With an abundance of great midfield players available in FIFA 14, it was difficult for us to whittle them down into a top ten list. For example, great players like Xavi, Reus, Di Maria, Silva and Özil have all missed out. However, after taking into account ability, age and potential, we believe we have selected the best midfielders you can play as in Career Mode in FIFA 14. Read on for the list:
10. Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
Age: 21; Pos: CM/CDM; Overall Rating: 82 (potential: 89)
Jack Wilshere was earmarked as one of, if not the most promising English footballers of this generation at the age of just 16 when bursting onto the scene for Arsenal. Wilshere’s career has not quite taken off as expected, with a long standing injury slowing his progress down. But the quality and potential is still there, with FIFA recognising this by giving the youngster lofty stats in the game. Central midfield is his position, although he is also fully capable of playing in a deeper role. Defensively he is good, with plenty of speed to zip around the pitch and plenty of stamina to keep it up for an entire match. Nonetheless, with marvelous vision and passing stats, creativity is definitely his forte.
(Rated #8 in Best Young Players list)
9. Arjen Robben (Bayern München)
Age: 29; Pos: RM/LM; Overall Rating: 88 (potential: 88)
Dutch maestro Arjen Robben has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs – including PSV, Chelsea and Real Madrid – but at the age of 29 he is arguably in the form of his career for current club, Bayern München. Although injuries have been a problem throughout his career, Robben is one of the very best players in the world when fit – as highlighted when he won the Man of the Match accolade for the 2013 UEFA Champions League final. Known for his blistering pace and superb dribbling ability, the Netherlands international is also great at assisting and converting goal scoring opportunities. His injury proneness, age and selfishness bring him down a tad, but Robben is still a fabulous addition to any squad in Career Mode.
8. Isco (Real Madrid)
Age: 21; Pos: CAM/LM; Overall Rating: 84 (potential: 89)
Tipped to be a future ‘galáctico’, Isco made a high profile move to footballing giants Real Madrid in the summer. Although his flying start for his new club hasn’t been taken into account by the statisticians at FIFA, he already boasts a healthy overall rating of 84 on the game. A true visionary, Isco has the playmaker trait already assigned to him, whilst his ball control and finishing are top quality for a midfielder. Played either in the centre or the left of midfield, the Spanish sensation will add plenty to any team he plays in.
(Rated #5 in Best Young Players list)
7. Franck Ribery (Bayern München)
Age: 30; Pos: LM/CAM; Overall Rating: 90 (potential: 90)
In FIFA 14, Franck Ribery’s overall rating is only behind those of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. If that isn’t an indication of his quality, then just look at some of the awards he has won in his glittering career: French Player of the Year (x2), German Footballer of the Year (x2), and the UEFA Best Player in Europe in 2012-2013, ahead of the aforementioned Messi and Ronaldo. Like teammate Robben, Ribery has everything you look for in a midfielder out wide. The Frenchman’s pace, dribbling, passing, vision, and finishing are top-draw. But also like Robben, his age and injury proneness might scare off potential suitors in Career Mode. However, those unfortunate few will miss out on playing with one of the very best players in FIFA 14.
6. Yaya Toure (Man City)
Age: 30; Pos: CDM/CM; Overall Rating: 86 (potential: 86)
Yaya Toure is one player that you do not want to see on the opposing team sheet. That sort of reputation is gained due to the sheer presence and ability the Ivorian brings to the table. Previously a shining star at Barcelona, Toure is now terrorizing the Premier League with Man City. As you would expect, he is a fantastic option in this latest iteration of FIFA. In our opinion, he is the best defensive midfield option in the game, but he is also equally adept at playing further up the field. His stats are literally strong in every area, making him one of the best purchases in either Career Mode or Ultimate Team.
5. Cesc Fàbregas (FC Barcelona)
Age: 26; Pos: CM/CF; Overall Rating: 86 (potential: 90)
Having gone from being the star man at Arsenal to becoming just one of several players of the same ilk at Barcelona, Cesc Fàbregas did not have the instant impact he or the fans had hoped for when he signed for the Spanish giants in 2011. Now, however, the Spanish midfielder has found his place in the team and begun to produce the top form he regularly showed at Arsenal. His vision and short/long passing – all of which are rated between 92-93 – make him an ideal playmaker in any squad, while he can also convert a variety of different opportunities (either in open play or set-pieces). His lack of acceleration is slightly discouraging, but central midfield is arguably one of the few places you can get away with not having an abundance of speed. As a result, it should not deter your from considering Fàbregas for your team.
4. Mario Götze (Bayern München)
Age: 21; Pos: CAM/CF; Overall Rating: 85 (potential: 92)
If you follow football, then no doubt you will have heard of Mario Götze. His shock move to German giants Bayern München hasn’t quite taken off as yet, but his form for previous club Borussia Dortmund ensures he has lofty stats in FIFA 14. His attacking play is, as you would expect, brilliant. The Germany international can also play in either midfield or up front, which makes him a flexible option. His judged overall potential is also the highest of any player 21-year old or under in FIFA 14, although his injury proneness and lack of elite speed keep him from obtaining top spot in this list.
(Rated #3 in Best Young Players list)
3. Lucas (Paris Saint-Germain)
Age: 21; Pos: RM/RW; Overall Rating: 82 (potential: 90)
Making his way into third place on this list is Lucas, a player many stalwart-FIFA fans will know about. Having been a wonderkid for the past few installments of the FIFA series, it is perhaps still surprising to see that the Brazilian international is still just 21-years old! His blistering speed, excellent dribbling, precise passing, and fantastic finishing – especially with long shots – make him an ideal player on the right side of midfield. If you have got the cash to splash in Career Mode, then Lucas is an essential purchase.
(Rated #2 in Best Young Players list)
2. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
Age: 22; Pos: LM/RM; Overall Rating: 85 (potential: 90)
One of the main men at Chelsea and a part of a golden generation for his nation Belgium, Eden Hazard has a very bright future ahead of him for both club and country. Aged just 22, Hazard has a fantastic range of abilities that set him apart from many other players in FIFA. Not only is his potential sky high, but he has excellent pace, dribbling, distribution and finishing stats. The only thing that lets him down is his non-existent defense, but his attacking abilities more than make up for it. Even if you’re in Career Mode for either the short or long haul, Hazard is one of the very best purchases you can make.
1. Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona)
Age: 29; Pos: CM/LW; Overall Rating: 89 (potential: 93)
Widely considered one of the greatest midfield players of the last 30 years, it is understandable why Andrés Iniesta tops this list. The Spaniard – along with Messi and Xavi – is considered one of the key components for Barcelona’s incredible recent success. With unbelievable ball control, dribbling, passing, and vision, Iniesta is the ideal player to have either behind your front line or out on the wing. And despite being seemingly in his prime years, he has plenty of room for improvement in FIFA 14 with an overall potential of 93! You might find it exceedingly difficult to try and prise Iniesta away from Barcelona in Career Mode, but if you do, you have the finest midfielder in the game at your disposal.
Please note: All potential overall ratings for the players has been taken from FutHead.com. As noted by them, all potential stats are estimated, and a player may surpass the figure assigned to them.
