The fine folks at EA Sports never cease to amaze us every year, with each new edition of the much-loved FIFA series always succeeding in outdoing its predecessor. However, FIFA 17 is a whole new ball game (Pun Intended!) altogether.
Besides the Frostbite engine, which is a first for any FIFA game, the incredible Journey mode, which sees players take control of talented 17-year-old Alex Hunter, has seen the hype for the game hit fever pitch. No words could probably do justice to revolutionary FIFA 17, which releases in just over a month, so I’m not even going to make an attempt. Instead, I’ll jump to predicting the game’s player ratings.
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A fresh badge, fresh players, and most importantly a fresh manager! All in all, it’s safe to say that it’s a dawn of a new era for Manchester City, who are looking to push their credentials even further when it comes to competing for superiority over their cross-town rivals Manchester United.
Pep Guardiola has already established his footprint on the team with some exciting new signings, giving City fans and football lovers in general even more incentive to watch the Citizens in action this season. With that in mind, let’s get down to predicting the FIFA 17 player ratings for Manchester City.
#1 Goalkeepers and Defenders
Claudio Bravo: 83 → 84
Indisputably one of the best goalkeepers in La Liga, Bravo’s quality as a shot stopper was strengthen even more after his showing at Copa America 2016, where he was an integral part of the victorious Chilean team, earning himself the Copa America Best Goalkeeper award, as well as a place in the competition’s team of the tournament in the process. The 33-year-old’s stock has surely risen since his move to Manchester City as Joe Hart’s replacement, making an increase in ratings on FIFA 17 a sure shot.
Willy Caballero: 78 → 78
The Argentine is something of a legend at Malaga, owing to his fantastic performances for them in the Spanish league. However, his time at City has been a mixed bag, with Caballero often coming under criticism for errors leading to unnecessary goals. Caballero has started a few matches under Guardiola and will most likely stay at City as Bravo’s understudy, but an increase in ratings is unlikely.
Bacary Sagna: 79 → 79
After a shaky debut season following his big-money move from Arsenal back in 2014, Sagna really upped his game with City last season and restored his credentials as one of the best right-backs in England. The 33-year-old, who helped City lift the League Cup, is an assured presence down the right flank, but is unlikely to receive a ratings increase in FIFA 17.
Pablo Zabaleta: 82 → 82
Undisputedly one of Manchester City’s best signings of the Sheikh Mansour era, Zabaleta’s incredible work ethic, skill and consistency endeared him to City the fans. However, the 31-year-old’s 2015/16 was plagued a combination of injuries and lack of form and was even expected to depart City this window, but was retained by Guardiola due to Sagna having no formidable understudy. Despite his contribution to City, Zabaleta may very well find his days at the club numbered, with a rise in FIFA 17 ratings unlikely.
Aleksandar Kolarov: 79 → 80
What a roller coaster ride it’s been for the Serbian. From having his place under threat from two fronts in the form of Clichy and the arrival of Pep Guardiola to thriving in his new role of a centre back under the new manager, Kolarov’s transformation has been incredible. A slight increase in FIFA 17 ratings may be in the works.
Vincent Kompany: 85 → 85
Considered as one of the best centre-backs in the world, the towering Belgian’s 2015/16 season was ravaged by injuries, which made his match form take a direct hit. Now, facing competition on three fronts in the form of Nicolas Otamendi, Aleksandar Kolarov and John Stones, Kompany will have to work his socks off to cement his place in the starting line-up once more. While the 30-year-old may very well bounce back, like he always has, the possibility of an up in ratings in FIFA 17 seems bleak.
Nicolas Otamendi: 84 → 85
The former Valencia man spent the 2015/16 season finding his feet in the Premier League, but did provide some noteworthy performances for City, one of the memorable ones being the League Cup final against Liverpool, where he played the entire 120 minutes and helped his team lift the trophy. Otamendi built on his strong debut season with a solid display for Argentina in the Copa America, earning him a place in the competition’s team of the tournament. An increase in ratings in FIFA 17 wouldn’t be uncalled for.
John Stones: 77 → 81
If the tag of the world’s second most expensive defender in football history is bothering John Stones, he’s certainly not showing it, with the youngster putting in man of the match displays in all three of his Premier League games in a City shirt so far. An increase in FIFA 17 ratings for Stones, who could very well go on to become one of the best in his position, is definitely in order.
