FIFA 17: Predicted player ratings for Southampton
The latest edition of our favorite football game, FIFA 17 is set to release in less than a month, and we honestly can’t wait anymore. The much-awaited game is coming out on multiple gaming platforms including PS3, PS4, XBox One, XBox 360 and PC, on 29th September in India.
The game includes a lot of new features including The Journey, which sees a young rookie live out his dream of playing in EPL, and the new Frostbite engine, which was previously used by EA Dice in Battlefield. FIFA has also innovated set-pieces, and AI players will make more intelligent runs. Marco Reus is FIFA 17’s cover star, replacing Lionel Messi.
Talking about Southampton, they have lost key players this transfer window- Sadio Mane to Liverpool, Victor Wanyama to Spurs and Graziano Pelle to the money-rich Chinese League. However, the Saints are used to big-name departures every summer transfer window, but what would hurt them most is their manager, Ronald Koeman’s departure to Everton.
Also Read: FIFA 17: Predicted player ratings for Atletico Madrid
Saints finished strong last season in 6th place, and will look to repeat or even better last season’s performance.
They have recruited a new manager in Claude Puel, who is known for promoting young talents- which bides well with Saints’ philosophy. The Saints have signed Nathan Redmond, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, among others, to replace the outgoing players, and they certainly have the potential to be big names in the EPL.
However it may turn out to be, the new 2016-17 season promises to be an exciting one for Southampton fans. Let’s take a look at Southampton’s predicted player ratings for FIFA 17:
Goalkeepers and defenders
Fraser Forster: 76 → 80
Foster had a very good season in goal for the Saints last season. Joe Hart’s dip in form has also given him a golden chance to establish himself as England’s No. 1. He kept 6 clean sheets in a row, and kept Saints in the game time and again. Forster deserves an 80 rated card this season.
Alex McCarthy: 75 → 75
The Southampton academy graduate is likely to be Forster’s back-up. McCarthy spent last season at Crystal Palace and featured in 7 league matches. He looked in control and did nothing to harm his 75 rating.
Ryan Bertrand: 78 → 80
Bertrand has been an integral part of Southampton’s setup since his arrival from Chelsea in 2014. He was solid at left-back and pretty effective on the attacks. The Englishman also chipped in with a goal and 3 assists last season. Bertrand is likely to get a +2 increase.
Cuco Martina: 69 → 72
The Frenchman was pretty good in his debut EPL season. The right-back made only 11 starts but looked like an all-around defender. He also scored a goal and an assist in 2015-16, and should be rated in the 70’s.
Cedric Soares: 78 → 80
Southampton’s first choice RB and part of the triumphant Portugal side of Euro 2016, Soares would be very pleased with the season. He was solid in his defensive duties and formed a vital part of the defense which helped the Saints finish in a Europa League spot. A good showing at both club and country should get him the 80 rating card.
Jose Fonte: 81 → 82
Southampton skipper, like his teammate, Cedric, was a crucial part of Portugal’s Euro triumph. He recently attracted a lot of interest from Manchester United but decided to stay at St. Mary’s Stadium. Fonte is very good with the ball in his feet, and combined with good aerial abilities, Fonte is likely to get an upgrade.
Virgil Van Dijk: 77 → 82
The Dutch was arguably Southampton’s best defender last season and featured in almost all of their matches. He is known for crunching tackles and good interceptions. He remains an integral part of their defense this season, and showed his class against Manchester United, in a recent clash between the two sides. Van Dijk will probably receive an 82 card.