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FIFA 14 awed the gamers with its new gameplay and features. The game introduced new leagues, new teams, new players, more reaslistic animated faces and advanced tactics based on their new gaming engine.After enjoying the game for so many months, it is obvious that gamers are looking forward to EA Sports's next edition of FIFA which is expected to come out sometime between September and October. While new features and modified graphics will be introduced, one aspect we do want to see is an improved ratings of players.So which players deserve to go higher in ranks? Who has declined over the season with their poor performances? Will age hamper their ratings?We take a look at the 20 players whose ratings should be modified by FIFA
#20 Adnan Januzaj
FIFA 14 ratings - 61
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 77
When FIFA 14 came out in late September, Adnan Janujaz was relatively an unknown figure in the Manchester United squad. David Moyes introduced the Belgian in this season and he steadily began to make a name for himself. The world took notice as he put in some impressive performances specifically in matches where his team has struggled.
As the season progressed, the youngster gradually established himself into a first team player at Old Trafford. His noticeable strengths involves excellent close control, dribbling, agility and ability to find players with his passing. With a rating of 61 in FIFA 14, the next edition will surely improve his attributes and symbolize his development as one the promising stars of the game.
#19 Luke Shaw
FIFA 14 ratings - 70
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 78
Southampton's full-back, Luke Shaw, has been one of the most talked players in his position this season. The England international has been impressive for his club which has caught the attention of several managers. His performances earned him a spot in PFA Team of The Year and he was also shortlisted on the final six players list for PFA Player of the Year award.
Shaw is an attacking minded left back who always provides support down the left flank by making those forward runs. Physicality is a key aspect of his game and he is good in the air. The 18-year-old is also effective in terms of supplying final crosses in the d-box. FIFA developers will surely have a look at these features of his game and expect his rating to jump somewhere between 75 and 78
#18 Ross Barkley
FIFA 14 ratings - 77
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 82
If there is any young player who has captivated the footballing world with his performances, it has to be Everton's Ross Barkley. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has flourished under manager Roberto Martinez. He has been the focal point in the middle of the park, serving as a playmaker and providing assists for the forwards.
Barkley's consistent showings earned him a place in England squad. He was also listed as one of the six final players for the PFA Player of the Year award. His key attributes include passing, dribbling and agility. Standing 6 ft 2 inches tall, the youngster is hard to shake of the ball as he is strong on the physical side as well. FIFA 15 should increase his ratings and include him in the group of 80's.
#17 Jon Flanagan
FIFA 14 ratings - 63
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 74
Liverpool squad purchased full-back Sakho from Valencia and already had Luis Enrique in their ranks. But Enrique suffered from an injury and Brendon Rodgers, who has excelled with a youthful bunch this season, gave Jon Flanagan a chance to demostrate whether he could be counted as one of the future prospects at Anfield.
It has to be mentioned that Flanagan covered both the right and left flanks well when called in to replace his senior squad members. The 21-year-old made his mark when he debuted in the 3-3 Merseyside Derby and put in a performance that was applauded by his team-mates. Brendon Rodgers compared him to former Liverpool defender Steve Nicole who played in a similar position. After all that we have seen this season, Flanagan deserves a hike in FIFA ratings and should be touching 75.
#16 Aaron Ramsey
FIFA 14 ratings - 77
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 82
Arsenal's perfectstart to the season is mainly due to the scintillating form that Aaron Ramsey displayed in the initial stages. The Wales international scored for eight consecutive Premier League games and Arsenal remained top of the table in the first half of the campaign. He also put in crucial performances in the group stages of the Champions League.
Arsenal suffered injury blows in the deciding stages of their season which included Ramsey. His absence was dearly felt in the big matches and the Gunners eventually lost ground in the title race. The 24-year-old is a workaholic in midfield with good finishing capabilities at his disposal. With excellent passing skills and movement off the ball, Ramsey has been one of the booming players this season and we can expect that to be reflected in FIFA 15 ratings.
#15 Paul Pogba
FIFA 14 ratings - 79
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 83
When a footballer displaces an established Juventus midfield trio of Pirlo-Marchisio-Vidal, expect that player to be special. And Paul Pogba is indeed a special talent among the current crop of footballers. The 21-year old midfielder has established himself as one of Conte's primary choice for Juve's starting line-up.
