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Developing a squad for your Ultimate Team can be an ordeal at times. To ease through this initial period when coins are sparse, here are the best players of the lot who, when combined together generate maximum effect and the best part, they don't necessarily burn a hole in your pocket.
While building the squad an important factor to be considered is the overall team chemistry, which has led to the selection being mostly from a single league unless necessary.
These suggestions are generally the best, but in case of specific needs one has to look further and the suggestions might be different. Here are the best bargains who don't cost more than 2500 coins!
1) Islam Slimani
Known as the poor man's Suarez, he is a decent buy at around 1000-1400 coins. Scores high on physicality and finishing, can prove to be dangerous in attacking situations when crosses are put in from either flanks, thanks to his heading- 91, positioning-85, finishing-80. The downside is that the foxes front-man is a tad slow and therefore would be inadvisable to try dribbling and running through defenders as it would prove futile. A good deal could be to get Slimani with a Hunter attribute which would increase the pace (69-82) and finishing (78-87). Also, you can forget any skill moves you want to perform.
Similar picks: Javier Hernazdez, Oliver Giroud, Daniel Sturridge
2) Mikhail Antonio
The perfect player to pair with Islam Slimani up front. He proves to be a fast, agile and strong forward. When playing two strikers, Antonio comes handy in forging a partnership with anyone that can finish off the scoring. Thus the right man to play alongside either of Giroud, Slimani or Hernandez. The numbers that make him stand out are his combination of pace (85), dribbling (80), and physicality (82). He costs a mere 600-1000 coins on the market. Also, his 4-star skill moves make for some attractive play and help get past the defenders with ease.
Similar picks: Michy Batshuayi, Danny Welbeck, Mario Balotelli
3) Christian Benteke
Although a recent update has reduced the Christian Benteke's rating from 82 to 81, the attributes remain almost the same. The perfect substitute for either of the main strikers. The Belgian forward comes with a shot power of 85 and strength of 90. Although the other attributes seem too normal, one clearly sees his worth after playing him in a game. His ball control of 80 too comes handy. Benteke goes for a price of 500-1000 coins and is clearly worthy of the price. Another surprise is the ability to take shots with either foot which, ensure that his positioning is not an issue.
Similar picks: Salomon Rondon
4) Lucas
One of the fastest players on the right flank, Lucas comes handy when one looks to play attacking football. The other attractive attribute about Lucas is his dribbling (88) which is quite impressive and when coupled with his pace makes him unstoppable on the wings. But the player needs to be used with discretion as he rates low on stamina. If put continuously on the sprint mode, the player may not last all of the 90 minutes and will need substituting. Nevertheless, most useful while counter-attacking. He comes at a price of 1000-1500, coins and is absolutely worth it.
OR
Raheem Sterling
There is not much of a difference between the two in terms of their attributes, but when played in a game there are subtle differences which do matter when the difficulty levels are higher. For instance, Sterling's ability to position himself to receive long passes is an upgrade over Lucas. He comes at a price of 2100-2500 coins.
Similar picks: Karim Bellarabi, Xherdan Shaqiri
5) Gerard Deulofeu
Another quick-footed play-maker who when effectively used can prove dangerous to the opposition. The precious combination of pace and dribbling allows the player to tango past the defenders with ease. The 4-star skill move rating is an additional boon which only makes him a very attractive choice. These attributes are supported by a decent positioning (78) can lead to good attacking positions. Although his stamina is above average, he must be used carefully as it is such a pleasure to run through the opponent defence with him that we find ourselves doing it more than necessary. On the downside, don't expect him to put in good crosses as it would seem futile in the higher levels of difficulty. He costs a mere 1200-1600 coins.
Similar picks: Keita Balde Diao, Taison
6)Douglas Costa:
The Brazilian midfielder is very similar to Deulofeu apart from the fact that he could come handy in scoring a few (shot power-86). A good player to try long shots with as he rates better than almost all the strikers at this level. He comes at a price of 2300-2500 coins. The ultimate benefit of having Douglas Costa on the team is definitely the 5-star skill rating. The combination of pace, dribbling and 5-star skill rating helps to move across the pitch with ease.
Similar picks: Arnautovic (helps improve the chemistry but is too slow and low on stamina, wouldn't recommend), Brahimi.
7) Georginio Wijnaldum
A well-rounded midfielder who stands out for his stamina(87) which enables him to get through the match without needing substitution. It is quite surprising that his positioning and vision seem better than the rating given. Also, his ability to control the ball is a delight. Best suited when playing two central midfielders, as this helps to partner with the other and hold possession. Although he has decent dribbling rating, his skill rating is a let-down at 3-star. But still, he is definitely the best option at 2500 coins. He would be the best-buy of the lot.
Similar picks: No player is quite this good for such a price.
8) Mateo Kova?i?
The best partner for Wijnaldum, the vision possessed by the two could result in a flurry of chances when used wisely. A quick play of the one-twos is highly recommended with these two. Also, the ability to supply long-balls to the front two made him all the more valuable. The other desired attribute is the 4-star skill rating which enables attractive play. One other thing about Kovacic is the celebration style, which one needs to look out for.
Similar picks: Jonathan Viera (lack of defensive ability and aggresion could prove to be a problem), Gonzalo Castro ( good dribbler, a tad too weak)
9) Victor Wanyama
Undoubtedly the best of the lot, considering his sheer ability to bully the opponent. Possessing the strength (93) and aggression (90) that could put Diego Costa to shame. The Spurs midfielder also has a great stamina (88). Apart from this his tackling (86) and interceptions (84) come handy too. When used against strikers like Diego Costa, Mandzukic or Simone Zaza he could prove very useful. He is best suited for the 3-5-2 formation. All of the above at a price of 1000-1400 coins puts Walmart to shame!!!
