Highest-rated initial starting XI in Football Manager 22

If any video game comes close to replicating a club's day-to-day running and management, it is Football Manager. The series first rose to fame as a text-based simulator that allowed players to build and manage the team of a football club rather than playing it directly. It started with a brilliant idea that has now seen the series becoming hugely popular.

It's not just casual fans who have played the game actively. Several professional managers try Football Manager games to simulate a tactic they're thinking of for real life. But, of course, the game is equally loved by professional footballers. Football Manager 22 offers endless ways and combinations for players to build their team.

A 4-2-3-1 formation has been considered for this hypothetical XI, and the players have been selected based on their current ability. One important thing to remember is that abilities of players differ slightly from save to save, though.

On that note, here's a look at the highest-rated starting XI in Football Manager 2022.

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (CA 178/200)

FC Bayern München vs FC Barcelona: Group E - UEFA Champions League

German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has the highest starting ability in the game. Although Neuer has significantly aged, keepers recede much slower with age than outfield players.

It's tough to sign Manuel Neuer in the game, as Bayern Munich consider him 'untouchable.' Neuer has an excellent set of stats, with his standout stats being 'Rushing Out' and 'Composure' which are rated 20/20.

Right-back - Joshua Kimmich (CA 178/200)

FC Bayern München vs Sport-Club Freiburg - Bundesliga

In real life, Joshua Kimmich may have switched to a defensive midfield role, but the full-back position is still his strongest suit in Football Manager 22. Kimmich is the best right-back in the game by some distance.

Unlike Neuer, Kimmich can be signed, but he costs a fortune. However, players are assured of Kimmich's quality, as he has an impressive set of stats that makes him ideal in both defensive midfield and right-back. Kimmich is only 26, so he has just entered his peak, and is a wonderful option in career mode.

Left centre-back - Virgil Van Dijk (CA 180/200)

Atletico Madrid vs Liverpool FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League

There could be a debate in real life, but there wouldn't be any when choosing the best centre-back in Football Manager 22. Virgil Van Dijk has been a mountain of a player since moving to Liverpool. He has inspired the Merseyside club to Champions League and Premier League glory.

In Football Manager 22, Van Dijk is a stellar option, as the defender is as good at tackling as he is in the buildup. Van Dijk may be 30 and at his peak, but given his attributes, he's better than any other centre-back in Football Manager 22

Right centre-back - Sergio Ramos (CA 170/174)

Real Madrid vs Atalanta - UEFA Champions League Round Of 16 Leg Two

Sergio Ramos left Real Madrid this summer, but he is the second-best starting centre-back in Football Manager 2022. Having recently signed with PSG, Ramos can't be signed in the first transfer window. Considering his attributes, it's quite unlikely PSG would like to sell Ramos.

However, as good as Ramos is, he is 35. It's expected that he will regress rapidly once he plays a few seasons in career mode save. Therefore, despite Ramos' ability, he would be a poor signing in Football Manager 2022 in the long run.

Left-back - David Alaba (CA 164/200)

Real Madrid CF vs Sevilla FC - La Liga Santander

In real life, David Alaba may have transitioned to a centre-back role, but he is best suited as a left-back in Football Manager 2022.

Having signed for Real Madrid in the summer, Alaba is not transferrable during the first transfer window. However, he would still be an expensive signing in the game, and only a costly bid could enable players to sign the Austrian.

Like Kimmich, Alaba is a versatile player, and he has the required attributes to flourish as a left-back and a centre-back. However, the player is about to enter his 30s, so he may not be a great long-term option.

Right Central Midfielder - Kevin De Bruyne (188/200)

RB Leipzig vs Manchester City: Group A - UEFA Champions League

Kevin De Bruyne is the best midfielder in Football Manager 2022, and that also happens to be the case in real life. De Bruyne can easily flourish in attacking midfield, but he does brilliantly as a central midfielder too.

It's quite difficult to buy the Belgian, as he has just signed a new contract in the game. He has an astronomical valuation, but has a great combination of creativity and finishing.

However, he is 30, so he could be at his peak for two or three seasons only. Hence making a hefty investment on De Bruyne may not be wise, irrespective of how good he may be at the start of career mode save.

Left Central Midfielder - Bruno Fernandes (CA 172/200)

Manchester United vs Arsenal - Premier League

This one is an interesting pick, as Luka Modric starts with a higher initial current ability. However, Bruno Fernandes pips Modric on the save.

Like De Bruyne, Fernandes can play as an attacking midfielder or central midfielder. Manchester United have no shortage of great players in their squad, but the Portuguese is among the top two along with his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo.

A Football Manager 2022 player can acquire Fernades for a high price, but it would be money well spent. At 26, he has just entered his peak/ While he may not grow too much, players won't have to worry about Fernandes receding for the next few seasons.

Central Attacking Midfielder - Lionel Messi (CA 194/200)

Manchester City vs Paris Saint-Germain: Group A - UEFA Champions League

PSG have a completely stacked lineup in Football Manager 2022 with several superstars, but none come close to Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.

Messi might be 34 at the start of a save in Football Manager 2022, but that doesn't reflect his ability. He can be employed in several positions, but his most natural position is as an attacking midfielder. He could also potentially play on the right-wing or forward position.

However, signing Messi is next to impossible in Football Manager 22, as he is considered 'untouchable' by PSG, and is on astronomical wages. There's also the age factor which would result in his abilities declining quickly if his performances dip. However, at the start of a save, Messi is the best player in Football Manager 2022.

Left Wing - Kylian Mbappe (CA 184/200)

Kylian Mbappe pips Cristiano Ronaldo to the left-wing position, and the French superstar has some serious talent in Football Manager 2022 and in real life.

Mbappe is the youngest player in this hypothetical eleven, but he matches the best of names with his ability. He has grown by leaps and bounds since breaking onto the scene with Monaco a few years ago.

Interestingly, Mbappe can be signed pretty cheaply in the first winter window in Football Manager 2022 save. Like in real life, Mbappe has an expiring contract in the game. He could be wrapped up on a pre-contract in January, but players should expect intense competition from other AI-controlled teams.

Right Wing - Mohamed Salah (CA 184/200)

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool - Premier League

Lionel Messi would have been in this spot had he not been an attacking midfielder. However, after Messi, Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has the highest starting ability in Football Manager 2022 in the right-wing position.

Salah has been a stellar purchase for Liverpool and has been quite a Football Manager-ish signing. He has improved as a player season on season, and is one of the best players in the world and in Football Manager 2022.

Salah can be purchased at a high price, and is currently at his peak. However, at 29, one can expect 3-4 solid seasons from the Egyptian after which his abilities could diminish.

Centre Forward - Robert Lewandowski (CA 190/200)

VfB Stuttgart vs FC Bayern München - Bundesliga

There can be no doubt that Robert Lewandowski is the best striker on the planet, be it in reality or in Football Manager 22.

Lewandowski has had a wonderful 2021, and has scored goals for fun. He narrowly missed out on winning the Ballon d'Or award this year to Messi, but many feel he should have won it this year.

At the start of a save in Football Manager 22, Lewandowski is the best player after Lionel Messi.

The forward is an out-and-out striker with a perfect 20/20 finish. Lewandowski can be signed for a bargain price because he has a contract until 2023 in the game. Based on the experiences of many users, Bayern Munich tend to sell him as well.

If signed, Robert Lewandowski would provide an immediate impact, considering his excellent attributes and ability.

About the author

Arka is an esports writer at Sportskeeda. He completed his graduation and masters in economics and also has a bachelor's degree in education. In his spare time, he enjoys watching sports and reading.

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Edited by Bhargav