Pogba has drawn comparisons with France legend Patrick Vieira altough he is more attacking minded. He is a formidable presence in midfield and has a good long range shot. FIFA 15 should enhance his abilities and assign a rating of 83 to the midfielder.
#14 Koke
FIFA 14 ratings - 81
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 84
We all have been aware of what Atletico Madrid has been achieving this season. They have fought neck to neck with La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona for the La Liga title and have fulfilled their dream to play a Champions League final. Thier team ethics have been second to none and among several talented individuals, Koke has been exceptional for Diego Simeone this season.
Koke's biggest strength lie in his ability to read the game. He is good with the ball at his feet, can take on players, provides good crosses and is effective while tracking back to mark his opponents. Xavi has tipped him as his natural replacement which does mean that the Spaniard can be a big future prospect. FIFA 15 can increase his rating from 81 to 84 to showcase his brilliance to the gamers.
#13 Fernandinho
FIFA 14 ratings - 81
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 84
Fernandinho was brought in from Shakhtar Donetsk at the start of this season. The highly rated Brazilian immediately confirmed why the Etihad owners splashed in a huge sum to acquire his services. Forming a great partnership with Yaya Toure, Fernandinho has excelled in City's midfield and his performances have made a huge difference for Pellegrini's team.
Fernandinho's style of play is the definition of a modern day box-to-box midfielder. His attributes while going forward equally matches the support he provides while breaking up opposition's play. He has been rated 81 in FIFA 14. But after a great season with City still in the title hunt, his ratings should go higher and make him one of the best in FIFA 15 in his position.
#12 Marco Veratti
FIFA 14 ratings - 77
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 81
The little Italian has been foreseen as the perfect heir to Andrea Pirlo's throne. With exceptional passing skills and ability to hold possession in the centre of the park, the young midfielder has excelled in PSG. He has been a central part of The Parisiens league success this season.
77 rating already seemed low for his standards in FIFA 14. But that has to change in the next edition as Verratti has established himself as one of the promising deep-lying playmakers in the game.
#11 Diego Costa
FIFA 14 ratings - 83
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 86
Atlectico Madrid's star striker, Diego Costa has propelled his side to new heights this season. He has been making headlines in the goals department as he stands third in the La Liga scoring charts. His crucial performances up front have been the reason behind Atletico's fairytale season.
When a player is competing with the likes of Ronaldo and Messi for the position of a top scorer, we can expect him to be quite special. And Costa has been nothing short of special for Diego Simeone. Costa is a strong physical specimen who is precise with his finishing and can produce moments of trickery when required. 83 was a justified rating for the Spanish international. But after a great season for the Rojiblancos, he should be move higher in the ranks as one of the best forwards in the sport.
#10 Daniel Sturridge
FIFA 14 ratings - 80
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 83
Daniel Sturridge has been having a spectacular season for Liverpool this season. The English international has linked up beautifully with Luis Suarez and Rahem Sterling, establishing the trio of 'SAS' for the Reds. With 20 goals this campaign, Sturridge ranks 2nd in Premier League top goal scoring charts only behind his team-mate Suarez.
Sturridge's key ingredients include pace, dribbling, clever movements and good finishing. While he was rated 80 in FIFA 14, his goal packed 2013/14 season should elevate his striking skills in the eye of EA Sports.
#9 Marco Reus
FIFA 14 ratings - 85
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 87
Ask any FIFA gamer to build a customized squad and you will expect him to include Marco Reus in his formation. The Borussia Dortmund winger has been the darling of FIFA 14 as many players love to utilise his skills. He is one of the most complete players available in the game.
While Dortmund endured an inconsistent season,the German carried the team on his shoulders and was responsible for a third position finish in the Bundesliga. Reus packs a rating of 85 and is already considered as one of the best in the game. But the 24-year-old has been included in the league of upcoming best players and surely deserves to go higher in the rating hierarchy of FIFA.
#8 Ribery
FIFA 14 ratings - 90
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 88
Ribery missed out on the Ballon D'or this year. And that seems to have affected the Frenchman's display for Bayern Munich. He went missing in crucial matches and has declined as a winger under Guardiola's philosophy.
Ribery is now 31 years old and is seemingly loosing a key attribute of his game which is pace. It is a sad fact but with time his effectiveness will decrease as will his rating in the next editions of FIFA. 88 would be a good rating for the Bavarian in FIFA 15.
