The Ones-to-Watch cards will also return in FIFA 22. In real soccer, many big names switched clubs this summer – a circumstance that could make the promo better than in recent years.
What is “Ones to Watch”? The Ones-to-Watch cards (OTW) are among the first special cards in the game each year. OTW cards are based on the most exciting transfers of the summer. This means, for example: if a big star changes clubs, there is a high probability that he will also receive an OTW card in FIFA.
The special feature: these dynamic cards can be upgraded throughout the season. If the player is in the Team of the Week or receives a performance-based special card like “Player of the Day” items, the OTW card will also be improved.
Additionally, there is the new “Wins-to-Watch” bonus in FIFA 22. This is a one-time boost that the card receives if the real team of the OTW player achieves five wins in the first 10 league games starting October 1. Therefore, an upgrade could happen relatively early.
It is also worth mentioning that an OTW card is part of the pre-order bonuses of the Ultimate Edition if pre-ordered by October 1. So there is a chance to get such a card early if pre-ordered.
What was the problem? What frustrated many players in the past was that OTW cards often didn’t live up to their promises. Either the players were too weak from the start, so their stats couldn’t rise high enough, or the expected upgrades didn’t materialize because the player wasn’t often enough in the TOTW.
This year, however, the OTW promo leaves hopes for exciting cards. The reason: the transfers this year were quite significant.
Are there the best OTW cards in FIFA 22?
Which players are confirmed? So far, there is only one confirmed OTW card: David Alaba will receive such a special card after his transfer to Real Madrid and is likely to be a valuable center-back in FIFA 22.
But it gets really exciting when you look at the potential names for the OTW promo. The summer was full of top players changing clubs.
These players changed clubs: The number of transferred players is huge in itself. But especially the top names are noteworthy – as they could become very interesting for the OTW promo and offer more opportunities for strong players than in recent years.
- Lionel Messi switched from Barcelona to Paris, where he will be part of perhaps the strongest team in FIFA 22. The exceptional player will surely be one of the best players in FIFA 22.
- Cristiano Ronaldo has been a real monster in FIFA for years and switched this summer from Juventus to Manchester United.
- Romelu Lukaku moved to Chelsea and is expected to score goals there.
- Raphaël Varane, a feared world-class center-back in FIFA, also switched to Manchester United.
- Jadon Sancho, primarily useful in FIFA thanks to his 5-star skills, also moved to United.
- Achraf Hakimi, an extremely fast outside defender, went to PSG.
- Sergio Ramos, also an absolute top defender, also moved to Paris.
- Jack Grealish moved for over 117 million to Manchester City and could also receive an OTW card.
- Antoine Griezmann switched as a last-minute transfer from Barcelona to Atlético Madrid.
- Dayot Upamecano and Marcel Sabitzer transferred to Bayern Munich and could be in consideration.
Looking at all these transfers, it is clear that at least among the top names, many exciting cards could be available for FIFA 22.
This has also been noted in the community on the FIFA subreddit (via reddit). There, a post titled “OTW went from one of the worst promos to one of the best” is being discussed. Kylian Mbappé is also mentioned as a possible transfer, which now likely won’t happen.
Nevertheless, the basis for OTW cards is good, should the mentioned players receive a card.
At the same time, the community is also discussing that it can always happen that due to the luck factor in packs, one could receive weaker cards instead of top players.
There is also discussion that upgrades still largely depend on the TOTW nominations – and players do not always land in the Team of the Week even with good performances.
However, many of the players have moved to top clubs that are likely to win several matches. This creates hope that regular TOTW nominations are in store.
Which players will ultimately receive OTW cards remains to be seen. As soon as it is known which players are on board, we will keep you updated!
All information about the upcoming FIFA 22 release can be found here.
