FIFA 18 Predictions: Top 5 forwards in La Liga

The Spanish league is one of the most popular leagues in the world and in recent times has emerged as the dream destination for some of the biggest players in the world. The likes of Maradona, Zidane, Figo and many others called it their dream come true when a call from a Spanish football giant hit their telephone.

With all the young talent in the world matched equally with marquee names in world football, La Liga has become the proving ground for some of the best in the world.

It does then, come as a surprise that only two or three clubs actually rule the roost in this cash-rich league. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid (in recent times) control much of the big spending that goes and the television rights that come with it.

Considering this relative stronghold, it is unsurprising that our list consists largely of top players from these three clubs. FIFA 18 should be no different. Here are the top 5 predicted forwards in La Liga for FIFA 18.

---

#5 Antoine Griezmann

FIFA 17 saw a healthy rating for Griezmann

The French superstar has lit up the footballing world of late with his mercurial talent and impressive finishing in front of goal. In the past few seasons, the 26-year-old has become the go-to man for Atletico, often bailing the team out of a tight situation with goals and assists at regular intervals.

Often in the shadow of Barcelona and Real, this Atletico Madrid maestro has cemented his position as one of the world’s best forwards. English clubs are dying to acquire his services but as of now, the talismanic striker remains loyal to his Spanish brothers.

FIFA 17 saw a healthy rating for Griezmann but with yet another successful domestic season under his belt and plenty of interest from English clubs ready to pay truckloads for his services, expect FIFA 18 to rate this Frenchman in the 90s.

#4 Neymar

Neymar has delivered for Barca time and again

Since joining Barcelona a few years ago, Neymar has established himself as one of the biggest superstars in world football. Taking over from Messi in attacking positions, the Brazilian fitted the additional striker role perfectly for the Catalans and since the arrival of Suarez, has successfully drifted into the wing position proving just how versatile he is.

Still a striker at heart, Neymar wowed the world with his silky skills and dribbling ability at Santos in Brazil and has since performed exceptionally under pressure at one of the biggest clubs in the world. His price tag doesn’t deceive him either, with Barcelona looking for $120 Million+ from any club looking to get close to their star man.

Neymar may have managed only 13 goals in the recently concluded La Liga season, but his 11 assists and willingness to run the line cannot be faulted and a FIFA 18 rating in the 90s is pretty much a surety.

#3 Luis Suarez

The controversial figure has more than lived up to his hype

The trio of Messi, Suarez and Neymar, together popularly known as “MSN”, have run rough shot over the Spanish League since they joined hands at Barcelona. At the trio’s top is former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The controversial figure has more than lived up to his hype with regular match-winning performances for the Catalan club and his impressive 2016-17 campaign solidified him as one of Barca’s top stars.

The fact that even Leo Messi has been willing to give up the main striker position to Suarez proves just how important the Uruguayan is to the Barcelona cause. His assists this past season are particularly impressive topping the La Liga charts at 13 and his 29 goals add to his growing value. His FIFA 17 rating of 92 may well be bettered a notch this time around.

#2 Lionel Messi

We expect the Argentine to marginally miss out on the highest rating

Barcelona’s top man for almost a decade now, Leo Messi continues to grow from strength from strength and has adapted to the addition of new players to the squad brilliantly. His move to a deeper lying attacker a couple of seasons ago raised questions regarding his goal scoring prowess but Messi successfully silenced the critics this past season with a 37-goal tally.

Messi and Ronaldo are expected to continue their bickering over the top spot in FIFA for the next few years at least but with Messi missing out on the cover for the game, we expect the Argentine to marginally miss out on the highest rating in the game as well. Still, FIFA 18 will showcase the very best of the Argentine hero.

#1 Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano has done it all this past year

It has been an incredible year for the Portuguese hitman. Portugal won the Euros, Real Madrid lifted a record breaking successive Champions League trophy, the domestic title went back to the Spanish capital and Ronaldo won the best footballer award yet again.

If that’s not enough, gamers were largely elated to see Ronaldo also make it to the cover of FIFA 18 scheduled to release in end September. A successful campaign in every way possible, the Portuguese star has lit up world football the only way he knows, scoring important goals towards the business end of the Champions League campaign that proved pivotal in seeing Los Blancos win yet another European trophy.

His ability to adapt to age and a changing body is unparalleled and he will surely remain a top player for the next few years to come. FIFA 18 should definitely see Ronaldo as the highest rated player in the game.