FIFA 17: Predicted player ratings for Leicester City
The latest version of the world’s favorite football game, EA Sports FIFA 17 is set to release in under a month. The much-awaited game is coming out on multiple gaming platforms. The game will release on 27th September in the USA, and on 29th September in rest of the world (India included).
The game includes a lot of new features including The Journey, which sees a young player dream of playing in the Premier League, and the new Frostbite engine, which was previously used by EA Dice in Battlefield. Marco Reus will be FIFA 17’s cover star.
Leicester City scripted one of the greatest miracles in modern football, after beating 5000/1 odds to be crowned as English Champions. The Foxes barely survived relegation in the 2014-15 season, and the rest is history.
The game got new stars in Vardy, Mahrez, Kante, and Leicester’s fairytale triumph was a reminder that spending big bucks does not guarantee success. The Foxes’ - a club with limited financial resources, showed the importance of team-spirit, amidst extravagant spending by bigger clubs.
Last season, Leicester were the underdogs, but this season, they are the hunted. Every team wants to defeat the champions, and the Foxes’ will be wary of it. Leicester will even make their European debut this season, and the world’s eyes will be on them.
Let’s take a look at Leicester City’s predicted player ratings:
#1 Goalkeepers and defenders
Kasper Schmeichel: 76 → 81
Often overshadowed by his dad and legendary goalkeeper, Peter Schmeichel, the Denmark international had a brilliant season, and his performance in goal was crucial to Leicester’s fairytale. With 15 clean sheets to his name in the EPL, Schmeichel would, in all probabilities, be rated in the 80s.
Ron-Robert Zieler: 80 → 80
Zieler joined the English champions this transfer window, from Hannover 96. He had a decent season in Bundesliga and is set to retain 80+ rated card.
Cristian Fuchs: 74 → 77
The Austrian skipper had a phenomenal season at King Power Stadium, and he contributed a lot to Leicester’s solid defensive performance throughout the season. His performances last season should get him a +3 bump in the ratings.
Robert Huth: 78 → 80
Huth’s partnership with Wes Morgan at the heart of Leicester’s defense was vital to Leicester’s PL triumph. He was exceptionally solid at the back, and with tremendous aerial abilities, he chipped in with goals at crucial junctures.
The most notable one was his brace against Manchester City, which really announced Leicester as serious title contenders. The centre-back deserves an 80, if not more.
Wes Morgan: 73 → 76
The skipper did an exceptional job last season - as a solid defender and an excellent leader. The Jamaican was key to Leicester conceding only 36 goals last season, and like the rest of Leicester’s team, deserves an upgrade.
Danny Simpson: 72 → 77
The full-back had a very good season, making 30 appearances in the season. He was solid in defense and efficient in attack. He often troubled defenders coming in from the right, and should get a +5 increase for his contribution to Leicester’s defense.