In FIFA 19, the top 100 players, the Top 100, are known. They offer some surprises in the ratings. A guest contribution by Max Handwerk.
About two weeks before the FIFA 19 release, the “Top 100” countdown has come to an end: EA Sports has revealed the best players in FIFA 19.
The ratings held a few big surprises: Let’s take a look at the most exciting values.
1. Surprise: Ronaldo and Messi – Leading Duo
Who is the best player in FIFA 19? That Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the two highest-rated players in FIFA 19 is no surprise. However, for the first time neither of them could decisively stand out: Both the Barcelona and Juventus stars have an overall rating of 94.
Ronaldo and Messi are equal for the first time: In recent years, one of them always had at least one point more. In FIFA 19, Ronaldo and Messi are on the same level for the first time.
2. Surprise: Mohamed Salah – Speed Loss
Overall, EA Sports seems to want to take some speed out of the game this year, as many players’ pace has been significantly reduced.
Mo Salah gets slowed down: The Egyptian can be pleased with a significantly improved overall rating of 88 after his dream season. However, while all his values rose or at least remained the same, the winger loses some speed and now has 92 points. Salah remains a weapon for the flanks, of course.
3. Surprise: Arturo Vidal and Arjen Robben – Snail’s Pace
Even more affected by the speed loss is Arturo Vidal: The Chilean apparently left some stats in Munich during his transfer from FC Bayern to Barcelona.
Not only does Vidal fall by 2 points in the overall rating: A whopping 18 points are deducted from his speed, leaving him with only 57.
Massive brakes were also applied to Arjen Robben: With only 79 speed points, the winger known for his sprints is significantly slower in FIFA 19 compared to last year.
4. Surprise: Toni Kroos – Suddenly Faster
Although Toni Kroos was already the best German outfield player in the game last year, many opted not to use the midfielder: The speed of 50 points was simply too weak.
Kroos suddenly faster: With all the pace reductions of other players, it’s even more surprising that Kroos improves by 17 points and now has a speed value of 67.
In the FIFA forums, it is already being said that Kroos will finally be useful.
5. Surprise: Umtiti and Piqué – Equal Quality Center-Back Duo
Fans of FC Barcelona can rejoice over a strong duo in defense: The 24-year-old French center-back Umtiti had a strong season with the Catalans and became world champion in the summer.
He was rewarded with a new overall rating of 87, which is four points higher than last year.
This puts Umtiti on par with Gerard Piqué, who, despite his advanced age, retains his 87 rating. However, he is overshadowed by his younger colleague in all stats – especially in speed and dribbling.
6. Surprise: Mbappe Surpasses Aubameyang
Who is the fastest player in FIFA 19? This question arises every year. It’s already clear: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not. The Arsenal forward loses one rating point and two speed points compared to the FIFA 18 winter upgrade – Aubameyang’s pace is now 94.
Fastest player in FIFA 19: Kylian Mbappe, however, is the fastest player of the upcoming season with a speed rating of 96 – and with an overall rating of 87, he is also one of the most dangerous. Only Adama from Wolverhampton Wanderers can keep up with his pace – his overall rating is only 75.
7. Surprise: Naldo – Overall Rating Top, Values Flop
The Schalke defensive specialist Naldo showed himself last season in the form of his life and was a rock in defense – both in the Bundesliga and in FIFA 18.
EA Sports rewards this with a new overall rating of 86 – two points more than last year’s winter upgrade card!
However, one searches in vain for an improvement in the stats: With the exception of the defensive value, which rose by two points, all values have dropped compared to Naldo’s FIFA 18 card.
8. Surprise: Ciro Immobile – Top Striker
After last season, the new overall rating of Lazio striker Ciro Immobile is certainly justified. However, those who remember the Italian from his time at BVB may be surprised at the numbers.
Immobile has a strong 87 in the overall rating, five points more than last year. Especially the dribbling and shooting values make Immobile one of the best strikers in Serie A this year.
Which ratings surprised you?
You can find the ratings with all stats of the top 100 in FIFA 19 here.
This article is by our guest author Max Handwerk.
