FIFA 17: Predicted player ratings for Tottenham Hotspur
The fine folks at EA Sports never cease to amaze us every year, with each new edition of the much-loved FIFA series always succeeding in outdoing its predecessor. However, FIFA 17 is a whole new ball game altogether.
Besides the Frostbite engine, which is a first for any FIFA game, the incredible Journey mode, which sees players take control of talented 17-year-old Alex Hunter, has seen the hype for the game hit fever pitch.
The new iteration of the game releases in under a month. Tottenham Hotspur are currently going through one of their most important transitional phases in decades.
Under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham have truly become a force to reckon with, coming within touching distance of the Premier League title last season, only to slip up and concede the title to eventual champions Leicester City.
Let’s predict the FIFA 17 ratings for Tottenham Hotspur.
#1 Goalkeepers and Defenders
Hugo Lloris: 84 → 85
The 2015-2016 brought dual heartbreak for Tottenham and France skipper Hugo Lloris. Despite stellar showings for club and country, Lloris’ solid form went in vain as Tottenham crashed out of the Premier League race due to last minute setbacks, while France unexpectedly fell to Portugal in the finals of Euro 2016 despite being tournament favourites.
However, despite the pain of defeat, Lloris’ showings were commendable, which surely hasn’t gone unnoticed by EA, putting him in line for a deserved upgrade.
Michel Vorm: 80 → 80
The Dutch goalkeeper has been reduced to the role of second choice shot stopper since his move from Swansea City to Tottenham back in 2014 due to the strong form of Hugo Lloris. Vorm made just one appearance as a substitute in the 2015/16 season, replacing Lloris in a match against Everton which ended in a 1-1 draw.
The 32-year-old is seen by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino as a capable understudy to Lloris, but any upgrade in his FIFA 17 ratings would come as a surprise.
Danny Rose: 77 → 79
Rose was made a scapegoat by many a critic over the past few years, with many singling him out for being inconsistent and a weak link in the team. However, the 2015/2016 campaign righted all the wrongs.
The full back was certainly one of Tottenham’s bright sparks last season, with his performance down the flank an integral part of Tottenham’s attack minded style of play. The 26-year-olds exploits down the left saw him being named in the PFA Team of the Year, highlighting his major impact in the team.
Rose’s exceptional performances makes him a worthy candidate for an upgrade in FIFA 17.
Toby Alderweireld: 82 → 84
The Belgian’s transfer to North London was surrounded in turmoil as Alderweireld’s former club Atletico cancelled their sale agreement with Southampton in order to accept a bid from Tottenham, who upped the Saints’ offer.
Despite all the brouhaha surrounding Alderweireld’s transfer, the defender started on a stellar note for Tottenham, with his performances alongside Jan Vertonghen helping Tottenham achieve the best defensive record in the Premier League.
Besides critics labelling Alderweireld as the best defender in the Premier League, the Belgian also raked in a host of plaudits including a place in the PFA Team of the Year, UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season as well as the crowning jewel – the Tottenham Hotspur FC Player of the year award.
His excellent season warrants an upgrade in rating by 2-3 points.
Jan Vertonghen: 82 → 83
The arrival of Maurico Pochettino saw limited opportunities come Ventonghen’s way, as the manager preferred the pairing of Younes Kaboul and Federico Fazio over the Belgian. However, the powerful defender worked hard to gain the Argentine’s trust and succeeded in his quest with some stellar performances in the 2015/16 season.
The 29-year-old formed a highly effective partnership with compatriot Toby Alderweireld, with the pair helping Spurs win nine out of their first ten opening games. A hike in rating for Vertonghen would be well deserved.
Kevin Wimmer: 77 → 78
The Austrian youngster looked strong in the heart of defence alongside Alderweireld whenever he was called upon, providing excellent cover for Vertonghen. An up in ratings wouldn’t be uncalled for.
Kieran Trippier: 76 → 77
The young Englishman will have to work really hard to break out from being Kyle Walker’s understudy, but looked strong in his limited appearances last season. A minute increase in his FIFA ratings would be just right.
Ben Davies: 76 → 78
The Welsh full back looked extremely solid when he was called upon last season, acting as a superb understudy to the equally proficient Danny Rose.
Davies was also one of Wales’ standout players during his country’s remarkable Euro 2016 campaign, with his suspension from the semi finals against Portugal greatly felt by Wales. Davies is more than worthy for a ratings upgrade in FIFA 17.
Kyle Walker: 79 → 81
There were doubts over the Englishman’s consistency ever since his breakout season back in 2011, but he responded with some ironclad performances last season, much to the delight of Pochettino, who identifies Walker as one of his key players.
A ratings upgrade in FIFA 17 won’t be a surprise as Walker is expected to build on his performance this season.