Highest-rated initial starting XI in Football Manager 22

Here are the best XI footballers on Football Manager 22 (Image via Sportskeeda)
Here are the best XI footballers on Football Manager 22 (Image via Sportskeeda)

Left Wing - Kylian Mbappe (CA 184/200)

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

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
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
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.

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