
6. Joshua King
Team: Bournemouth Position: CAM, ST FUT 17 rating: 72
Need to know: Bournemouth’s King has enjoyed an outstanding season in the Premier League this year, notching 16 goals for the Cherries. The Norway international enjoyed a modest FUT 17 in-form upgrade in March, but his recent goalscoring record demands a significant ratings boost in FIFA 18. King's future is currently the subject of speculation due to his prolific form, with suggestions that Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham are interested in acquiring his services. With his record in front of goal, it’s no wonder.
7. Giovanni Simeone
Team: Genoa Position: ST FUT 17 rating: 69, 74 (Ratings Refresh)
Son of Atletico Madrid and Argentina legend Diego, 21-year-old Simeone has enjoyed an excellent first year at Serie A strugglers Genoa
Need to know: Son of Atletico Madrid and Argentina legend Diego, 21-year-old Giovanni has enjoyed an excellent first year at Serie A strugglers Genoa. The ex-River Plate striker has scored 12 times in the Italian top flight, including a memorable brace in November’s 3-1 win over Juventus. Simeone received a TOTW upgrade for that performance in FUT 17, but still couldn’t surpass the silver-rated mark in the process. As Genoa’s top scorer by a country mile, he should receive a gold upgrade inFIFA 18.
8. Moussa Dembele
Team: Celtic Position: ST FUT 17 rating: 71
Need to know: At just 20 years old, Celtic’s Dembele has flourished as one of the Scottish Premiership’s top performers this season. The French striker’s 32 goals in all competitions have led to some high-profile interest in recent months, with suggestions that Tottenham, Chelsea and Juventus are keen. Dembele’s TOTW honour in February boosted his rating to a 74 in FUT 17, but his season-long exploits should lead to a gold categorisation inFIFA 18.
