The three most exciting cards in FIFA 19’s first ratings release – and three most disappointing

It’s almost here. FIFA 19 is due to drop at the end of September and EA Sports have just released their first batch of player ratings.

On Thursday, the cards of players 100-81 of the top 100 players on the game were released to the world. As always, some are happier about these ratings than others.

There are always going to be players that people believe should or shouldn’t be included in the top 100, but we’ve picked out some of the cards that have particularly caught the eye, for both good and bad reasons.

Most Exciting

1. Kostas Manolas

via EA SPORTS

Initial FIFA 18 rating: 84

FIFA 19 rating: 85

Highest attribute: 86 defending

Roma defender Manolas seems to have been rewarded for an impressive 2017/18 campaign, which included scoring a dramatic tie-winner against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals, after being given an exciting upgrade for FIFA 19.

With 86 defending, along with 83 pace and 82 physicality , the Greek looks set to be one of the most exciting centre-backs to play with on the game. A potential beast.

2. Riyad Mahrez

via EA SPORTS

Initial FIFA 18 rating: 83

FIFA 19 rating: 85

Highest attribute: 90 dribbling

Lots were excited to see Mahrez’s FIFA 19 card after his move to Manchester City and EA haven’t disappointed. 90 dribbling and 85 pace is going to make the winger a fun man to play with, not to mention the 5-star skills rating to frustrate many an opponent.

79 shooting isn’t the most generous but Mahrez should still be lethal on this game, as one of the best Premier League right-wing options.

3. Alisson Becker

via EA SPORTS

Initial FIFA 18 rating: 80

FIFA 19 rating: 85

Highest attribute: 88 reflexes

Liverpool fans will be hugely relieved to have a goalkeeper that is so highly rated on this game. You’d expect Alisson’s rating to only get higher, too.

His development over the last year has been reflected in his card for FIFA 19 and with 88 reflexes, 85 kicking, 82 diving and 81 handling, the Brazilian number one could be in demand on Ultimate Team this year as part of a dynamic Premier League squad.

Most Disappointing

1. Arjen Robben

via EA SPORTS

Initial FIFA 18 rating: 88

FIFA 19 rating: 85

Highest attribute: 88 dribbling

EA SPORTS obviously feel that Robben has lost his pace within the last year. His original FIFA card saw his pace rated at 86 but he’s down to just 79 this year.

An overall rating of 85 is perhaps a bit harsh. He’s 34 now but Robben is still one of Bayern’s most decisive players. No surprise to see a lot of unhappy Bayern fans vent their frustrations to EA on Twitter following the announcement.

2. Marco Reus

via EA SPORTS

Initial FIFA 18 rating: 86

FIFA 19 rating: 85

Highest attribute: 86 shooting/86 dribbling

Reus may have been thwarted with injuries last season but the general consensus amongst FIFA players is that an 85 rating for one of the most talented players in the Bundesliga is still far too low.

In comparison to his original FIFA 18 card, Reus’ pace has also gone down from 88 to 85. We’re not surprised there are a lot of FIFA players who are a bit underwhelmed with this card.

3. Arturo Vidal

via EA SPORTS

Initial FIFA 18 rating: 87

FIFA 19 rating: 85

Highest attribute: 84 defending

The main criticism from this batch of ratings seems to be Vidal’s 57 pace rating, having been rated at 75 last year, meaning the Chilean will not be as combative in the middle of the pitch for users of his card.

All of his other attributes have also gone down, apart from his defending rating which has gone up one from 83 to 84. Barcelona fans will be hoping that Vidal isn’t on the decline as much as EA Sports have suggested here, with the Blaugrana having signed him on a three-year deal.

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