Since the World Cup promotional campaign has taken centre stage in FIFA 23 Ultimate Team, we're taking a look at one of England's key players - Harry Maguire.
The Man United and England international centre-back has had his fair share of criticism since arriving at Old Trafford back in 2019.
Maguire became the world's most expensive defender when he made the switch from Leicester to Manchester, for a fee in the region of £80m, so his constantly being in the spotlight is completely understandable.
However, has the centre-half been unfairly criticised both in FIFA 23 and in real life?
Certain FIFA 23 stats shed new light on the player as it seems he is in elite company alongside some of the very best defenders in the game.
Elite company
In previous years, pace was the be-all and end-all for centre-backs in Ultimate Team, but the new FUT 23 meta has changed things up drastically.
Now, what FIFA pros are after when looking for a CB is strength, interceptions, tackling, jumping and heading accuracy.
When on the hunt for the right centre-back, one particular FUT user inputted several specific stat filters in FUTBIN, as you can see below.
Harry Maguire's World Cup Player Item is amongst just four cards with these specific in-game attributes. These players are:
- World Cup Stories Virgil van Dijk (OVR 92) - 1.4 million coins
- World Cup Hero Rafael Márquez (OVR 89) - 200,000 coins
- Wolrd Cup Path to Glory Joao Palhinha (OVR 89) - 140,000 coins (SBC)
As you can see from the prices listed above, FUT 23 players are willing to pay a premium, even in a depleted market, for cards with these specific stats.
So, despite all the stick that he gets, perhaps it's worth giving Maguire a go in Ultimate Team if you can get your hands on his World Cup Player Item.
Red Devil on FIRE
If Maguire's World Cup Player Item is truly as overpowered as the other four cards in-game then his Team of the Tournament card will be out of this world.
There's no doubt that the centre-half is one of the top contenders for the Team of the Tournament squad, despite the defeat to France in the quarter-finals.
Prior to the knockout clash against the reigning World Champions, England had conceded just two goals which came in their opening match against Iran.
The Red Devil started each and every one of England's matches at the 2022 World Cup and was excellent throughout, alongside Man City's John Stones.
We expect Maguire to be given s significant upgrade, with his Team of the Tournament item potentially rated as an 87 OVR.
There's no doubt that the 29-year-old's special card will possess brilliant physicality and defending along with good pace, dribbling and passing.