The German midfielder is considered a strong playmaker, but Ozil is more often deployed close to the strikers rather than the defenders. Whether it’s helping set up a one-two into the box, releasing a forward on goal with a through ball, or leaping on a loose ball and running it into the box himself, Ozil uses his 86 Passing and 84 Dribbling ratings to great effect from his preferred position.

 

Date of Birth: 15/10/1988

Height: 5'11''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / Low

Preferred Foot: Left

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

The Senegalese winger has exploded onto the scene in recent seasons, impressing for both club and country. His 94 Pace, 87 Dribbling, and 80 Shooting ratings were on display when he scored against Real Madrid in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final, just as they had been all season as Mané played a key role in Liverpool’s devastating attack.

 

Date of Birth: 10/04/1992

Height: 5'9''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

After years of building a solid resume at Inter Milan, Perišić became a household name with his sublime performances for Croatia at the 2018 World Cup. Despite lining up as a left midfielder, Perišić is often all over the pitch, utilizing his diverse skill set to create, assist, and score goals. His 86 Pace and 83 Dribbling ratings grab the headlines, but the combination of those with his 80 Shooting and Passing ratings is what truly elevates him to the top of the game.

 

Date of Birth: 02/02/1989

Height: 6'1''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Despite his youth, the French defender has earned a starting role for the biggest club in Europe—and the reigning World Cup champions. His performances for Real Madrid and France come down to his incredible versatility as a center back—not only does Varane excel as a defender (86 Defending and 80 Physical ratings) in the traditional sense, he’s also quick on his feet (84 Pace), able to support midfield and attack then track back quickly to thwart counterattacks.

 

Date of Birth: 25/04/1993

Height: 6'3''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / High

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

After a sensational season in which he put on a scoring masterclass in Serie A last year, Immobile is set to have another brilliant year with Lazio. Even though he’s a well-rounded forward with respectable 82 Pace and Dribbling ratings, Immobile’s status as a pure world-class finisher is exemplified by his 87 Shooting rating.

 

Date of Birth: 20/02/1990

Height: 6'1''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

While he tends to drift all over the front line for both Arsenal and the Chile national team, Sanchez is in his element when lining up on the left and cutting inside (using his 89 Dribbling rating) to create havoc and open up space—or to take a shot for himself utilizing his respectable 83 Shooting rating.

 

Date of Birth: 19/12/1988

Height: 5'7''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / High

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Another young center back whose stock has soared in the last year, Koulibaly is the kind of defender that even the best forwards see in their nightmares. An absolute rock at the back who can out-jump and out-muscle almost any opponent (86 Physical), Koulibaly held strong for Napoli in Serie A last season and Senegal in the 2018 World Cup thanks to his astounding 88 Defending rating.

 

Date of Birth: 20/06/1991

Height: 6'2''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / High

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Equipped to play most attacking positions, Mertens has thrived since settling in a more central role, often deployed as a false-nine. The Belgian has an astounding 90 Dribbling rating and 89 Pace, which constantly help him get into dangerous positions in the box. Mertens also has 83 Shooting and 80 Passing ratings, giving him the confidence to shoot if he as a chance or lay the ball off to a teammate.

 

Date of Birth: 06/05/1987

Height: 5'7''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / low

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Two-time Serie A top goalscorer Icardi is an instinctual finisher, a forward with a nose for goal and who is as efficient and accurate with both feet as he is with his head. The Argentina international’s 85 Shooting rating is by far his most notable number, but it sets him above nearly all of his peers—just check the record books.

 

Date of Birth: 19/02/1993

Height: 5'11''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / Low

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

One of the leading goalkeepers in Europe last season, Navas rarely puts a foot (or hand) wrong between the sticks. The Costa Rican’s 90 Diving stops even the most accurate of shots out of the corners, while his 90 Reflexes make him excellent at stopping penalties and point-blank shots on goal.

 

Date of Birth: 15/12/1986

Height: 6'1''

Save Technique: Traditional

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

After thriving in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, Aubameyang took his talents to the English Premier League and Arsenal last season. In his short time in England, he’s already shown off the skills that made him such a valuable target for the London club, including his blistering 94 Pace and 84 Shooting.

 

Date of Birth: 18/06/1989

Height: 6'2''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / Low

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

A true legend, Iniesta made headlines this summer for his move from the only professional club he’s ever known, FC Barcelona, to a new challenge with Japanese club Vissel Kobe. The midfielder’s trophy cabinet is bursting with honours, from a World Cup winner’s medal to four UEFA Champions League titles. Iniesta’s technique (90 Dribbling) and 87 Passing rating mean he’s among the world’s finest; few players can even come close to his talent with the ball at his feet.

