The FIFA video game series, developed by EA Sports, is a global phenomenon among football fans. As with every installment, FIFA 16 brought some of the world's best footballers to life in virtual form. Today, we're taking a look at the best midfielders in FIFA 16, focusing on both their real-life exploits and their digital counterparts.
Midfielders are the engine room of any football team. They control the game's tempo, make crucial passes, and can even contribute to scoring. FIFA 16 did an impressive job of translating these attributes into game mechanics, making these players a joy to use in the game.
Gameplay Overrateds and Underrateds
As with real life, some midfielders in FIFA 16 were overrated, while others were underrated by the game's rating system. Let's dive into the most notable cases.
One of the most overrated midfielders in FIFA 16 was Ángel Di María. Despite his real-life struggles at Manchester United, his high dribbling and passing stats in the game made him a fan favorite. Conversely, players like Jürgen Klopp's trusted servant, Lucas Leiva, were underrated. His solid 70s in stamina, defend, and intercept made him a reliable defensive midfielder, but his overall rating of 75 didn't reflect his importance to Liverpool's midfield.
Overrated Midfielders
Besides Di María,header
Another surprise was the inclusion of Javier Hernández. Known for his clinical finishing, his inclusion in the game's midfield engine room was somewhat puzzling. His 64 in stamina and 69 in dribbling made him a liability in the central midfield.
Underrated Midfielders
On the other end of the spectrum, you had players like Morgan Schneiderlin. His 78 rating didn't reflect his status as one of Europe's top defensive midfielders and his conversion to box-to-box role in Real's 4-3-3. His 85 in stamina, 82 in defending, and 78 in passing made him a much better option than his 78 rating suggested.
One more underrated gem was Tyson Chandler. His 73 rating belied his status as a crucial rotation player for Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembélé. With standout stats in short passing (78) and reactions (86), he was a solid option in the heart of midfield.
Highly Rated Midfielders
Now let's look at the FIFA 16 midfielders who justified or even surpassed their ratings.
The best example is Arturo Vidal. His real-life performances earned him a well-deserved 86 rating. His high marks in shooting (83), passing (84), and defending (85) made him a complete player and a top pick for FIFA 16 players.
Real-life Superstars
Another well-known name is Paul Pogba. His 84 rating might seem low given his real-life status, but his in-game attributes were top-notch. With 90 in stamina, 88 in passing, and 87 in dribbling, he was a monster in the middle of the park.
Finally, you can't forget about Luka Modrić. The Croatian playmaker brought 92 in short passing, 90 in penalties, and 88 in vision to the table. His 87 rating was justified, as he was a crucial player both in real life and in FIFA 16.
Unexpected Gems
Among the lesser-known players, Marouane Fellaini was a real discovery. Despite his controversies at Manchester United, his 83 rating in the game was justified. His 91 in heading, 86 in strength, and 82 in physical made him a formidable force in midfield.
Another surprise was Nigel de Jong. Despite his 76 rating, his 89 in stamina, 86 in aggression, and 82 in standing tackle were invaluable to defensive-minded players. His inclusion in La Liga giants' Atlético Madrid added to his in-game value.
As we wrap up, it's clear that FIFA 16 offered a deep and diverse pool of talented midfielders. Some might have been overrated or underrated, but there were plenty of high-quality options to build a dream team. Whether you preferred a box-to-box dynamo, a defensive shield, or a playmaking maestro, FIFA 16 had the perfect option for you. So, lace up your virtual boots, because the next big FIFA game is just around the corner – and this time, it's even more spectacular. Stay tuned for more game-changing player insights!