FIFA 19 Winter Upgrades: 3 Premier League Defenders Who Will Get An Upgrade

Defenders are easily the most underrated players in FIFA 19. Players tend to spend big on the attackers and midfielders before getting top defenders as they believe that scoring more will help them win games.

While it is true to an extent, having a solid defence reduces the pressure on scoring and helps in building an attack from the back. The Premier League has some of the best defenders and a lot of players have been using them in the game.

Here is a look at the top Premier League defenders in the game who will get an upgrade:

#3 – Virgil van Dijk

Virgil Van Dijk Wins the EA Sports Player of the Month Award - December 2018

Starting off with the most obvious one – Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool defender has been the best centre-back this season, not just in the Premier League, but in all of the top 5 leagues in Europe.

He is rated at just 85 in the game and his performances have shown that he deserves a lot more than what EA have given him. He did win the Player of the Month award in December to get an 89-rated card and also got himself a 95-rated Team of the Year card!

While those two cards are highly overpowered and are just special cards, it clearly shows that EA have kept an eye on him and he will be given an upgrade in February. The Dutchman is reportedly set to get an upgrade of +2 – taking his rating in the game to 87.

He does have 2 other cards rated at 87 in FUT and players have made it clear that it reflects his performance on the pitch. EA are now set to listen to them and make his 87 rated IF card, his base card.

#2 – Antonio Rudiger

Chelsea FC v Fulham FC - Premier League

While everyone is talking about David Luiz and his topsy-turvy performances, Antonio Rudiger has been quietly delivering some rock solid performances. The German has been highly reliable at the back and a key reason why Chelsea are not conceding a lot of goals.

Rudiger was surprisingly given a downgrade in FIFA 19, compared to his rating in FIFA 18 and that did not go down well with the Chelsea fans. He has a base rating of just 81 and looking at his performances, he is set for a big boost in his ratings.

With David Luiz rated at 83, it is expected that Rudiger will be given a similar rating, or even pushed to 84 – one more than his Chelsea teammate. His defending stats, currently at 81, should be getting the biggest boost to 85 or more.

#1 – Ricardo Pereira

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Leicester City - Premier League

Ricardo Pereira is every FIFA 19 gamer's favourite Premier League right-back after Kyle Walker. The Leicester City star has a base rating of just 81 but his in-form card, rated at 84, is a fan favourite.

He is in so much demand that his IF card, despite being at the same rating at Kyle Walker's base card, is costlier than the Manchester City full-back's card. His pace stats are slightly lower than Walker but still, players prefer him as he has better passing and dribbling. Moreover, he has a weak foot rating of 4/5 and a skill rating of 3/5.

While his IF card won't become his base card, EA might give him a boost of +2 and take him to 83. His new card will not be in high demand, like his IF card, but with a rating of 83, he might be a good player to use in SBC's.