Defenders are often the heart and soul of any trophy-winning side. They provide the penultimate line of defence and can make or break chances of winning big games. It should thus come as no surprise that managers all over the world are looking for trusted names in the defending arena to bolster the team’s backline and send shudders through the opposing forward line.
FIFA 18 is bound to include the best defenders in the world in its upcoming video game and with defenders playing a major role in winning campaigns of some of the best teams in Europe, it is likely that higher ratings for existing players could make for yet another exciting outing for defensive gamers the world over. We decided to explore some of these big name defenders to see what rating EA Sports may have in store this time around. It makes for familiar yet surprising reading.
Here are the 5 best defenders predicted for FIFA 18:
#5 Diego Godin
Godin has been the rock that Atletico Madrid fans have depended on for quite a while now. The 31-year-old is so important to the team that in his absence, goals somehow manage to creep in. A true leader in every way possible, the Uruguayan successfully led his club to a heroic La Liga triumph and a Champions League final just a few short years ago and has grown from strength to strength ever since.
FIFA has acknowledged the contributions of this charismatic leader and a rating of 88 was very well deserved. Come FIFA 18, we expect that rating to go up a notch. This past season has been another impressive one for Godin even if Atletico may have failed to deliver silverware like they’re expected to these days. His worth at the club remains unparalleled and if you’re looking for a player who gives 100% in every single game, he is your man. Based on this, expect Godin to be one of the highest ranked defenders in the game.
#4 Giorgio Chiellini
Juventus have for long been blessed with the best defensive line in the world. Ranging from a goal keeper as iconic as Gianluigi Buffon to a backline consisting of the very best defenders in European football, Italian domination is a regular for the Turin club. Such domination is led strongly by one Giorgio Chiellini. The Italian has successfully created a monopoly around the country where Juve rule the roost and literally the defenders lead from the front.
Their impressive clean sheet record in the Champions League leading up to the final makes this fact all the more believable. Chiellini continues to march on regardless of age and is expected to rank among the very best in FIFA 18. His FIFA 17 rating of 88 was certainly worthy, but a season at Italy’s top yet again coupled with an impressive Champions League performance and clean sheet record means this imposing 32-year-old could make his way to the 90s this time around.
#3 Thiago Silva
Brazil has historically been known to produce some lightning quick attackers and potent finishers and over the years this fact has been heavily solidified as a true one. However, one particular defender keeps on proving that it’s not just forwards who deserve all the plaudits. Thiago Silva has cemented himself as Brazil’s very best marshal at the back and alongside some exciting young defensive talent, has made the South Americans a dependable force in defence.
For PSG too, the 32-year-old continues to shine and has committed wholeheartedly to the French club. While critics continue to slam his captaincy at the Paris club, nobody can doubt that Silva is one of the most talented defenders in his generation. FIFA 18 could see a rating of 90 for the hard working Brazilian.
#2 Jerome Boateng
Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng was among the highest rated players in FIFA 17 and as it appears, FIFA 18 would be no different. A solid season with Bayern yet again, the German champions have been dependent on Boateng’s ability to play out of defence and clear when the situation demands just that. Often the lone standing force in the team, Philip Lahm’s retirement has put added pressure on players such as Boateng.
Even though injuries remain a constant concern, his undying passion for giving it all on the pitch is there for all to see, making his FIFA 18 rating possibly one of the highest out of any defenders.
#1 Sergio Ramos
What a season it has been for Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid. Champions League and La Liga winner medals grace the home of Ramos and for good reason. He has been the vital link in establishing Real as a true superpower in Europe for years to come.
His goal scoring ability is especially remarkable, with goals coming at pivotal junctures in the match and cementing a winning position for the Los Blancos. A Madridista in every way possible, the Spaniard will surely rule the roost with a rating well into the 90s for this spectacular Spaniard.
