FIFA 17’s release is just a month away, and just like you, we can’t wait to get our hands on EA Sport’s latest football game. With cool features like “The Journey”, where a young rookie lives out his dream of playing in the Premier League, and the new Frostbite engine, which was previously used by EA Dice in Battlefield will add a lot of ‘feel’ to this new mode and the entire game, as a whole.
FIFA has also changed the way set-pieces are taken, and AI players will make more intelligent runs. Marco Reus was voted by fans’ all over the world as the FIFA 17 cover star, replacing Lionel Messi.
Bayern Munich are the German champions and managed to get there with a match remaining, despite some serious challenge from Borussia Dortmund. Bayern created history by being the only club to win the Bundesliga 4 times in a row and this was the 3rd title under former manager, Pep Guardiola.
Pep revolutionised the way football was played at Bayern and even found new positions for the likes of Joshua Kimmich, David Alaba, among others. Now, it’s Ancelotti’s turn. Can the Italian guide Bayern to their 5th consecutive Bundesliga?
FIFA 17 Official ratings for Bayern Munich are here
Let’s take a look at the Bayern Munich’s predicted player ratings in the upcoming FIFA 17 game:
#1 Goalkeepers and defenders
Like every other position on the field, Bayern’s defense is impeccable. Along with one of the world’s best goalkeeper, Neuer and one of the best defenders, Boateng, Bayhern has also completed the signing of Mats Hummels. With Hummels and Boateng at the heart of Bayern’s defence, it’s going to be a very tall order to score against the German champions.
Manuel Neuer: 90 → 91
The German International has been one of the best goalkeepers in recent times, and pulled off some incredible saves, both for club and country. He played an important role in Germany’s run to the Euros, but he didn’t get much support for his team-mates as they conceded ridiculous penalties. One of the top 3 keepers in world football, Neuer deserves yet another bump in his rating.
Sven Ulreich: 77 → 77
After good performances at Stuttgart, Ulreich moved to Bayern Munich last season. However, first team opportunities were very limited, due to the presence of Neuer in Bayern’s rank. The German made 2 appearances for Bayern in pre-season and will likely be their second-choice keeper for the season.
David Alaba: 85 → 86
The Austrian had emerged as one of the best left-backs in world football at the moment and has also shown a lot of maturity when deployed in midfield. Real Madrid are reportedly interested in the young full back and that speaks volumes about his class.
Mats Hummels: 86 → 87
Mats Hummels will return to his boyhood club after an illustrious career at Dortmund. He’s established himself as one of the best centre-backs in the business, and will form a deadly defensive duo, along with Boateng at the heart of Bayern’s defense.
Jerome Boateng: 87 → 87
Boateng had a good outing at the Euros, barring the crazy penalty he conceded against Italy. the German had a good campaign in Bundesliga but probably won’t affect his rating.
Philipp Lahm: 87 → 87
The German legend can probably do anything. He’s brilliant in his defensive duties and is good on the offence, with pacey runs and dangerous crosses. Lahm has also had his fair share of goals and definitely deserves to retain his ranking, if not an increase.
Joshua Kimmich: 70 → 78
Kimmich has been a real revelation the past season, especially for Germany at Euro 2016. Pundits and fans, alike, hailed him as Germany’s long-term replacement for their legendary captain, Phillip Lahm. Big things expected from the youngster, and should at least deserve a 78, if not more.
Juan Bernat: 79 → 80
Another solid defender in the Bayern rank, and like almost any other Bayern player, was solid when he filled in. Wth Bayern fighting for so many cups, Bernat should get first-team opportunities, here and there.
Rafinha: 78 → 79
Limited first team opportunities, but did well whenever he was called up . It’s hard to be a regular in Bayern Munich, and it might get frustrating, but impressive performances in limited opportunities should increase his rating to 79.
Holger Badstuber: 80 → 79
Badstuber still remains a good defender, but injuries have taken a real toll on his body. The German international should be able to reclaim his rating if he stays injury-free this season.
Order FIFA 17 here
#2 Midfielders
Bayern Munich has one of the best midfields in world football right now, if not THE best. The midfield is a fantastic balance of experience and youth, and they’ve got every position covered with some of the world’s best midfielders in their rank.
Xabi Alonso: 84 → 84
Alonso had a very good debut season at Bayern Munich, including the incredible goal-line clearance early on in his Bayern career. He had a 90.7% pass accuracy last season and if he was younger than 33, he’d surely get an increased rating.
Arturo Vidal: 86 → 86
Vidal took some time to adjust to German football- almost 10 months and lit up the German league once he got accustomed to it. With 6 goals and 8 assists last season, he had a pretty decent debut season, and will only get better from here on. His rating won’t change, but potential might.
Kingsley Coman: 77 → 82
Coman’s had an absolutely terrific year this season, both for Bayern Munich and France. Played an important role from the bench for France at Euro 2016, and caught the eye of many. Coman is just 20-years old, and the only way from here is up. Deserves the +5 bump.
Thiago Alcantara: 83 → 84
Thiago has displayed extremely good passing from the sitting midfield position and adds to the incredible depth in Bayern’s midfield. The former Barcelona man had a good season, and will play an important role for Carlo Ancelotti, too. His rating will probably go up.
Javi Martinez: 84 → 84
Despite the lack of first-team opportunities, Javi Martinez was solid in the few games he featured in. He was injury-plagued for most of the season, but those good performances will surely help him retain his rating.
Frank Ribery: 87 → 85
The Frenchman was a treat to watch at his best but was badly hurt by injuries and long spells out of the team. Ribery still has a lot to offer at Allianz Arena, but considering his age and injury issues, EA will likely reduce his rating.
Thomas Muller: 86 → 87
Muller is one of the most underrated players and has 28 goals to his name in the Bundesliga and Champions League. He does not really play as a striker but is always at the right place and right time. Like him or not, the German knows how to score, and does the basics really well. It’ll be criminal to rate him anything under 87.
Order FIFA 17 here
#3 Forwards
With such a world-class midfield, any striker would love to ply their trade at Allianz Arena, but that takes no credit away from Robert Lewandoski, who scored a mammoth tally of 39 goals in Germany and Europe. Douglas Costa, with ridiculous pace and passing accuracy is Lewa’s perfect support.
Douglas Costa: 83 → 85
Costa turned out to be arguably Bayern’s best signing last season. The Brazilian has a lot of flair and pace, and combining 12 assists to it gives an idea of the talent this man possesses. Deserves at least an 84 rating.
Robert Lewandowski: 88 → 89
Lewandowski broke many Dortmund hearts after the broke the brilliant trio of Marco Reus, Mario Gotze and himself, to move to the Allianz Arena. However’ one cannot blame him and he's reached new heights under Pep Guardiola. Despite a disappointing outing at the Euros, but scored a mammoth 39 goals in Bundesliga and Champions League. One of Europe’s best striker should at least be an 89.
Arjen Robben: 90 → 87
Robben, too, had an injury-plagued season but managed to score 6 goals. Taking his age into consideration, EA will probably cut down his rating by 3 points.
Julian Green: 67 → 72
The American joined Bayern Munich midway through the 2013-14 season and featured for Bayern’s pre-season friendly against Real Madrid. Green will provide back-up to the likes of Lewandowski this season.
Order FIFA 17 here
