Unleashing Hidden Gems: Unbelievable Ultimate Team Players in EA Sports FC 24

Highlights

Ultimate Team in EA Sports FC 24 receives more attention than other game modes, offering new rewards and challenges to players.

Building a formidable team can be achieved even without the top-rated players by utilizing underrated individuals who offer chemistry and great value at a fraction of the cost. Optimal choices for the goalkeeper, right back, and center back positions include Koen Casteels, Nahuel Molina, and Trevoh Chalobah, respectively, owing to their exceptional qualities and playing styles.

Ultimate Team, known as EA's cash cow, has garnered more attention compared to other game modes in EA Sports FC 24. This game mode offers a constant array of new features such as packs, promos, squad builder challenges, and weekend leagues. However, players may wonder how to obtain these enticing rewards without relying on the game's best players.

The solution lies in dedicating a considerable amount of time within the menus, grinding packs, and participating in SBCs (squad building challenges). Yet, this method can easily become monotonous. Instead, consider playing the game with underrated players who possess the ability to lead any club to glory, and they come at a much lower cost than the superstars.

11 GK: Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg)

Height plays a vital role in EA Sports FC 24 and previous FIFA titles when it comes to having a skilled goalkeeper. This explains why players like Nick Pope and Jack Butland are considered top goalkeepers in the franchise, often performing beyond their given ratings. Another notable goalkeeper in this regard is Koen Casteels from Wolfsburg. With a solid rating of 84, Casteels stands tall at 6'6 (198cm), and his impressive saves demonstrate his abilities.

In addition to Casteels, players like Lena Oberdorf and Georgia Stanway, who are often underrated but deserving of mention, can contribute to a well-balanced ultimate team. Casteels excels in the playstyle known as Cross Claimer, which makes him effective in dealing with tall forwards like Haaland, Crouch, and Boniface during corner plays. To ensure optimal team chemistry, it is recommended to consider players like Aaron Ramsdale, Alex Remiro, or Unai Simon, if the goal is to achieve a chemistry score as close to 33 as possible.

10 RB: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid)

The fullback position may not be the most exciting role in history, but it holds great significance in the modern era. It is no longer just a defensive position, as players in this role must be able to thwart talented wingers while also contributing to offensive plays. In EA Sports FC 24, Nahuel Molina fits this description perfectly for the right back position.

Molina possesses impressive speed, making him suitable for a box-to-box style of play. Additionally, he excels in dribbling and has solid defensive skills. Considering these attributes, Molina is an excellent choice for the right back position. Furthermore, he is an affordable and dependable player who is often underrated. Investing in him for this position is often overlooked, but it proves to be a smart decision.

9 CB: Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)

Choosing Trevoh Chalobah as the Pacey Protector Evolutions player would result in gamers obtaining one of the top center backs in the game. Chalobah, being English and playing in the Premier League, has strong connections. Additionally, his height and strength make him extremely quick with exceptional defensive abilities when equipped with a shadow. Possessing two Play Styles - Intercept and Slide Tackle - Chalobah is an excellent choice for players who prefer jockeying and intercepting, as well as those who enjoy executing sliding tackles. If Chalobah is not selected as the Pacey Protector, acceptable alternatives would be Nacho Fernandez, Dominique Janssen, and Manuel Akanji.

8 CB: Leah Williamson (Arsenal)

Leah Williamson, a standout center back in the Women's Super League, is renowned for her defensive prowess. While her height may be a limiting factor at 5'7 (170cm), she compensates with her exceptional defensive skills.

Williamson thrives when partnered with a taller player, as she excels at intercepting passes and displaying quick reactions. Her defensive awareness and ability to anticipate opponents' moves make her adept at seizing loose balls. Despite her stature, she humorously outwits strikers with her unwavering determination.

7 LB: Alejandro Balde (Barcelona)

The left back position in EA Sports FC 24 might not be the most thrilling, similar to the right back position, as it is often overlooked and overshadowed by the goalkeeper. However, the addition of Alejandro Balde from Barcelona will instantly enhance both defensive and attacking aspects of any ultimate team, regardless of the chosen tactic.

With Balde's Jockey and Anticipate PlayStyles, his defending skills are unmatched when facing speedy wingers like Saka, Sarr, and Rodrygo. Furthermore, thanks to his Quick Step PlayStyle, Balde can quickly accelerate after dispossessing his opponent, allowing for swift counter-attacks. This makes him highly valuable in a team that favors attacking fullbacks, even for those who prioritize defensive play.

6 CDM: Ingrid Engen (Barcelona)

Every team requires a player who can safeguard the defense, preventing uncomfortable one-on-one situations that often trouble many players. Ingrid Engen fulfills this role exceptionally well, whether it be with her Foundations card or standard common Gold. By playing as a center defensive midfielder, she effectively alleviates much of the anxiety experienced by her teammates. Standing at an impressive 5'10 (177cm), Engen brings both strength and defensive assurance to the team.

