With another FIFA game to be released later this month, the hype about EA Sports’ next version of the series has begun – and the company have released player ratings for various different players, including most of Arsenal’s.
Lionel Messi is once again the highest rated player, with an overall of 94, which is one better than he had on FIFA 15, with ‘rival’ Cristiano Ronaldo also one better than his previous version, but still behind that of Messi’s overall rating – a measly 93.
Moving on to Arsenal and new-boy Petr Cech has been given an 85 rated card, something that supporters will love to see, with the club’s highest-rated goalkeeper previously being Wojciech Szczesny, who has now moved to Roma on loan.
The Czech international has kept the same overall as on FIFA 15, which seems fair considering he didn’t play too much last season – perhaps a good season with Arsene Wenger’s side could see a jump in Cech’s rating.
Someone who has seen a huge jump in rating is surprise package Hector Bellerin, who emerged almost out of nowhere last season, having previously been on loan to Watford.
The Spaniard was thrown in at the deep end, away to Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League – and after that life lesson, he thrived and has rightly so earned a jump from 64 overall on FIFA 15 to 74 on the new game.
He looks a card that many will enjoy using, due to his lightning pace, dribbling and agility.
Rightly given an increase in overall is Laurent Koscielny, who had a fantastic season with the Gunners in 2014/15, and has been awarded for his performances with an overall of 83, one better than his previous rating.
With 78 pace and 84 defending, he will compliment Per Mertesacker (also 83 overall, but much slower) and is definitely a player that FIFA lovers will enjoy using, a deserved increase indeed!
Finally being acknowledged as a half-decent defender by FIFA is Nacho Monreal, who has been given an increase of four, to an overall rating of 80. His previous rating of 76 was a tragedy, but with his form over the last 18 months and his clear improvement under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger, the Spaniard has worked hard to earn his new rating.
At 29-years-old, Monreal can operate the left flank for at least a couple of more years for Arsenal and doesn’t look like he will be allowing Kieran Gibbs (also given an increased rating of 80 somehow…) near the team anytime soon.
Someone who has worked hard over the last nine months is Francis Coquelin, the ‘police officer’ of the side. The 24-year-old was a 70 on the previous game, where he was also a left midfielder… but has been provided with a new overall of 78, meaning he will likely be used by fans who want someone a bit more disciplined in the side to protect the defence.
The Frenchman has good overall statistics, including 88 for aggression and a high defensive work rate.
Moving on to the more exciting positions, Theo Walcott is once again Arsenal’s highest rated right-sided player, with a rating of 81, the exact same as on the previous game, ahead of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (79) and Joel Campbell (76).
It’s likely that Walcott will be used more as a striker this season, meaning we could see a shift in the position of his card – and dependent on how well he does, his overall may increase or decrease too.
Once again, the 26-year-old will likely be a favourite on the game because of his more-than-desirable pace.
On to the left side of the Arsenal midfield and there is only one player to mention – Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean has been given an increased rating of one to 86, whilst comfortably looking the most exciting of the north London players to use, with exhilarating pace, great shooting and high dribbling statistics.
After an unbelievable debut season at the Emirates Stadium, it is certainly more than deserved.
Arsenal’s best central midfielder and best player in the side is also the club’s most expensive player – Mesut Ozil. With four* skill moves, high passing ability and decent acceleration, as well as being a fantastic dribbler of the ball, the World Cup winning midfielder will be an exciting player to use on the new game.
Arsenal’s other midfielders should compliment Ozil well – Santi Cazorla has been given an 85 rated card, Aaron Ramsey an 82, Jack Wilshere and Mikel Arteta have been given an 81 rating, while Tomas Rosicky retained his rating of 80.
Arsenal’s top striker on the game is Olivier Giroud, who has been given an increased rating of three, from 79 to 82 – much deserved for the Frenchman who had another good goalscoring season at the Emirates Stadium.
The 28-year-old is one of two senior Arsenal forwards on the game, with Danny Welbeck providing pacy, alternative back-up with an overall of 79.
Giroud looks an impressive forward to have in a side that enjoys crossing the ball and passing build-up play as opposed to simply pressing the through ball button for player’s to run onto.
Strong, good heading and a good finisher of the ball makes Giroud a desirable forward to have on the game.
Do you agree with the ratings that the Arsenal players have been given? Who deserves a higher overall – or perhaps a lower one?
All images and statistics have been provided by Futhead.com, where you can check all player ratings throughout FIFA.