Similar picks: An army tank probably! With such high physical attributes, there are hardly any defensive midfielders who can match up to him, especially at such a low price.
10) Shinji Kagawa
Kagawa is a perfect balance of dribbling (86), vision (82), stamina (80) and positioning (80). He comes at a price of 2500 coins and proves useful when one looks to partner with the strikers in the attacking half. Also, his 4-star weak foot helps take shot with ease from either sides. The downside of Kagawa is his slow movement which reduces the dribbling efficiency. Nevertheless, he proves worthy of the price and the 4-star skill rating is another reason why one should go for Kagawa. He cannot be used at CM position as he rates too low on physical and defensive abilities.
Similar picks: Manuel Lanzini, Siggurdson (for improving chemistry, these two prove better options)
11) Santi Cazorla
Since we hardly see him in action on the real pitch, here's a chance to get a feel of him on your screens. This midfielder scores high on passing (85) and dribbling (85). Also can be the penalty specialist for the team as he rates quite good at penalties (80). A tad too slow, which reduces the effectiveness of his dribbling. But nevertheless, he has a 4-star skill rating and a 5-star weak-foot which support his cause. He is being traded at around 2500 coins now and is constantly rising, so be quick in your purchase.
Similar picks: Naby Keita, Joao Mario (both reduce the chemistry of the team significantly, but are equally effective in terms of their abilities)
12) Davinson Sanchez
This bullish defender comes at a meager 900-1300 coins. The aggression (85) and strength (86) are only second to Wanyama's. These two on the field together can prove a nightmare to the opponent forwards. Apart from the impressive defending ratings, his pace (71) too comes useful when stopping counter-attacks. He helps neutralize long-balls and can easily handle strikers who specialise in physical play. But a word of caution, please don't use any of the stronger tackles while controlling him as it could lead to unnecessary fouls.
Similar picks: Armoured Hummer H2 (there are defenders like Eric Dier who rate equally good, but don't feel so good when controlled)
13)Nicolas Otamendi
Another solid defender, who fit the bill perfectly is Otamendi. There is nothing extraordinary about this man, save his composure (84) and aggression (90). Yet he proves worthy of the 900-1100 coins that he sells for. Also, he helps in maintaining the chemistry of the team. Try filtering to get an anchor card of Otamendi, and you are in for a surprise. A good choice considering that the other CB is Davinson Sanches who is a bit faster, but otherwise share common traits.
Put simply, Otamendi is a strong, reliable choice who comes cheap. Try better-rated defenders like Barzagli (85), Cahill (84) or Sokratis (86) and you don't see much of a difference really.
Similar picks: Joel Matip, Loic Perrin
14) Javier Mascherano
Javier Mascherano is another 'must buy' for any beginner. The player is rated high on all the defensive fronts. Apart from this, the dribbling stats too are impressive considering he is a defender. The one attribute that stands out is his aggression (88) which comes handy. He trades for around 1800-2200 coins. Also, his height could be an important factor while defending against corners kicks and long-balls. In case of issues such as chemistry, then the other defender who does not feature in the list but still do the job is Joel Matip
Similar picks: Mateo Musacchio, Jose Maria Gimenez (low on stamina)
15) Sead Kolasinac
One of the strongest players in the game, Kolasinac proves true to his rating. He is tall, strong (really strong), fast and surprisingly a good dribbler of the ball. This makes him a gem of a left back. Also, he can be used as an LWB or LM owing to his unique combination of attributes. He can be purchased for 600-800 coins. The thing about Kolasinac is, as Jack Wilshire puts it, "The opponent is gonna hate playing against him". This translates into the game too where a mild tackle is enough to unsettle the opponent player.
Similar picks: Grimaldo (faster and weaker option)
16) Nelson Semedo
The perfect choice, as he can be used as a right-back as well as on the wing-back position. A rare combination for a defender to have in pace (92) and dribbling (80). Also, his stamina (90) ensures, you can run him up and down the pitch like a school boy without tiring. Apart from this he also scores above average on crosses and interceptions. When Semedo is played behind Sterling or Lucas, the result is pure magic. A flurry of passes and sprints culminating in a meaningful cross that could find the head of the striker and into the back of the net.
Similar picks: Nathaniel Clyne ( suggested if there is need to improve chemistry), Serge Aurier (a better option if physical attributes are primary requirement)
17) Orestis Karnezis
Although not the best, a decent pick for the beginners. Especially if one is not too fussy regarding the goal-keepers, he is definitely the choice. He is good on the diving (80), handling (83) and positioning (80) fronts. He comes cheap at 700-1000 coins. It is not his rating that supports his cause here, but the way he plays (the goalkeeper plays on his own for pretty much the entire match), but the fact that I have used Karnezis for 162 matches and although I have upgraded to Courtois, I haven't let go of him and he still finds a place amongst the reserves.
Similar picks: Asmir Begovic
18) Gianluigi Donnarumma
Another worthy pick with exceptional diving (88) and reflexes (88). As Martin Tyler puts it, "His reach is as long as his name." A perfect shot-stopper who beats Courtois in diving attributes and Buffon in reflexes. He comes at a price of 700-900 coins.
Just to get the clear idea of what is selling here, Thibaut Courtois card trades for 80000-90000 coins and Donnarumma trades for 800-1000 coins. Although Courtois is 80-90 times costlier, he is bettered on the diving and kicking attributes by Donnarumma, equalled on the reflexes and speed front. The only other attributes where he proves better are positioning and reflexes. So who wouldn't say he is the best deal around.
