The January transfer window is always an exciting time for football fans, and it’s even better if you play FIFA 18.
The window not only mean new Ultimate Team cards as players make their moves but also the highly anticipated winter upgrades.
We’ve picked out five defenders in the Premier League who deserve recognition for their performances this season and should have higher FIFA ratings.
The FIFA Ultimate Team winter upgrades are coming and there are plenty of deserving players
Nicolas Otamendi – current rating: 83
Otamendi has been one of the best performing centre-backs in the Premier League this season
Nicolas Otamendi has been the unsung hero of Manchester City’s incredible run this season. He has been one of the best centre-backs in the league this season and is a big reason City have only conceded 13 goals in 22 games.
An overall of 83 is already quite high but with the likes of Gary Cahill and Shkodran Mustafi rated higher, it’s time Otamendi was given a little boost.
Lewis Dunk – current rating: 75
Lewis Dunk (left) has been rock solid and tough to beat at the back for Brighton this season
Brighton are thoroughly enjoying their first season in the Premier League and currently sit in a respectful 12th. They boast the best defensive record in the bottom half of the table.
That’s because the defensive pairing of Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk have been fighting tooth and nail for the club. Dunk in particular has been very effective and has made more blocks than any other player in the league with 40. Dunk has proven he belongs at this level and should receive an upgrade on FIFA for his efforts.
Alfie Mawson – current rating: 73
Alfie Mawson has still performed well despite Swansea’s poor form leaving them bottom
Over the last two seasons, Alfie Mawson has repeatedly proven himself as one of Swansea’s key players. Despite Swansea’s poor form leaving them rooted at the bottom of the table, Mawson has still managed to impress with multiple clubs reportedly enquiring about him this January.
And at just 23-years-old, the Englishman hasn’t even reached the prime of his career. The fact that he’s still a silver player on Ultimate Team is absolutely criminal.
Marcus Alonso – current rating: 81
Alonso (left) has scored more goals than any defender in Europe’s top five leagues this season
Marcus Alonso may be a defender but he has proven to be a lethal weapon for Chelsea when on the attack. With six goals already this season, no defender in Europe’s top five league has scored more goals than the Spaniard.
With more goals than Dele Alli, Sadio Mane, Javier Hernandez, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba this season, he will surely see his shooting upgraded from 69.
James Tarkowski – current rating: 73
Burnley have exceeded everyone’s expectations and Tarkowski (right) has played a crucial role
Burnley have been the surprise package this season, currently sitting 7th in the table with a genuine chance of qualifying for the Europa League.
Sean Dyche has built a resilient unit and the star man of that back line is James Tarkowski. The centre-back is within the top five for most blocks, clearances and headed clearances in the league. His sensational form means he surely won’t remain a silver after the winter update.