January has passed, players have switched clubs, and the footballing action can come down before the Champions League returns. It’s a great time to reflect on the first half of the season, and which players have over-, and under-, performed.
For FIFA 19, this is the Ratings Refresh on Ultimate Team. Plenty of players will receive ratings upgrades due to their first half of the season performances, but who could they be? RealSport looks at the top five contenders from Spain’s La Liga.
Arthur (OVR 82 → 84)
Eyebrows were raised when summer signing Arthur was given Andres Iniesta’s number 8 shirt at Barcelona, but the Brazilian has gone some way to filling the void of the legendary central midfielder. Aged just 22, Arthur has helped Sergio Busquets protect the back four in his 26 appearances already this season, whilst also earning his first six caps for the Brazil national team.
An increase from 82 to 84 could be on the cards for Arthur, with his current rating costing 1,600 coins on PS4 and 1,100 on Xbox One in Ultimate Team. An 83 Champions League item will set you back 9,400 coins on PS4 and 10,000 on Xbox One, with an 84 in-form from TOTW 17 worth 41,500 coins on PS4 and 41,000 on Xbox One.
Clement Lenglet (OVR 82 → 84)
A second Barcelona player, and with Samuel Umtiti injured for the entire season so far, Ernesto Valverde’s faith has been put in another French centre back Clement Lenglet. The summer arrival from Sevilla has played in 27 matches this season, conceding just 20 goals alongside Gerard Pique.
An increase from 82 to 84 is deserved for the 23-year-old, with his base card worth 1,500 coins on PS4 and 1,400 on Xbox One. An 83 Champions League item is valued at 12,500 on PS4 and 14,250 on Xbox One.
Pablo Sarabia (OVR 81 → 83)
Sevilla have kept up their best of rest reputation in La Liga, with Los Rojiblancos well secured in fourth place in the table. Their main man this season has been midfielder Pablo Sarabia, who has scored 17 goals and bagged nine assists playing as a central midfielder or out on the right.
The Spaniards’ 81 overall rating should climb to 83, and his position could also move from right to central midfield. His base card costs 1,600 coins on PS4 and 1,700 on Xbox One, with an 84 in-form of 38,250 on PS4 and 45,000 on Xbox One. His new 86 Headliners card is worth 37,000 on PS4 and 39,000 on Xbox One.
Cristhian Stuani (OVR 80 → 83)
Fans of Premier League clubs may remember Cristhian Stuani from his time at Middlesbrough, but the Uruguayan has been a much greater success at Girona this season. The striker has scored 13 goals in all competitions and is the third-highest goalscorer in the division behind Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. The club are battling relegation however, lying just a point above the drop zone in 16th place.
Stuani’s 80 overall could rise as high as 83, and with his base card priced at 650 coins on PS4 and 700 on Xbox One. An 85 second in-form card is worth 45,000 on PS4 and 65,000 on Xbox One.
Dakonam Djene (OVR 77 → 80)
Getafe have been so solid in defence in La Liga this season, conceding just 18 goals, which is five less than league leaders Barcelona. The rock at the back has been Dakonam Djene who has made 24 appearances in all competitions, helping the club up to fifth place in La Liga.
The Togolese Djene has a 77 overall on Ultimate Team, and this should rise to at least 80 on the back of his strong season so far. You can pick up the centre back’s base card for 700 coins on PS4 and 800 on Xbox One.