FIFA 22 Ultimate Team may be gearing up for the Team of the Season promo, but we're turning our attention to the future of the game.
With leaks saying FIFA 23 is in the works, we thought we'd take a look at what players are likely to be the best ones for the Ultimate Team meta.
If you can fit these guys into your side early on, you are bound to conquer any opposition that comes your way.
Pace, Pace, Pace
Although we don't know what the gameplay will be like for FIFA 23 just yet, one thing will surely be a guarantee - pace will be king.
We thought that EA had found the sweet spot with pace at the start of FIFA 22, but then patch updates occurred, promo cards were released, and we were back with an arcadey feel to the game once again.
Our hope is that EA fixes the gameplay so that speed isn't so overpowered in FIFA 23, although it won't be an easy job.
If your Ultimate Team is to survive in the early meta, then pace will be the key attribute to look for, with everything else secondary.
Achraf Hakimi (OVR 85)
When Achraf Hakimi moved to PSG, FUT fans rejoiced, with a top-quality right-back coming to one of the most popular sides in the game.
It's not just his pace that makes him such a great option, it's that he can do virtually anything you need from him on the pitch.
He is defensively sound, but also very comfortable on the ball, and can be lethal getting forward - everything you need from a modern full-back.
Jeremiah St. Juste (OVR 76)
Despite a very average rating of 76 OVR, Jeremiah St. Juste will be an early FUT favourite.
With so many pacey attackers around, you need to have someone at the back who can match their pace, and the Mainz man can do just that.
Amazingly for a centre-back, he currently has the joint second highest sprint speed in the game, and his 90 Acceleration isn't too shabby either!
The Bundesliga is a great place to look for early game gems, although you may need to pay more than you anticipated for his card.
Presnel Kimpembe (OVR 83)
We're not sure what it is, but there is some kind of magic that goes on with Presnel Kimpembe's player build.
Yes, his 81 PAC, 86 PHY and 83 DEF attributes are all very good, but there are other cards that can better them.
However, the Frenchman always feels overpowered in-game, with his base card still seeing play in FUT 22 at this late stage in the season.
Ibrahima Konate (OVR 80)
Ibrahima Konate has seen his rating increase to 80 OVR since joining Liverpool, but his most noteworthy upgrade has come in a recent rating update.
With 85 Sprint Speed, he is now the fasted CB in the Premier League, which could give him the edge over previous early pick Joe Gomez.
Add his French nationality into the mix and you have a card the community loves.
Theo Hernandez (OVR 84)
Everyone has got so used to Alphonso Davies being a go-to left-back, that Theo Hernandez has slipped under the radar a bit.
He offers very similar attributes to Davies, but with an extra physicality, which means he can be used in a back three.
Playing in Serie A means he doesn't have league links to the best players around, but he is another Frenchman, with the nationality set to dominate the game.
N'Golo Kante (OVR 90)
Guess what - it's another Frenchman! This time, however, it is a player that isn't reliant on pace.
N'Golo Kante has established himself as one of the best midfielders around who can offer your defence protection like no other card around.
Winning games isn't just about having the quickest players and going all-out in attack, as Kante shows.
He will be one of the most expensive cards around but can survive in your team for a good few months, so could be worth investing in.
Renato Sanches (OVR 80)
A FUT favourite, Renato Sanches is a little dynamo in midfield, effective in attacking and defensive scenarios, with pace and strength to compliment his technical attributes.
He can be used effectively in hybrid teams too, linking Ligue 1 to the Premier League through the likes of Joao Cancelo, Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Renato Sanches has enjoyed another fine season, so could even see his ratings increase.
Leon Goretzka (OVR 88)
A gold card who is a member of the 'Gullit Gang', Leon Goretzka could be a man you build your team around.
A true box-to-box midfielder, there isn't really a base card comparable to him in the game, which gives him a unique quality.
Ousmane Dembele (OVR 83)
It doesn't look like Ousmane Dembele will be at Barcelona next season, which is fine by us, as La Liga has lost many of its best cards recently.
Of course, finding strong links will be easy as he is another French player, but it will be exciting to see where he goes next.
He has bundles of pace, but also a brilliant combination of five-star weak foot and skill moves, which is a real draw for many in the community.
Vinicius Jr (OVR 84)
An outstanding season has seen Vinicius Jr's rating rise by +4, with an 84 OVR likely to be given to him in FIFA 23.
His special cards in FUT 22 have been much sought after, thanks to his top pace, agility and skill on the ball.
What used to be a brilliant budget option of a card could now be one of the more expensive ones around.
Kylian Mbappe (OVR 91)
One man will dominate the early meta, and it won't come as a surprise that it is Kylian Mbappe.
Not only is he one of the best players in the game already, but he is also the quickest, with 97 PAC.
We all know that his shooting and dribbling attributes are top-notch, but something that is often overlooked is just how much of a physical threat he is too.
It doesn't really matter where Mbappe is playing his football next season, as his French nationality will give strong links to many other top players.
You'd best hope to pack him because his card will cost a pretty penny for most of the FUT cycle.
Another great season may also see his rating rise to a staggering 92 OVR!
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