FIFA player stats are always the subject of much debate and FIFA 17 will be no different. Part of the beauty of football, of course, lies in its unpredictability – not just when it comes to results and performances, but also when it comes to players. In the case of the Premier League, this has been the most unpredictable season ever, and we’ve seen stars emerge from places we never expected.
On October 25, 2015, Donnarumma became the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in Serie A, helping AC Milan to a 2–1 win over Sassuolo at just 16 years old. Since then, he’s established himself as Milan’s first-choice keeper, drawing praise from his team-mates, coaches and even legendary Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff for his consistent performances.
Like many young ‘keepers, he’s an excellent shot-stopper, but Donnarumma is a commanding presence around his box, standing 1.90m tall and organising his defence with composure far beyond his years.
Eric Dier
Dier has impressed since his move to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, and surely after this season he’s worthy of a higher rating than 74 overall. Not only has he been a solid presence in a Spurs side that has impressed, with the team in contention for a first league title in more than 50 years, he’s also shown that he’s an extremely versatile footballer, featuring in central midfield as well as all across the back four. He’s even forced his way into the England squad, scoring the winner against Germany just weeks ago.
Along with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele, Dier is one of many Spurs players who deserve a stats upgrade next season.
Héctor Bellerín
Bellerín has been a bit of a revelation this season for Arsenal in the Premier League – although we knew he was lightning-fast and he clearly had potential, few expected him to settle into the first team so quickly. Indeed, the fact that Arsenal kept hold of experienced French international Mathieu Debuchy speaks volumes as to what they had expected of Bellerín. Even his pace is underrated in FIFA 16, and his passing and physical stats are lower than they ought to be as well. Expect Bellerín to be one of the leading young full-back talents in next year’s game.
Joshua Kimmich
Kimmich was a personal request on behalf of Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, apparently, and the young midfielder has started to show his class for the Bundesliga champions. Guardiola has a talent for spotting midfield talent after all, and Kimmich’s calmness on the ball and pinpoint distribution is reminiscent of Barca legend Xavi Hernandez. First-XI opportunities are not easy to come by at Bayern, but Kimmich has looked the part when he’s been on the pitch – showing quality far beyond his 70 overall rating, with his passing especially due an increase.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
There’s been a silver lining to Chelsea’s disappointing season in the Premier League, and it comes in the shape of Ruben Loftus-Cheek. With the club’s star players failing to deliver week after week, former manager Jose Mourinho and present (temporary) manager Guus Hiddink turned to academy prospect Loftus-Cheek for some inspiration, and he’s delivered some powerful performances in midfield for The Blues, even scoring a couple of goals in the process.
He’s an imposing presence in the middle of the pitch; big and strong but with deceptively good touch. Only a few stars have shined more brightly in the Premier League this season, and his 63 overall rating is due a considerable boost.
