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It's that time of the year when EA Sports releases the latest edition of FIFA, the largest sports video game franchise on the planet. The game is expected to hit the stores in early October, but player ratings have already been released by EA.
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Like every year, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are the two top-rated players in the game with an overall rating of 93 and 92 respectively. Premier League players have steadily moved up the rankings and as many as four players from English top-flight make it into the top 10 highest-rated players in the FIFA 21.
Unsurprisingly, reigning champions Liverpool and runners-up Manchester City have some of the league's highest-rated players.
Top 5 highest-rated Premier League players in FIFA 21
#5 Alisson Becker (Goalkeeper) - Liverpool
FIFA 21 rating - 90
Liverpool's Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker comes fifth in the list thanks to his overall rating of 90. This makes him the second-highest-rated goalkeeper in the game, on par with Barcelona's Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, who has been given a higher seeding than Alisson by EA Sports.
Alisson failed to retain his grip on the Premier League Golden Glove award in the 2019-20 campaign, as his compatriot Ederson won it having kept 16 clean sheets for Manchester City.
The Yashin Trophy winner was a crucial part of Liverpool's title-run in the previous campaign. Here are some of his goalkeeping stats in detail:
Goalkeeper Diving: 86
Goalkeeper Handling: 88
Goalkeeper Kicking: 85
Goalkeeper Reflexes: 89
Goalkeeper Positioning: 91
#4 Sadio Mane (Left Winger) - Liverpool
FIFA 21 rating - 90
Sadio Mane made his maiden appearance in the top 10 list of FIFA's highest-rated players this year after his overall rating was boosted by two points, thanks in part to a stellar campaign for the Reds in the previous season.
The Senegalese forward has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League for the last three seasons and is currently in peak physical condition. He is one of the fastest players in the league according to the stats from the game.
He has kicked off this season with a bang and if he can continue to perform at his current levels he might even receive a rating upgrade going forward. Here are some of his stats in detail:
Pace: 94
Shooting: 85
Passing: 80
Dribbling: 90
Defence: 44
Physical: 76
Also, See: 10 greatest Liverpool players of all time
#3 Mohamed Salah (Right Winger) - Liverpool
FIFA 21 rating - 90
The two-time Premier League Golden Boot winner Mo Salah has retained an overall rating of 90 in this edition of FIFA as he continues to wreak havoc on the right flank against teams in the English top-flight since joining Liverpool in 2017.
With him being ranked ninth overall in ratings, one place above Mane despite having the same rating, he is the highest-rated African player in FIFA 21. Here are some of his stats in detail:
Pace: 93
Shooting: 86
Passing: 81
Dribbling: 90
Defence: 45
Physical: 75
#2 Virgil Van Dijk (Centre Back) - Liverpool
FIFA 21 rating - 90
Virgil Van Dijk is the best defender in the game, being the only defender with an overall rating of 90.
The Dutchman's stock has been on an upward trajectory since he secured a move to Anfield. He has become one of the best players in his position under Jurgen Klopp.
Apart from being good for his club, the player is also a leader for his national team and delivers similar performances for the Oranje. Here are some of his stats in detail:
Pace: 76
Shooting: 60
Passing: 71
Dribbling: 72
Defence: 91
Physical: 86
#1 Kevin De Bruyne (Attacking Midfielder) - Manchester City
FIFA 21 rating - 91
It is not surprising at all to find Manchester City's midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne at the top of this list. The Belgian playmaker has been the highest-rated Premier League player in FIFA for the last three editions.
Thanks to his incredible 2019-20 campaign, he was awarded the prestigious PFA Players' Player of the Year award. He also equalled Thierry Henry's assist-record for a single season, bagging 20 assists in 35 appearances.
He is one of the few players with a five-star weak foot rating. Interestingly, he has been given a 93 rating in passing, which means he has surpassed Lionel Messi as the best passer on the game. Here are some of his stats in detail:
Pace: 76
Shooting: 86
Passing: 93
Dribbling: 88
Defence: 64
Physical: 78
Also, See: Top 10 midfielders in European club football this season
