5 ISL stars who have had insanely high FIFA ratings

FIFA 18 is almost upon us and fans in India are chomping at the bit to get their hands on the latest edition of the hit franchise. The world may not know it, but the Indian market makes for a lucrative piece of business and EA Sports will surely consider the sub continent a major contributor to sales once the game releases on 29th September 2017.

With less than a month left for the game to be officially unveiled, speculation is rife about what the game might entail. Leaked footage, teased new features and rumours of returning players are all the talk of the town as gamers get ready for the impending arrival of the game.

Among the talk in India, a burning question in the minds of most gamers in the country involves the introduction of the Indian Super League (ISL) in the game. While it seems unlikely that the recently formed league will feature this time around, it doesn't change the fact that it's been responsible for giving the game some of its most talented stars.

Now, granted that they might not have been in their prime when they made the trip to India, but the mere fact that they played such an important part in the league's early stages means the country's pull cannot be disregarded. That being said, ISL stars have a lot to bring to the table when it comes to FIFA gaming. Here are 5 ISL stars and their highest FIFA ratings:

#5 Freddie Ljungberg - 89 in FIFA 05

Freddie's hairdo isn't the only thing going for him

The charismatic Swede known as Freddie Ljungberg played a pivotal role during Arsenal's glory days at the start of the millennium. The winger brought a dynamic never before seen in North London and worked well with the rest of the side to bring home all the plaudits to the Gunners. Such was his guile and willingness to run the line that he gradually became one of the fan favourites at the club.

His Arsenal career ended in 2007 but his stellar run at the club earned him a healthy rating of 89 in FIFA 05. His rating did him justice too with his 46 goals at the club taking the team to many a victory. His 2014 stint at Mumbai City FC warranted just four appearances and no goals but there is no doubt he remains in the hearts of every Gooner.

#4 Robert Pires - 92 in FIFA 05

Pires is a true Premier League icon

Sticking with Arsenal legends, here is a name that is extremely well known all around the world. Robert Pires was an absolute revelation at Arsenal when he joined the club in 2000 and took little time settling into his role under Arsene Wenger. His magical run at the club saw him score and set up beautiful goals and he made his name as a true football technician, the likes of which hadn't been seen before.

In his prime, Pires managed to nutmeg his way to the 90s in FIFA 05 with an overall rating of 92 in the game. His dribbling and ball control abilities were unmatched and when he joined FC Goa in 2014 many saw it as a golden opportunity to rekindle an incredible career. He was influential for the Gaurs and his legendary status made a big difference to the ISL.

#3 David Trezeguet - 92 in FIFA 05

Trezeguet was a revelation for both club and country

When you're talking about French legends, David Trezeguet is a name that tends to come up every now and then. And for good reason. The legendary striker scored 34 goals for his country including vital goals in a successful International campaign between 1998-2000.

The former Juventus frontman may have made his name in Turin, but he brought all his experience with him to FC Pune City in 2014. His pedigree and sheer star quality made him a true marquee player in every sense of the word and hence it comes as no surprise that his rating in FIFA 05 was a staggering 92. During his decade's stay at Juve, Trezeguet managed to accomplish virtually everything including an impressive FIFA rating. He remains a legend and rightly so.

#2 Alessandro Del Piero - 92 in FIFA 05

Del Piero lit up the ISL with his entry

Juventus has a habit of creating legendary players as can be seen by the next entry on this list. Alessandro Del Piero will be best known for his loyalty to the Turin side throughout a stellar career in Italy that saw him score 208 goals for the black and white stripes. His subsequent arrival at Sydney FC was impressive too, which made his 2014 arrival in India all the more special.

Delhi Dynamos hit the jackpot with Del Piero during the inception of the ISL and the Italian's experience worked wonders in the dressing room of the club. While fans may have wanted from the player on the pitch, his star power was enough to see hoards of fans pack into stadiums for a glimpse of the legend. His FIFA 05 rating of 92 solidifies what an important player Del Piero really was.

#1 Alessandro Nesta - 94 in FIFA 05

Nesta lead from the back like no other

Few have made as much of an impact from the defensive side of the game as Alessandro Nesta has during his career in the beautiful game. The Italian centre back made it impossible for the best forwards to penetrate a back line headed by him.

His best years surely came in the stripes of AC Milan as he led the club to domestic and European triumphs on a regular basis. His FIFA 05 rating of 94 ensures that he is among an elite group of players in world football and tops this list comprehensively. His 2014 move to Chennaiyin FC brought with it anticipation and excitement even though it was all but confirmed that he was past his prime.

Nonetheless, his achievements make him a hall of fame performer if there ever was one and puts him in a class of his very own.