FIFA 18 Ratings Analysis: Midfielders

theScore's Gianluca Nesci takes a deep dive into the ratings from the newly released FIFA 18 video game.

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Real Madrid's dominance in last season's Champions League was largely the product of the Spanish club's otherworldly midfield being vastly superior to its competition, so it's no surprise that Los Blancos boast the two highest-rated midfielders in FIFA 18.

Toni Kroos' sumptuous passing skills are unmatched, while Luka Modric is the greatest all-around, box-to-box midfielder in world football today.

Given that the ability to unlock a backline with inch-perfect passes from anywhere on the pitch is arguably the most coveted midfield talent, it's no surprise that the four superstars who follow Kroos and Modric on this list are all renowned for their slick passing. Kevin De Bruyne, Thiago Alcantara, Mesut Ozil, and Marco Verratti all combine superlative vision with splendid playmaking traits.

Marek Hamsik, Christian Eriksen, and Isco earned significant ratings boosts. The three creative wizards were long among the most underrated players in the world, and are finally getting their due in the game (both real and video).

Meanwhile, Dele Alli just misses out on the top 25. At just 21 years old and already boasting an 84 overall rating, though, he is well positioned to continue climbing up the ranks, and quickly.

Look out for Marco Asensio, too. The future is bright.

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