 

Date of Birth: 11/05/1984

Height: 5'7''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Perhaps the ideal fullback in a system like Barcelona’s, Alba has been dominating the left side of his club’s defense (and often, midfield and attack) for quite a few seasons now. The Spaniard’s 93 Pace and 83 Dribbling lets him shuttle up the flank with the ball, beat opponents, fire in a cross or pass to a teammate, then run back to defend without skipping a beat.

 

Date of Birth: 21/03/1989

Height: 5'7''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / medium

Preferred Foot: left

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

The big Belgian center back is the cog that keeps Tottenham Hotspur’s defence running smoothly, as he uses all aspects of his 88 Defending rating to lead his teammates, mark attackers, tackle the ball away, and win aerial duels at every opportunity.

 

Date of Birth: 24/04/1987

Height: 6'2''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): high / high

Preferred Foot: left

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

A household name after he scored the winning goal for France in their 2018 World Cup semifinal against Belgium, Umtiti combines youthful exuberance with a defensive proficiency rarely seen in younger players. His 88 Defending covers his intelligent reading of the game, perfectly-timed tackling, and unfailing commitment to keeping the ball out of his team’s net. Umtiti is also no slouch in the strength department; his 82 Physical rating is obvious in the ease with which he knocks attackers out of the way, shields the ball when necessary, and flies through the air to win headers.

 

Date of Birth: 14/11/1993

Height: 6'0''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / High

Preferred Foot: Left

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Possibly the greatest Slovak to ever take the pitch, Hamsik has become a hero at Napoli after making nearly 400 appearances over more than a decade with the Italian club. His well-rounded skill set has helped him adapt to just about any situation, but the playmaker’s current role in the heart of Napoli’s midfield is powered by his 84 Dribbling and 84 Passing ratings. Hamsik’s strengths don’t end with his creative brilliance; he’s also a capable finisher (80 Shooting) in open play and from set pieces.

 

Date of Birth: 27/07/1987

Height: 6'0''

Save Technique: Traditional

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

At first glance, the Belgian is the prime example of a traditional striker: tall, strong (87 Physical), capable of brilliant finishing (82 Shooting). But Lukaku has earned himself a place in the game’s elite by combining his traditional forward’s qualities with an 84 Pace rating, meaning that he’s as likely to leave a defender in the dust as he is to muscle him off the ball. This is a rare combination in today’s game and explains the Belgian’s strong, consistent scoring numbers for both club and country.

 

Date of Birth: 13/5/1993

Height: 6'3''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / Medium

Preferred Foot: left

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Rakitić had a brilliant World Cup for Croatia, building on his already excellent reputation at Barcelona over the past couple seasons. His 87 Passing and 82 Dribbling ratings keep him at the top of his midfield game, spraying passes around the pitch and beating opponents with technique and skill. When given the opportunity, he can really lash the ball towards goal with an 84 Shooting rating.

 

Date of Birth: 10/03/1988

Height: 6'0''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / High

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Another living legend who has racked up countless awards with Barcelona and Spain, Piqué combines height and strength with world-class defending ability. Still in the prime of his career, Piqué excels in the air on both sides of the ball thanks to his 76 Physical rating, and his 87 Defending rating includes solid leadership ability, intelligent tackling, and calm composure in even the toughest matches.

 

Date of Birth: 02/02/1987

Height: 6'4''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

As if commanding a massive transfer fee as a teenager wasn’t enough, Mbappé showed off what Paris Saint-Germain saw in him last season and during the 2018 World Cup. The winger had a very good tournament overall, but he capped it off with a brilliant goal in the final against Croatia to become only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final—after Pelé. Mbappé never hesitates to show off his 96 Pace and 89 Dribbling ratings, bombarding the right wing every chance he gets.

 

Date of Birth: 20/12/1998

Height: 5'10''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

A fortress in the Paris Saint-Germain defence, the Brazilian captains the French club with consistency, intensity, and exceptional skill. Silva is one of the most complete central defenders in world football (88 Defending), able to create chances and move up the pitch without sacrificing his tackling, organization, and other defensive responsibilities.