Gael Clichy: 80 → 80
The left-back has been solid for City since his arrival from Arsenal back in 2011 and seems to be adapting to the role of an inverted full back under Pep Guardiola. However, despite the consistency he promises, a FIFA 17 ratings increase seems unlikely.
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#2 Midfielders
Fernando: 79 → 79
The Brazilian was one of Manchester City’s most consistent players last season and is set to be an integral part of the squad under Guardiola, who likes his teams to build up from the back. A small rating increase in FIFA 17 wouldn’t be unjustified.
Fernandinho: 80 → 81
Fernandinho is another player who was a picture of consistency last season, and could be a valuable asset to Guardiola if he adapts to his system seamlessly. He’s already got off to a good start under the new manager and will be one player to watch out for. A slight increase in his rating on FIFA 17 won’t be a shock.
Yaya Toure: 85 → 85
The fact that Yaya Toure is one of the best signings Manchester City ever made is unquestionable. At his highest, he could singlehandedly dictate play and score the most crucial goals at the last moment. However, age catches up with everyone, with Toure showing signs of being on the wrong side of 33 and has found himself shunted out of City’s Champions League squad. An increase in FIFA 17 ratings is extremely unlikely for this iconic midfielder, who is most likely in his final season at City.
Raheem Sterling: 82 → 83
Sterling’s debut season at City was a complete letdown, following his highly controversial big-money move from Liverpool. However, the youngster looks like a player redeemed under the tutelage of Guardiola and already has two goals to his name from three games. Despite the roadblocks of last season, Sterling will certainly be in line for a ratings increase on FIFA 17.
Fabian Delph 77 → 78
The Englishman had a promising start to his City career, following his shock move from Aston Villa, but injuries soon ravaged most of his remaining season. Delph’s start under Guardiola looks extremely promising, leaving the road ahead bright. An increase in FIFA 17 ratings for Delph is in order.
Ilkay Gundogan: 82 → 83
The German is yet to make his City bow due to injury, but was classy for Dortmund last season and could emerge into a key player for the Citizens. Gundogan is one player who’s FIFA 17 rating should definitely be increased.
David Silva: 88 → 88
The outrageously talented Spaniard endured a difficult 2015/16 season and wasn’t at his productive best, but has hit the ground running under Pep Guardiola this campaign. Although Silva has more than a little bit of firepower in him, an increase in FIFA 17 ratings seems unlikely.
Kevin De Bruyne: 86 → 88
De Bruyne’s £55 million transfer from Wolfsburg made him City’s club record signing as well as the second most expensive transfer in British football. However, a couple of games later, De Bruyne’s critics just upped and vanished, with the Belgian putting in a series of excellent displays, justifying every penny spent on him, which ended with him being named as the Manchester City Player of the Year. An increase in FIFA 17 ratings is definitely on the cards for the 25-year-old.
Leroy Sane: 75 → 77
The young German is yet to make his Manchester City bow, but was absolutely sensational for Schalke 04 last season, with Guardiola – who was an admirer of Sane while manager of Bayern – moving quickly to secure his services. The pacy 20-year-old is certainly one for the future and should definitely receive an increase in ratings in FIFA 17.
Jesus Navas: 81 → 81
The 30-year-old hasn’t had the Manchester City career he hoped for, and will now have to battle for his place due to the arrival of Sane. An increase in ratings looks bleak.
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#3 Forwards
Sergio Aguero: 87 → 88
The pint-sized Argentine was as resilient as ever last season, once again finding himself in contention for the Premier League Golden Boot, but his efforts only resulted in City winning the League Cup, which was a bit of a disappointment. However, Aguero has put the hurt of last season behind him and is once again firing on all cylinders under new boss Guardiola. An increase in rating for Aguero is certainly in order.
Nolito: 82 → 83
The Spaniard, who’s one of football’s best late bloomers, has already hit the ground running for Manchester City and already has 3 goals in 4 appearances to his name. If Nolito keeps up his form the £13.8 million paid for him may soon seem like peanuts. An increase in ratings for this highly talented striker should certainly happen.
Kelechi Iheanacho: 67 → 77
The Nigerian youngster has been an absolute revelation for City and the Nigerian national team, with his keen eye for goal making him a valuable asset to the team. Iheanacho will certainly benefit under the tutelage of Guardiola, who’s known for developing young players, and may very well emerge as a better forward this season. An increase in FIFA 17 ratings looks certain for the 19-year-old.
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