FIFA 18 ratings: 5 players who have been grossly underrated

FIFA 18 is almost here and before we dive into the dynamics of the game following its monumental release on 29th September, it is imperative to note that EA Sports has officially released the ratings of the top 100 footballers in the game this year.

There are some notable inclusions in the list, starting from the mid-80s and ending at an impressive 94 for Cristiano Ronaldo who yet again pipped Messi to the game's top spot. But what is also to be given due attention is the fact that there are several players who perhaps should have been rated higher this year but could not quite make the cut. Among these players are some big names that will certainly raise eyebrows around the world and their FIFA 18 rating does them no justice at all.

EA Sports obviously find it hard to accommodate every talented player among the top brass, but looking at the names on this list, fans will be left scratching their heads especially when Ultimate Team starts in full swing. These FUT ratings prove that it isn't easy to make it to the elite in FIFA 18:

(All images have been taken from http://www.futhead.com/)

#5 Douglas Costa - 82

Costa's FUT 18 card

Douglas Costa was once considered as the protege to Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery at Bayern Munich. While much was expected from the Brazilian, his Bayern career did not take off as many thought it would but the talent was there for all to see. Following several substitute appearances and lack of playing time, his move to Juventus seemed logical.

However, FIFA 18 rates him just 82 this year with his pace of 92 being the only driving force for the skillful winger. His 5-star skill moves are overshadowed by mediocre passing and average shooting. Certainly an underrated player!

#4 Mario Gotze - 81

Gotze's FIFA 18 FUT card

Sticking with talented youngsters, no player made quite an impact in his first few seasons than Mario Gotze at Borussia Dortmund. The German was everywhere including football game covers and even scored the winning goal for his country in the 2014 World Cup final. You really can't ask for much more.

However, a failed stint at Bayern forced a return to Dortmund and life hasn't quite been the same since. Injuries may have plagued this once fearless attacker, but his talent and scoring ability continues to remain ominous. His 68 pace and 72 shooting do him no justice at all and an overall rating of 81 is frankly embarrassing. Gotze may be out of sorts at the moment, but his return to form seems all but inevitable.

#3 Marcus Rashford- 79

Rashford's FIFA 18 FUT card

Few have made a better first impression on world football than Marcus Rashford at Manchester United. Plucked out of the academy in a moment of strife by then manager Louis Van Gaal, this teenager has grown in confidence over the past couple of seasons and terrorised defences in a very short period of time.

While his 92 pace and 81 dribbling seem reasonable, his 76 shooting and an overall rating of 79 do him no favours at all. Rashford's quality is leaps and bounds ahead in reality and one has to admit that EA made a significant error with this particular rating. Widely tipped to be a huge success in the years to come, Rashford may have to wait a while before he receives his due plaudits from the gaming world.

#2 Ousmane Dembele - 83

Dembele's FIFA 18 FUT card

One might think that Neymar Jr.'s high-profile replacement at Barcelona would be among the highest rated players in FIFA 18. Alas, that is far from the case. Dembele's heroics for Dortmund may not have gone unnoticed in real life as Barcelona were quick to snap him up, but FIFA 18 does not seem to agree with that point as the Frenchman is rated just 83 this year.

His 91 pace and 5-star skill moves are the only numbers of note here and his poor physicality and shooting show a totally different story. Barcelona fans will be quick to point out that these ratings are furthest from the truth while discussing the mercurial talent of Dembele. One can only hope that a successful first season in Spain brings about a change in fortunes.

#5 Kylian Mbappe - 83

Mbappe's FIFA 18 FUT card

Kylian Mbappe was one of the most talked about young footballers in Europe last season and his loan move to PSG was indicative of the fact that his raw talent would certainly see him hit the peaks of world football.

Sadly however, FIFA 18 fails to recognise this as the teenager has been rated just 83 in the game. While it may be pertinent to note that these are his early years, his form has been nothing short of remarkable and demanded a significant jump in ratings from the previous year. His 80 shooting fails to tell the entire story and his skill has not been showcased as it should have been. Another mind-blowing season may be the only way to get him into the good books of the game developers of FIFA.