'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
The much anticipated FIFA 18 ratings refresh is finally here, and this time it's better than ever. No downgrades have been included this year in a sweeping move, and plenty of shocks and surprises are a part of this winter reshuffle.
EA Sports announced the Premier League refresh on Friday and released some of the most notable upgrades in the game on their official Twitter profile. Needless to say, there was a positive and negative response from football and gaming fans alike.
In case you didn't know...
The ratings refresh has become somewhat of a tradition in recent times with EA Sports wanting to keep up with reality and how certain players may be performing. With no downgrades, this year has turned out especially important.
The heart of the matter
Among the notable upgrades, Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea has jumped one point to 91 in the ratings following a strong showing this season. Other key Manchester United players to receive an upgrade are Paul Pogba (from 87 to 88) and Anthony Martial (from 82 to 83). Chelsea talisman Eden Hazard also gained a point upgrade to 91 in the ratings along with teammate N'Golo Kante who is now rated 88 in the game.
Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Eriksen made a move up from 87 to 88 in the ratings and so Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, who jumped up two points to 91. Raheem Sterling also made a considerable move upwards to 84 as did Harry Kane (88) and Mohamed Salah (85). City's Fernandinho
What's next?
FUT fans should keep their eyes firmly on this particular ratings refresh and its subsequent updates as it could decide a lot with respect to Ultimate Team squads in FIFA 18.
Author's take
On paper, the upgrades look incredibly favourable to the players and are perhaps well deserved in a season which has gripped any and all football fans.
