FIFA 18 ratings: 5 world-class players who will receive downgrades in latest edition

If there was ever a time to be a football and gaming fan, that time is now. It's that time of the season yet again where we dig our teeth into the footballing calendar and get treated to the fast paced, high-intensity action of European football. It is also the time when EA Sports launches the next edition of their famed FIFA series.

With anticipation paramount, EA has revealed the most influential and most highly awaited trailer of all their significant teases so far. That being, the ratings of various players in the game. While we've done a number of prediction pieces on FIFA 18 and what ratings gamers can expect of their favourite footballers, but this right here is the real deal.

This is EA Sports' way to pump the adrenaline and get their massive fan base excited for the monumental release expected later this month. This particular clipping includes some of football's finest in a lighter role, discussing their ratings and having a good laugh about things.

The final few moments, however, are what concern us the most. They show the ratings of some world-class players and that's why here are 5 world-class players who will receive a downgrade in their respective ratings in FIFA 18:

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#5 Vincent Kompany - 85

Very much a household name around Europe, Belgian defender Vincent Kompany is set to receive a one point reduction in his FIFA rating following an injury-plagued 2016-17 campaign. His absence was notable in the Manchester City squad and cost the side dearly in the long run. While his return to form has been welcomed this time around, FIFA 18 ratings have rightfully garnered him below his original rating.

Capable of taking on the best strikers in the game, Kompany is still expected to play a major role in City's season this year. The recent EA Sports ratings from 100-81 list him as one of the players to look out for, making sure that the center back grabs the 84th overall spot in the ratings.

#4 Thomas Muller - 86

Muller falls one point to 86

Sticking with one point reductions, Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller faces a similar fate as that of Kompany as he drops from a very impressive 87 in FIFA 17 to a slightly less imposing 86 in FIFA 18. His rating was among those revealed in the recent trailer by EA Sports and it is fair to say that this particular rating seems about right for the German.

His previous year was solid but certainly not spectacular and playing second fiddle to main striker Robert Lewandowski has affected Muller's goal scoring form. Nonetheless, a rating of 86 ensures that he remains among the top brass of European football and possesses the skills that made him one of the most popular footballers in Bavaria.

#3 Claudio Marchisio - 85

Marchisio has also received a downgrade

Talented midfielder Claudio Marchisio joins this list as yet another high profile name to receive a downgrade in FIFA 18. Not one to steal the headlines very often, Marchisio made a name for himself owing to his remarkable vision and superior passing ability. His current run at Juventus, however, has been stop-start, leading many to speculate over the Italian's future.

While the 31-year-old remains rooted in Turin, his numbers have taken a slight hit in the game dropping from 86 in FIFA 17 to 85 this time around. As Juve prepare for yet another season atop the Serie A, Marchisio will hope that he can play a significant part in their campaign and bump his numbers up in time for the next ratings update.

#2 Dani Alves - 84

Dani Alves is now 84

A surprising dip in ratings has seen fullback Dani Alves fall from his 85 rating in FIFA 17 to 84 in FIFA 18. The Brazilian has been on the move lately and it is perhaps that lack of settling in at a club that has forced a ratings downgrade. Alves made a surprise move from Barcelona to Juventus and then moved from Juventus to PSG within a season in order to boost his playing time.

He is also said to have been influential in bringing Neymar to Paris. His credentials are highly impressive but he narrowly missed out on an opportunity to lift yet another Champions League crown as Juventus fell at the final hurdle in the competition. With age also being a possible reason, expect Alves to be slightly off the pace in this particular game.

#1 Angel Di Maria- 84

Di maria falls three points

A lot has been said in recent years about one Angel Di Maria. His career at Real Madrid easily made him one of the brightest prospects around but his run at Manchester United was nothing short of appalling. So much so, that the Argentine left the club within a year and pursued greener pastures. PSG came calling, and Di Maria gleefully accepted.

The tale however, isn't all that happy. Though his performances have become better, Di Maria is no more the sole threat in a rapidly rising squad of world-class players. The arrivals of Mbappe and Neymar will likely push Di Maria to the bench too and it hence does not come as a surprise that his ratings have taken a hit. In fact, it has dropped from 87 in FIFA 17 all the way to 84. That's a confidence killer. Let's just hope it motivates him to perform better on the pitch.