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With one month left for the release of EA Sports’ latest FIFA game, we look at 10 players from the Premier League who deserve a higher rating in FIFA 14 than they did in FIFA 13.
Special Mention
Adnan Januzaj (FIFA 13 rating – 61)
While Januzaj didn’t do much in the 2012-13 season, he was Manchester United‘s best player in their recently concluded pre-season tour, and has been touted as a great prospect by Sir Alex Ferguson himself. Despite being only 18 years of age, Januzaj might get to play a bit-part role for Manchester United this season from the bench, and deserves more than the 61 rating he currently has.
However, he misses this list as he has not played enough first-team football.
To find out the names of the players who made the Top 10, check the slideshow.
To pre-order FIFA 14, click here.
10) Pablo Zabaleta (FIFA 13 rating – 79)
One of the few players on this list who is not a youngster, 28-year old Zabaleta is one of the most underrated players in the Premier League. Zabaleta made 37 appearances for City in the 2012-13 season despite competing with Micah Richards and Maicon for the right-back spot, and his excellent performances led to an inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year.
9) Rickie Lambert (FIFA 13 rating – 74)
Not too long back, Lambert was plying his trade three divisions under the Premier League, but has quickly seen a dramatic rise in his fortunes, leading to an England cap only recently against Scotland. Lambert was a central figure in Southampton’s impressive performances last season, and after his debut goal for England, should be on the plane for the World Cup in Brazil.
8) Simon Mignolet (FIFA 13 rating – 76)
Despite being around the relegation zone for a lot of the season, Sunderland had Mignolet in great form throughout, as the keeper single-handedly kept out a barrage of attacks from opposition teams at regular intervals. His performances led to a big-money move to Liverpool and the Reds sending Pepe Reina out on loan, proving the team’s faith in Mignolet. As the first-choice keeper for a big team, he deserves a higher rating.
7) Rafael da Silva (FIFA 13 rating – 77)
Brazilian youngster Rafael has well and truly replaced Gary Neville as Manchester United’s first-choice right-back. The 23-year old was one of the Red Devils’ most consistent performers in the 2012-13 season, looking a threat in attack while tightening up his defensive abilities from previous seasons. He even scored 3 goals, and surely deserves more than a 77 rating he got in FIFA 13.
6) Raheem Sterling (FIFA 13 rating – 69)
Sterling was one of Liverpool’s shining lights in a season that did not have much to celebrate about. While speed is his biggest forte, Sterling improved his finishing and crossing over the last season, and surely deserves to higher than the 69 rating he had in FIFA 13.
5) Matthew Lowton (FIFA 13 rating – 68)
Signed last summer from Sheffield United, Lowton shone in his first full season in the top-flight, becoming Aston Villa‘s first-choice right-back, and is expected to get better this coming term. He even showed great shooting ability, scoring one of the goals of the season against Stoke City with a volley from 35 yards.
4) Wilfried Zaha (FIFA 13 rating – 72)
Having guided Crystal Palace to the Premier League before moving to Manchester United over the summer, Zaha is set to play a key role in the Red Devils’ campaign in the Premier League this term. Despite having the likes of Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia in the team, David Moyes has played the 20-year old regularly, and EA Sports should take notice of that and improve his rating from the 72 from last season.
3) Michu (FIFA 13 rating – 75)
Arguably the signing of the season last term, Michu came in from La Liga club Rayo Vallecano and set the Premier League on fire to finish with 22 goals for the season. He is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, and was a key component in Swansea’s brilliant campaign, which involved a League Cup trophy. His 75 rating doesn’t do him justice, and the Spaniard deserves much more in FIFA 14.
2) Romelu Lukaku (FIFA 13 rating – 74)
It says a lot of Jose Mourinho’s faith in Lukaku that he decided to keep the Belgian at Chelsea instead of sending him on loan again. The 20-year old was a revelation at West Bromwich Albion last term, scoring 17 goals in the Premier League, including a hattrick against Manchester United. A physical beast with great pace and a good shot, he could have a big season with the Blues, and deserves a better rating.
1) Christian Benteke (FIFA 13 rating – 72)
While he was an unknown quantity last season, Benteke has quickly become one of the world’s most promising young strikers, scoring 23 goals for Aston Villa and becoming a regular in Belgium’s national team. He was rated a measly 72 last season, a number that should quickly reach close to 80 in the upcoming version of the game.
To pre-order FIFA 14, click here.
Think we missed out on a name? Let us know in the comments section below.
