The fine folks at EA Sports never cease to amaze us every year, with each new edition of the much-loved FIFA series always succeeding in outdoing its predecessor. However, FIFA 17 is a whole new ball game altogether.
Besides the Frostbite engine, which is a first for any FIFA game, the incredible Journey mode, which sees players take control of talented 17-year-old Alex Hunter, has seen the hype for the game hit fever pitch.
The new iteration of the game releases in under a month. Tottenham Hotspur are currently going through one of their most important transitional phases in decades.
Under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham have truly become a force to reckon with, coming within touching distance of the Premier League title last season, only to slip up and concede the title to eventual champions Leicester City.
Let’s predict the FIFA 17 ratings for Tottenham Hotspur.
#1 Goalkeepers and Defenders
Hugo Lloris: 84 → 85
The 2015-2016 brought dual heartbreak for Tottenham and France skipper Hugo Lloris. Despite stellar showings for club and country, Lloris’ solid form went in vain as Tottenham crashed out of the Premier League race due to last minute setbacks, while France unexpectedly fell to Portugal in the finals of Euro 2016 despite being tournament favourites.
However, despite the pain of defeat, Lloris’ showings were commendable, which surely hasn’t gone unnoticed by EA, putting him in line for a deserved upgrade.
Michel Vorm: 80 → 80
The Dutch goalkeeper has been reduced to the role of second choice shot stopper since his move from Swansea City to Tottenham back in 2014 due to the strong form of Hugo Lloris. Vorm made just one appearance as a substitute in the 2015/16 season, replacing Lloris in a match against Everton which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The 32-year-old is seen by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino as a capable understudy to Lloris, but any upgrade in his FIFA 17 ratings would come as a surprise.
Danny Rose: 77 → 79
Rose was made a scapegoat by many a critic over the past few years, with many singling him out for being inconsistent and a weak link in the team. However, the 2015/2016 campaign righted all the wrongs.
The full back was certainly one of Tottenham’s bright sparks last season, with his performance down the flank an integral part of Tottenham’s attack minded style of play. The 26-year-olds exploits down the left saw him being named in the PFA Team of the Year, highlighting his major impact in the team.
Rose’s exceptional performances makes him a worthy candidate for an upgrade in FIFA 17.
Toby Alderweireld: 82 → 84
The Belgian’s transfer to North London was surrounded in turmoil as Alderweireld’s former club Atletico cancelled their sale agreement with Southampton in order to accept a bid from Tottenham, who upped the Saints’ offer.
Despite all the brouhaha surrounding Alderweireld’s transfer, the defender started on a stellar note for Tottenham, with his performances alongside Jan Vertonghen helping Tottenham achieve the best defensive record in the Premier League.
Besides critics labelling Alderweireld as the best defender in the Premier League, the Belgian also raked in a host of plaudits including a place in the PFA Team of the Year, UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season as well as the crowning jewel – the Tottenham Hotspur FC Player of the year award.
His excellent season warrants an upgrade in rating by 2-3 points.
Jan Vertonghen: 82 → 83
The arrival of Maurico Pochettino saw limited opportunities come Ventonghen’s way, as the manager preferred the pairing of Younes Kaboul and Federico Fazio over the Belgian. However, the powerful defender worked hard to gain the Argentine’s trust and succeeded in his quest with some stellar performances in the 2015/16 season.
The 29-year-old formed a highly effective partnership with compatriot Toby Alderweireld, with the pair helping Spurs win nine out of their first ten opening games. A hike in rating for Vertonghen would be well deserved.
Kevin Wimmer: 77 → 78
The Austrian youngster looked strong in the heart of defence alongside Alderweireld whenever he was called upon, providing excellent cover for Vertonghen. An up in ratings wouldn’t be uncalled for.
Kieran Trippier: 76 → 77
The young Englishman will have to work really hard to break out from being Kyle Walker’s understudy, but looked strong in his limited appearances last season. A minute increase in his FIFA ratings would be just right.
Ben Davies: 76 → 78
The Welsh full back looked extremely solid when he was called upon last season, acting as a superb understudy to the equally proficient Danny Rose.
Davies was also one of Wales’ standout players during his country’s remarkable Euro 2016 campaign, with his suspension from the semi finals against Portugal greatly felt by Wales. Davies is more than worthy for a ratings upgrade in FIFA 17.
Kyle Walker: 79 → 81
There were doubts over the Englishman’s consistency ever since his breakout season back in 2011, but he responded with some ironclad performances last season, much to the delight of Pochettino, who identifies Walker as one of his key players.
A ratings upgrade in FIFA 17 won’t be a surprise as Walker is expected to build on his performance this season.