#7 Xavi
FIFA 14 ratings - 89
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 86
Xavi has been pivotal for Barcelona and Spain's recent success. The tiki-taka enforcer has established himself as one of the greatest in his position. Qualities of Xavi are widely known and we do not need restate what he is capable of.
But time can be unfair to even the greatest talents as they start to reach the end of their career. As brilliant as the Barca midfielder has been, even a biased fan would have to accept that he is nearing towards the end of his career. It has been reflected in his performances for the Catalans as Xavi has struggled at times and hasn't had an impact like he used to have in the big matches.
As a long FIFA gamer, I too had a difficult experience of watching Maldini's ratings go down in FIFA 03. The time has come for Xavi to go down that path as we can expect FIFA to drop his ratings by a margin of 2 or 3 points.
#6 Robin van Persie
FIFA 14 ratings - 89
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 86
The flying Dutchman hasn't been flying for Manchester United this season. His clinical finishing looks to have diminished which is evident from his reduction in goals this season. Injury has struck Van Persie but he has looked off the pace whenever he has started games for the Red Devils.
Van Persie is also one of the aging candidates who has looked out of sorts this season. He might be one of the candidates to be axed by EA Sports in terms of rating. We can expect a significant drop in some of Van Persie's attributes which may take his overall rating downwards from 89 to an 86 maybe.
#5 Robert Lewandowski
FIFA 14 ratings - 86
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 88
There is no greater target man in the planet than Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker enjoyed his last season with Borussia Dortmund and has scored substantial goals to maintain his standard. Lewandowski will feature for Bayern Munich in FIFA 15 as he has been transferred to the Bavarians.
Lewandowski is as effective in FIFA as he is in the real world. He symbolises the role of a old fashoined forward who possesses exceptional finishing capabilities with clever movement in the box at the same time. He can hold up play weel and is a good header of the ball. 86 is a good rating anyday but it is time that FIFA recognises Lewandowski as one of the best strikers of the game with a rating close to 90.
#4 Neymar
FIFA 14 ratings - 84
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 87
While Neymar hasn't experienced a great debut season at Barcelona by his standards, that shouldn't hinder his credibilties as one of the most talented players in the game. The Brazilian is a naturally gifted player who excels at dribbling, pace and finsihing. He is a trickster who can change the game at any instant.
It's quite ridiculous to see Neymar rated 84 when he clearly should be included among the best players. With Gotze, Reus and Bale ranked higher than him, we should expect FIFA 15 to improve his ratings.
#3 Luka Modric
FIFA 14 ratings - 85
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 87
Real Madrid owes a lot to Luka Modric for their wonderful campaign up until now. The Croatian has flourished under Carlo Ancelotti's system and he has been the difference in the middle of the pitch. His composure, techniques, ball carrying abilities and defensive contibutions have made the most important player in Madrid's midfield.
Modric is one of the best central midfielders at present. And FIFA 15 muist reflect that in their ratings. Expect his attributes to go higher which should increase his ratings from 85 to 87 probably.
#2 Luis Suarez
FIFA 14 ratings - 86
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 90
Luis Suarez has earned the right to be called as one of the best players this season. The Uruguayan has scored 30 goals this season which has seen him compete against Ronaldo for the Golden Shoe. He has already bagged in PFA Player of the Year award along with FWA Footballer of the Year trophy. It has been a perfect season for him in terms of individual brilliance,leading both the scoring as well as the assist charts.
If there is any player who should join the elite players with 90 ratings, it has to be Luis Suarez. We can expect him to be the biggest change in FIFA 15's improved ranking system.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo
FIFA 14 ratings - 92
FIFA 15 predicted ratings - 94
Who is the best player in the world? Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? This is an endless debate that has divided the footballing world into two major factions. However, in the game, FIFA rates Messi a little higher than Ronaldo
While Messi serves as the cover boy for FIFA DVD's, EA Sports should keep in mind that they are the biggest football gaming franchise and they should maintain parity in their player ratings with respect to the outside world. That being said, Ronaldo has maintained his high standards and is currently the best player in the world. His ratings of 92 for almost two years needs to be rethinked by the developers. If Messi and Ronaldo are regarded as two of the best of their generations, then FIFA fans should also experience their favourite players as two of the equally best rated in the game.
