Three games into the Premier League season, nearing the end of August. One game that has everybody excited each September is FIFA. The release is drawing near and with Ultimate Team (UT), the most popular game mode, we’ve decided to try and predict the imminent rating changes to the Chelsea team.
Bear in mind that this is purely just our opinion on the projection, however, we have tried to be fair with our views and eliminate the obvious bias one would assume to have.
Goalkeepers:
Thibaut Courtois – 86 –> 87 (+1)
The Belgian shot-stopper was a key player in Chelsea’s season, helping them win the Premier League title by 8 points. Rated by many as Manuel Neuer’s toughest closest competition for the best goalkeeper in the world title, we think he’ll close the gap on UT and get a small upgrade in rating.
Asmir Begovic – 82 –> 83 (+1)
Had a solid campaign for Stoke last season which led to his transfer to The Blues. The giant Bosnian showcased his ability last year and proved what a wonderful goalkeeper he is. We think a minor upgrade is due, reflected by his ability that convinced Chelsea to sign him.
Defenders:
Cesar Azpilicueta – 79 –> 83 (+4)
The first choice left-back for the champions, who coincidentally had the best defence in the league. Solid and reliable, Azpilicueta is no doubt deserving of a big upgrade to put him on par with the best full-backs in the league, also the world.
Abdul Rahman Baba – 68 –> 76 (+8)
Baba made more tackles in the Bundesliga last season than any other player, taking it by storm. A surprise package for Augsburg, helping them finish 5th in the league, compared to the previous season of 8th. Chelsea spent around £20m on the Ghanaian and it’s no surprise why.
Branislav Ivanovic – 81 –> 82 (+1)
Similar reasons to Azpilicueta, part of the best defence in the Premier League, also a force attacking set plays. Ivanovic was a key figure under Mourinho, who’s team only lost 4 games in all competitions. A consistent member of the Chelsea backline, deserving of an upgrade.
John Terry – 83 –> 84 (+1)
Captain fantastic, a leader of men. The Blues stalwart played every minute of every game last season and at 34 he’s still among the best defenders in the world. Central to the Blues winning a double, earning himself a place in the Premier League’s Team Of The Season.
Gary Cahill – 81 –> 82 (+1)
Usually subject to much criticism when The Blues concede, however in his time at Chelsea he’s won everything possible at club level. His understanding with John Terry creates a fantastic centre-back pairing and so we believe he’s due a rating change for the better.
Kurt Zouma – 74 –> 77 (+3)
His first season with Chelsea and he’s already a champion. Throughout the season, Zouma put a lot of pressure on Mourinho to make him first choice, when he played he was excellent. His displays kept quiet the likes of Aguero, Sterling and Fellaini to name a few. His progression should be noticed.
Midfielders:
Nemanja Matic – 82 –> 85 (+3)
Earning himself a place in Team of the Season in UT, Matic was crucial to Chelsea’s performances last season. He’s one of the best defensive midfielders in the world and deserves his rating to be of a similar level to Yaya Toure.
Ramires – 81 –> 81 (+0)
Featured for Chelsea usually in the bigger games to help out defensively, Ramires didn’t shine bright like others, however, he didn’t disappoint either. He could still possibly leave Stamford Bridge soon, but until then, he remains a player who will put a shift in.
John Obi Mikel – 78 –> 76 (-2)
The Nigerian midfielder looks as though age is catching up with him. Usually the man Mourinho brings on to hold onto a lead, now Zouma is that man. Becoming an irrelevant figure, unfortunately. Oh well, he’s a definite quick sell anyway.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 56 –> 65 (+9)
The most likely player to come through the Chelsea academy since John Terry, Loftus-Cheek notched some minutes at the end of the season. Could be an expensive silver card if our predictions are correct.
Nathanial Chalobah – 68 –> 70 (+2)
Likely to go out on loan again, but right now still remains at Chelsea. His loan spell at Reading last season gave him even more experience and with that, his rating should increase.
Cesc Fabregas – 84 –> 86 (+2)
One of two huge signings for Chelsea last season which propelled them to the title. The Spaniard got the most assists in the league with 18 and earned himself a place in the UT Team of the Season. One of the best midfielders in the league, his rating should reflect that.
Oscar – 84 –> 84 (+0)
The Brazilian midfielder had a mediocre campaign, starting the season well, only to find himself on the bench more frequently nearer the end. Still remains a level below the best attacking midfielders in the league.
Attackers:
Eden Hazard – 88 –> 90 (+2)
Won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year awards as well as driving Chelsea to win the Premier League and League Cup double. A member of the UT Team of the Season and deserves to be recognised as one of the best players in the world.
Victor Moses – 75 –> 78 (+3)
After a successful loan spell at Stoke, Moses returns to give Mourinho more options on the wings. Numerous clubs are looking to tie up a deal to sign the winger and a rating increase seems likely.
Bertrand Traore – 72 –> 74 (+2)
Vitesse Arnhem’s best player last season, helping them to reach the Europa League play-offs. Scored 14 goals in the Eredivisie and will be no surprise to see him receive an upgrade and possibly a position change.
Willian – 82 –> 83 (+1)
Hard-working and extremely reliable, Willian featured frequently for Chelsea and like the above and below, became a Premier League champion. Still below Alexis Sanchez but deserves to go up in rating.
Pedro – 83 –> 84 (+1)
A solid back-up to the SNM threesome at Barcelona, winning the treble. Pedro’s transfer to Chelsea will surely give UT players a difficult decision if he’s placed as a right winger. He already has a goal and an assist registered to him in the Premier league.
Radamel Falcao – 88 –> 84 (-4)
His performances for Man United last season weren’t reflective of an 88 rated player. Still a deadly striker on his day, Falcao’s due an inevitable rating decrease as he’s no longer one of the best in the world, nor the league.
Loic Remy 80 –> 81 (+1)
The Frenchman scored some crucial goals for Chelsea last season and his goals per minute ratio is impressive. An increase in rating is due we think, a regular buy on UT due to his blistering pace.
Diego Costa – 86 –> 87 (+1)
Scored 20 goals in his debut season in the Premier League. Likely to receive a rating upgrade. Scary though, considering his pace and power is virtually unstoppable on the game.
What do you think then? Have we over-rated anyone, under-rated anyone? Have your say by tweeting us @ReadChelseaFC.