Whether deployed as a sole CDM or in a partnership, Engen has a knack for thwarting any attempts to breach the defensive line. Her unique PlayStyle, Intercept, enhances her already remarkable defensive awareness and effectively halts numerous dangerous through balls. She is the ideal cost-effective choice for the CDM position, ensuring that the job is done with efficiency.

5 CM: Estefania Banini (Atletico Madrid)

The central midfielder is a crucial component of any team, serving as a pivotal player in both offensive and defensive transitions. Estefania Banini, representing Atletico Madrid's Squad Foundations card, stands out as one of the top-performing cards in the game early on. Despite being the most expensive player on this list, Banini brings much-needed quality to a team consisting of talented players who may not necessarily be the best in the world.

Banini's nationality (Argentinian) and club and league connections provide her with strong links, allowing her to seamlessly fit into various team compositions. With exceptional ratings in shooting, passing, and dribbling, all above 85, she embodies the ideal central midfielder. Her defensive abilities are also commendable, making her a valuable asset for both attacking and defensive duties. Notably, she possesses the highest penalties stat in the team, standing at a modest 82. Additionally, Banini boasts an impressive array of six PlayStyles, making her an excellent choice for ball-carrying situations (First Touch and Rapid) and demonstrating shooting skills comparable to esteemed players like Kane and Haaland (Finesse Shot and Dead Ball). Overall, Banini is a well-rounded addition to any team, significantly enhancing its overall quality.

4 CAM: Fran Kirby (Chelsea)

Fran Kirby is not only an underrated player in EA Sports FC 24, but she is also one of the top female players overall. She excels in key areas such as pace and dribbling, which makes her a strong option as a right-winger. Additionally, Kirby is highly capable of performing at a high level as a central attacking midfielder (CAM).

When equipped with the Engine chemistry style, Kirby proves to be an excellent playmaker in the CAM position. However, if a player prefers their CAM to play a more second-strike role, using the Hunter chemistry style transforms Kirby into a lethal finisher. It is worth noting that her height of 5'2/157cm may pose a challenge when dealing with robust defenders, so utilizing her out wide may be the most effective solution. Nonetheless, Fran Kirby's talent should not be underestimated, as she remains one of the most underrated players in the game.

3 RW: Chloe Kelly (Manchester City)

In EA Sports FC 24, pace and nimble dribbling are crucial for success on the wings. Chloe Kelly, the goal scorer in England's Euro Championship Final, is an often overlooked talent in the right wing position. She possesses a variety of PlayStyles that allow her to excel against any fullback. Whether it's her technical ability to take on opponents, her trickery to fool them with skill moves, or her quick step to burst past them with speed, Kelly has the tools to dominate the wing.

With a tall striker or one with exceptional positioning, Kelly becomes the perfect player for early crosses. Her PlayStyle+ Whipped Pass not only makes it difficult for defenders to intercept crosses, but also turns every cross into a potential goal-scoring opportunity. With already strong passing and dribbling skills, applying the Hunter chemistry style to Chloe Kelly will make her even faster and enhance her decent shooting abilities.

2 LW: Rinsola Babajide (UDG Tenerife)

Partnering Chloe Kelly on the wing for the underrated eleven is Rinsola Babjide, the talented LIGA F winger. With her exceptional pace and strength, Babjide is incredibly difficult to dispossess. Her dominant style of play is characterized by her remarkable speed, displayed through her two PlayStyles - Quick Step and Rapid.

Utilizing Babjide as a winger who cuts inside to shoot serves as the most effective strategy for the team, considering her passing abilities are not as lethal as Chloe Kelly's. By applying the Finisher chemistry style, Babajide's dribbling and shooting skills are enhanced, transforming her into a formidable force on the left wing. She excels at cutting inside to score and poses a significant threat to the opposition.

1 Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid)

EA Sports FC 24 rounds off their underestimated squad with a transformed Alvaro Morata. Even prior to his Evolution, Morata possessed the qualities of a premier striker, including height, strength, speed, and exceptional finishing, dribbling, and heading abilities.

As the focal point of the team, Morata's versatility allows him to be utilized in various ways. Whether the player's preferred style necessitates a target man for intricate link-up plays, a striker capable of utilizing through balls to make penetrative runs, or even a midfielder dropping back to assist in creating opportunities for the pacey wingers, Babajide and Kelly, Morata excels in all roles.

EA Sports FC 24

Platform(s) PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox OneReleased September 29, 2023Developer(s) EA Vancouver, EA RomaniaGenre(s) Sports