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Following the historic reveal of EA Sports' FIFA 18 player ratings, the world is abuzz with discussions over who made the prestigious top 100 list of the popular franchise and which big players could not quite make the cut. This year's ratings had the usual suspects largely reigning supreme, but as is generally the case, a few surprises did pop up every now and then.
The runaway leaders for FIFA 18 were as usual Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The duo scored 94 and 93 respectively in their overall ratings, maintaining themselves as the top brass in the process and laying down the law yet again in the gaming world. However, you will be surprised to note that while Messi, in particular, made headlines for his groundbreaking achievements in football, he isn't just overtaken by Ronaldo in this year's current player ratings.
In fact, there are several players who managed to beat the Argentine's numbers in specific attributes such as pace, strength, passing etc. Here we are giving you the lowdown on the players who managed this impressive feat. Here are 5 players who had better attributes than Lionel Messi in FIFA 18:
(All images are from www.easports.com and www.futhead.com)
#5 Leroy Sane - 94(PAC)
Lionel Messi's 89 pace looks highly impressive at a first glance but his pace attribute is far from the best in FIFA 18. One of the players who are above Messi in this regard is young Man City winger Leroy Sane. His recent goal rush against Liverpool proved what a talented player he is and the German is still just finding his feet at the Etihad.
His 94 pace is largely the reason that his stock continues to rise in Europe and in the next few years we could see him scale even greater heights. For now, he can rejoice the fact that he comfortably beats Messi's pace rating.
#4 Diego Costa - 88(PHY)
Messi's feeble physique was easily going to be beaten by others when it came to FIFA 18 and hence it is no surprise that he doesn't top this particular attribute. However, one of the players who has been rated highly in physicality is Chelsea's Diego Costa. The Brazilian may have been a major reason that the Londoners won the league last season but manager Conte has made it expressly certain that the mercurial forward is now surplus to requirements.
That being said, his 88 physicality compliments his imposing frame, a trait that the striker has utilised time and again to terrorise opposition defenders. He may be out of favour in reality, but he is very much a force to be reckoned with in FIFA 18.
#3 Christian Eriksen - 88(PAS)
Messi's 86 in passing seems reasonable when you consider his regular movement around midfield and ability to pick out attacking players and add a number of assists to his already remarkable statistics. However, the Argentine isn't the best in this category either and one of the players who are ahead of Messi is Tottenham's Christian Eriksen.
The Dane's vision is among the best in the Premier League and his foresight mirrors that of greats such as Paul Scholes and Clarence Seedorf. A major reason behind Harry Kane's goals last season, Eriksen continues to grow into a fine player and his 88 rating in passing is indicative of just that. If you're looking to set up classy goals, he is most definitely your man.
#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang - 96(PAC)
If you're looking for raw pace to dash your way past defenders in FIFA 18, Aubameyang is the player you want on speed dial. His performances at Dortmund have proved he's more than just a flash in the pan on the football pitch and FIFA 18 promises to be no different. Swiftly making his way past others on this list, the Gabon International is rated highest in the speed demon category and easily beats Messi in this regard with a 96 pace rating.
He will be hard to spot when the German league kicks into high gear and his sheer acceleration promises to leave dust in his wake come FIFA 18. This striker's need for speed makes him most wanted in this year's annual franchise.
#1 Andrea Pirlo - 89(PAS)
Also Read: FIFA 18: 5 players you won't believe who have better ratings than Cristiano Ronaldo
Is it 2006 again? You might want to pinch yourself right about now because as per FIFA 18 ratings, Andrea Pirlo is actually the highest rated player in the passing category. The veteran's incredible vision and ability to pick out the right pass is second to none and he manages to take the top spot from the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, and Neymar.
At 38 years of age, this Italian has proven that he's like a fine wine and getting better as he grows older. Now plying his trade in the USA, Pirlo's 89 passing rating makes him the game's elite in the category even if his 79 overall rating tells a different story. Leo Messi, you still have a long way to go kid.
