PES 2014 – Master League: Best Free Agents Walkthrough [Guide]

Another season of PES Master League means another great selection of free agents for you to sign. Although they are not technically ‘free’ – you have to pay a fee like normal – they are generally easier to sign than a standard player. Read on to for our top 10 free agents!:

10. Bruno Alves
Age: 31; Pos: CB; Overall Rating: 88
The tall, imposing central defender Bruno Alves signed for Turkish side Fenerbahçe S.K. in the summer. As this is not a club recognised in the latest PES title, this move has, ironically, ensured that Alves is available as a free agent in the game. Although he is getting on in years, the Portuguese stalwart is still at the top of his game and worth signing early on into a Master League career. His speed and defensive qualities are top notch, while he is also adept at taking set-pieces and even finishing chances. He is good for at least 4-5 seasons for any squad.

9. Júlio César
Age: 34; Pos: GK; Overall Rating: 94
Júlio César might be the oldest player on this list, but he is also in possession of the highest overall rating for those on said-list. Despite plying his trade in England’s second tier (aka The Championship) with QPR, the Brazilian shot stopper is still regarded as the fourth best goalkeeper in the world by the boffins at PES. As mentioned, César’s age is a letdown – and the main reason why he is so low on this list – but he is still capable of putting in a shift for any team for at least 3-4 seasons – as long as he doesn’t retire by then!

8. Samuel Eto’o
Age: 32; Pos: CF; Overall Rating: 91
Although Samuel Eto’o made a late transfer to Premier League giants Chelsea this summer, he is still placed in the free agents category by PES for this season. Like the previous two players in the list, age is a slight worry with the Cameroon legend, but his qualities on the pitch more than make up for it. His finishing, dribbling and speed are all world class, with Eto’o still being one of the best strikers in the game this season. Snap him up early, and he will have an instant impact for your team.

7. Ariel Borysiuk
Age: 22; Pos: DMF/CMF; Overall Rating: 85
Polish international Ariel Borysiuk is not a name many know in the world of football, but he has been putting in some impressive showings for second-tier German side FC Kaiserslautern. The youngster has plenty of room for improvement at the age of 22, which should see his overall rating of 85 in PES 2014 skyrocket. Borysiuk is a very creative player with great vision and passing range, but he is also adept at playing in a deeper and defensive role if necessary. Whatever way you decide to develop him, he could turn out to be a star for your side for many years to come.

6. İlkay Gündoğan
Age: 22; Pos: CMF; Overall Rating: 85
The first of five Borussia Dortmund players on this list, İlkay Gündoğan is known as a creative playmaker for his side. The young German is perhaps more overlooked compared to the big names currently playing at Dortmund, but he is a very capable player in his own right. He is solid in virtually all areas of midfield, which means there are a variety of ways you can develop him for the future. Make the right choice, and Gündoğan could be the key man for your squad in the near future.

5. Miguel Veloso
Age: 27; Pos: DMF; Overall Rating: 87
Miguel Veloso has long been a name that has been linked with moves to big European clubs over the years. None of those moves materialized, however, although he is currently playing for top Ukrainian side Dynamo Kyiv. That means the midfielder is available as a free agent in PES this season, and he is one of the best you can sign; hence why he is number five on this list. A deep playmaker, Veloso is not particularly fast, but he has great vision and passing abilities, while he is also reliable in defensive situations. He is in his prime years, so snap him up early and he will be a permanent fixture in your squad for a long time.

4. Marco Reus
Age: 24; Pos: RMF; Overall Rating: 86
Versatile German winger Marco Reus has made a name for himself on the European stage due to his constantly great performances for Borrusia Dortmund. Pace is one of the most notable facets to his game, but great finishing and creativity make him the resourceful player that he is. Defensively he is not great, but he is mainly an attacking threat after all. Still just 24 and with the ability to play all across the midfield, you would be wise to bring in Reus to your club before anyone else does!

3. Nuri Şahin
Age: 25; Pos: CMF; Overall Rating: 87
Now back at Borussia Dortmund after disappointing spells at Real Madrid and Liverpool, Nuri Şahin will be hoping to put in the kind of performances that brought him to the attention of football fans across the globe. His style of play is that of a playmaker, with his vision, passing, dribbling, and control all at a very high standard. Defensively, he is also better than you would expect and is fully capable of playing in a deeper role if necessary. Although he is one of several playmakers on this list, we believe Şahin is the best signing of the bunch.

2. Mats Hummels
Age: 24; Pos: CB; Overall Rating: 87
Mats Hummels has long been considered one of the best defenders in the world after many commanding performances at the heart of the Borussia Dortmund defense, and this is positively recognised in his PES stats. The massive German is great in the air and intercepting the attack of the opposing team. However, his defensive prowess is not the only side to his game; his passing and vision stats are those that any playmaker would be proud to have. Just 24 and with plenty of room for improvement, Hummels is one of the best free agents in this season’s Master League.

1. Robert Lewandowski
Age: 25; Pos: CF; Overall Rating: 91
The big Polish striker has proven himself to be one of the best forwards in the game of football, which is reflected in his lofty stats for this latest iteration of PES and by his position as number one on this list. His finishing ability is one of the best in the game at 91, while he is also dangerous in the air. Also, his ability to hold the ball up and set one of his teammates up with the perfect through-ball makes him a complete striker. With Lewandowski destined to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of this season, this might be the last chance you get to sign him as a free agent. Do not pass up the opportunity!