FIFA 18: 5 players you won't believe have a better skill rating than Leo Messi

EA Sports has a funny way of giving ratings. They'll more often than not leave you scratching your head wondering what you just witnessed and keep you guessing about how they managed to get there.

While FIFA 18 has seen some fairly decent ratings based on prior performance of players, there have been some odd ratings handed out every now and then. One of the major areas of interest as of late has been that of a player's skill level. Recently, EA Sports has developed a skill move rating that bases its numbers on the level of advancement in a player's skill set. One would think that a player the quality of Leo Messi would easily be the best in this regard. But alas that is far from the case.

In fact, Messi only has 4-star skill moves in the game despite having a 93 rating. While the likes of Ronaldo and Neymar seem reasonable as leaders in this attribute, some of the other names will definitely shock you. Here are some of the best. Take your pick!

(All images have been taken from www.easports.com)

#5 Juan Cuadrado - 82

Former Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado was definitely considered a pacy midfielder but his 5-star skill moves in FIFA 18 are a testament to the faith that the developers have in him. His run at Juventus has been impressive and with pace stats of 91 and dribbling 86, the Colombian is making significant strides in his FIFA 18 career.

#4 Hatem Ben Arfa - 81

Fitness may have never been kind to Ben Arfa but his talent was there from the very beginning. Plagued by injuries, the Frenchman never did hit full potential and his current club PSG hasn't seen much improvement either. His 5-star skill moves hence come as a bit of a surprise but for anyone doubting his ability, just go and watch some of his insane goals from the past and you'll know why this particular player is such a big deal.

#3 Riyad Mahrez - 83

Leicester City's historic Premier League triumph recently came largely thanks to an inspired run of form for Algerian Riyad Mahrez. The winger proved that year just why he deserves to be in the top bracket of skilful players and his 5-star skill rating in FIFA 18 shows his true worth to the team. Messi's numbers are impressive, but the Mahrez magic is still well and truly in the air. 87 in dribbling and 82 pace seem pretty good too and Leicester will hope that he can rekindle that lost Midas touch from two seasons ago.

#2 Ricardo Quaresma - 83

Here's one that will surely surprise a few. Ricardo Quaresma disappeared into relative obscurity following a failed run in England with Chelsea but the Portuguese international has since found his feet at Besiktas. His insane 87 rating in dribbling proves that his skills are unmatched in all of Turkey and are among the best in all of Europe. 5-star skill moves are perhaps the coolest achievement of all, and the winger now finds himself in an elite category ahead of Leo Messi. His numbers will be a huge motivator heading into another season in Turkey.

#1 Nani - 83

Remember this guy? Manchester United fans will know him very well as he was one of the finest foreign recruits to be brought in from the same place that gave the club Cristiano Ronaldo. Nani's successful stint at United showed that the ball was like a magnet to his feet more often than not and FIFA 18 continues to consider that to be the case.

Having moved on to other European sides since, the multiple Premier League winner now has 5-star skills in the game and is expected to play a huge part, in reality, this season. Some might believe that his numbers flatter him, but having better skills than Messi is certainly a massive feather in the cap. Cheers to this incredible feat indeed.

Edited by Abhijit Bharali