Buy FIFA 17 here
#2 Midfielders
Son Heung-Min: 77 → 78
Son failed to live up to expectations in his debut season after arriving with much pomp and show from Bayer Leverkusen. However, people should not write off the South Korean just yet, as England isn’t the easiest places to adapt to.
The 24-year-old did show flashes of brilliance last season and is expected to come into his own this campaign and challenge for a place in the already overcrowded Tottenham attack. A slight increase in ratings wouldn’t be uncalled for.
Ryan Mason: 75 → 77
Mason was in good last season, putting in several key performances that helped Tottenham to the top four in the league. The Tottenham youth product is widely expected to bring even more to the table this season. A rise in ratings for Mason would be deserved.
Erik Lamela: 79 → 81
The Argentine has grown from strength to strength under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino, so much so that it’s hard to believe that he’s the same bumbling, inconsistent midfielder who arrived at White Hart Lane three seasons ago.
Lamela, now a key player for Tottenham, had an excellent run at the Copa America with Argentina and has already begun the 2016/17 season on a solid note with a thumping header against Everton on opening day.
A jump in ratings for Lamela in FIFA 17 is one thing that’s sure to happen.
Victor Wanyama: 77 → 78
The Kenyan, who only signed for Tottenham this June, had a strong 2015/16 season with Southampton and was one of Ronald Koeman’s most consistent players.
Wanyama is extremely powerful at the centre of the park and reminded everyone of his quality by scoring against Crystal Palace on his White Hart Lane debut. An increase in ratings in FIFA 17 should be on the cards.
Eric Dier: 74 → 78
The youngster was phenomenal for Tottenham in the 2015/16 season and was a real joy to watch on the ball. Besides being highly versatile, Dier also has a keen eye for goal, making him a huge asset to the team.
Dier’s performances with Tottenham earned him a place in England’s Euro 2016 squad, where he once again reminded us that his form was not a one off. An increase in ratings is something that’s certain for Dier.
Moussa Dembele: 80 → 81
The Belgian was excellent for Tottenham last season, silencing all those who questioned his quality over the past couple of seasons. Dembele’s technical prowess will be useful for Spurs in the middle of the park and once again make a push for the title. A slight increase in the player’s ratings is possible.
Dele Alli: 77 → 79
Revelation, phenomenon, standout, superstar – any of these words could be used to describe Alli’s massive impact during his debut season at White Hart Lane. Besides scoring 10 Premier League goals, Alli was also a dynamic in the attack, making him one of Tottenham’s key players.
The 20-year-old raked in awards by the truckload, including the PFA Young Player of the Year, a place in the Premier League Team of the Year, amongst other laurels. An increase in ratings for Alli in FIFA 17 is something that’s virtually guaranteed.
Christian Eriksen: 83 → 84
The young Dane has always been superbly consistent right from his debut season at Tottenham and kept up his reliability seamlessly last season. Besides being technically gifted, Eriksen is a real threat while going forward, making him an important part of Tottenham’s attack.
Eriksen will surely get an increase in ratings in FIFA 17 .
Josh Onomah: 64 → 67
The teenager has made sporadic appearances for Tottenham over the past few seasons, which is understandable considering he’s just 19 years of age. However, his quality is unquestionable, and was on full display during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, where he helped guide England to a semi final berth.
An increase in ratings should definitely happen.
Tom Carroll: 71 → 72
The young Englishman is now at a crossroads in his career due to the high competition in Tottenham’s midfield and could depart either on loan or permanently in the near future.
However, his quality is there for all to see, with his creativity and neat passing a real asset to the team. No matter what lies ahead for him, Carroll certainly deserves a ratings upgrade in FIFA 17.
Harry Winks: 58 → 65
The youngster only made his Tottenham debut a few days ago against Liverpool, but didn’t look out of his depth against the Merseyside club.
A slight increase in ratings for Winks will certainly happen, which could increase over the course of the year if he gets a chance to shine.
Buy FIFA 17 here
#3 Strikers
Harry Kane: 77 → 83
25 Premier League goals, the Premier League Golden Boot award, a place on the PFA Team of the Year and a Tottenham and England legend in the making. Need we say more?
Vincent Janssen: 77 → 80
The young Dutchman was pure class during his debut season at AZ, scoring 31 goals, which earned him the Eredivisie top scorer award as well as the Johan Cruyff trophy.
Janssen’s appetite for goals has drawn comparisons with Dutch great Ruud Van Nistelrooy and rightly so, considering he’s already grown into a vital player for the national team. The 22-year-old is expected to fire on all cylinders alongside Harry Kane for Tottenham this season, and is certainly a player to watch out for. His rating is sure to go up in FIFA 17.
Clinton N’Jie: 69 → 69
The Cameroonian failed to make an impact at Tottenham despite having shown promise at Lyon. An increase in rating looks unlikely just yet, unless N’Jie improves his game soon.
Buy FIFA 17 here