 

Date of Birth: 22/09/1984

Height: 6'0''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / High

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

The speedy Italian winger is yet another Napoli star whose stock has risen with his club’s in recent seasons, and for good reason. In addition to his excellent 90 Pace rating, Insigne is tricky and technical with the ball at his feet thanks to a 91 Dribbling rating, and always good for a pass or cross thanks to a solid 84 Passing rating.

 

Date of Birth: 04/06/1991

Height: 5'4''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

The Inter Milan shot-stopper has improved steadily over the years, as evidenced by his stellar ratings in most goalkeeping categories. Handanovič is composed with the ball at his feet or in his hands (86 Handling), able to get to even the craziest of shots (87 Diving, 89 Positioning), and capable of ridiculous reflex saves (89 Reflexes) when called upon.

 

Date of Birth: 14/07/1984

Height: 6'4''

Save Technique: Traditional

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Few forwards can say they have excelled at so many of the world’s top tier clubs, but Higuaín is almost certainly one of them. Now with AC Milan, the Argentine striker still has elite finishing ability, as shown by his 87 Shooting rating, and can hold the ball and show off technique with an 83 Dribbling.

 

Date of Birth: 10/12/1987

Height: 6'1''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): high / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Long-term success at the top requires more than strikers and creative midfielders—it also needs a defensive backbone that reaches into midfield. Brazilian defensive maestro Casemiro has taken up that mantle at Real Madrid supremely well, and it’s likely that he’ll help them add more to the trophy case. His 87 Defending and 88 Physical ratings make him perfect for breaking up attacks, protecting the defense, and everything else required of the role.

 

Date of Birth: 23/02/1992

Height: 6'1''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / High

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Colombian midfield magician Rodriguez impresses year after year, no matter where he happens to be playing. Now helping pull the strings for Bayern Munich, Rodriguez has an astounding 88 Passing rating that combines well with his 86 Dribbling rating to turn him into an assist-creating machine for the talented forwards around him. But he doesn’t stop there; his 86 Shooting rating is almost as impressive, and he often shows it off when he gets an opening and rips it towards goal.

 

Date of Birth: 12/07/1991

Height: 5'11''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / Medium

Preferred Foot: left

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

After nearly two decades with Juventus, Italian goalkeeping legend Buffon made headlines with his move to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of this season. Buffon barely shows signs of wear and tear, still able to compete (and stop) the best in the world. His 87 Handling and 90 Positioning ratings are an obvious result of his vast experience in the game, but it’s his 88 Diving rating that demonstrates how talented Buffon is.

 

Date of Birth: 28/01/1978

Height: 6'4''

Save Technique: Traditional

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Tottenham Hotspur’s creative genius is the type of player that always surprises and delights; when you think he’s run out of ideas, he pings a pass in at an impossible angle or scores a free kick that few players would even attempt. Eriksen conducts from midfield with his 86 Dribbling and 89 Passing ratings, and occasionally steps into the spotlight himself thanks to an 82 Shooting rating.

 

Date of Birth: 14/02/1992

Height: 5'11''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Yet another of France’s world champions from this summer, Pogba left Russia as one of the most impressive players from throughout the tournament. He dominates midfield for club and country using a combination of creativity (86 Passing, 85 Dribbling) and brute force (87 Physical) that is rarely seen in the modern midfielder. But he doesn’t have to choose between brute force and technical wizardry, because he has an ample amount of both to work with.

 

Date of Birth: 15/03/1993

Height: 6'3''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / Low

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Spanish defensive midfielder Busquets remains the epitome of the defensive midfielder, and holds a valued starting role protecting Barcelona’s back line. With a combination of 85 Defending and 80 Physical ratings, Busquets dutifully cleans up opposing attacks, distributes the ball to his teammates, and fiercely tackles the ball away from anyone who tries to get close to his goal.

 

Date of Birth: 16/07/1988

Height: 6'2''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): Medium / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves:

Welsh winger Bale continues to thrive on the right side for Real Madrid, occasionally playing a more central role depending on who else is on the pitch. His 95 Pace is up there with the fleetest-of-foot in world football, but it only works so well for Bale because it’s combined with 85 Dribbling, 88 Shooting, and 84 Passing ratings. Whether he cuts inside to shoot, opens up space with a defence-splitting pass, or takes one of his famous swerving free kicks, Bale regularly devastates opponents in a variety of ways.

 

Date of Birth: 16/07/1989

Height: 5'9''

Player Work Rate (Attacking / Defensive): High / Medium

Preferred Foot: Right

Weak Foot:

Skill Moves: