FIFA 18 World Cup Mode: Predicting the ratings for Portugal national team

#3 Midfielders

Portugal v Holland -International Friendly

Fernando Santos likes to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, in which midfield plays an important role. Usually, Santos sets up his midfield with a deep-lying centre defensive midfielder and a creative attacking midfielder. Two wingers take up the position on either wing to complete a compact midfield.

William Carvalho is the only defensive midfielder Santos is taking to the World Cup. It is increasingly likely, therefore, that he will be starting all of their matches.

Carvalho was linked with a move to West Ham earlier this season. However, the move failed to materialize and he stayed with Sporting Lisbon. The defensive midfielder is one of the most sought-after Portuguese players in World football and will surely be a part of a transfer saga during the next two months.

The midfield enforcer was rated 83 in FIFA 18. However, end-of-season performances might drop his overall to 82. Portugal is carrying a lot of playmakers with them for the World Cup. Adrien Silva, Joao Moutinho, Joao Mario, Bruno Fernandes, and Manuel Fernandes all make the cut.

Leicester's Adrien Silva had to wait for five months to make his official Premier League debut, due to the fact that his transfer was registered fourteen seconds after the deadline had passed. However, once he did, he impressed. Silva was also one of Portugal's best performing players at Euro 2016. Nevertheless, Leicester's slump during the latter half of the campaign will surely affect Silva's ratings. An overall of 81 is likely.

Bruno Fernandes had a ground-breaking debut campaign with Sporting Lisbon. His consistent performances throughout the season helped Lisbon across all competitions. Fernandes' breakthrough season sees him linked with heavyweights such as Chelsea and Liverpool. Fernandes is rated 82 in FIFA 18, an overall which we expect him to carry over to the World Cup mode.

The Euro 2016 winners are also taking with them the trio of Joao Moutinho, Joao Mario and Manuel Fernandes. Mario and Fernandes are great assets to the team due to their versatility. Both can play in on either wing, as well as in a central role. Fans can expect the duo to be rated 80 in the new game mode. We also expect Joao Moutinho to be rated the same.