The recent launch of FIFA 22 has seen all players start afresh in the Ultimate Team mode, as they look for the players that are the best in-game in this edition.
While the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Mbappe were obviously going to be meta, not every player can spend millions of coins at the start.
For starter teams, it becomes especially important to find the best players on a budget that can provide maximum value for minimum coins.
Here’s our list of Premier League meta players, each of whom won’t cost you more than 10K coins at the time of writing, and probably won’t go higher than that even with time:
Attackers
Jamie Vardy – ST
Decent pace and solid shooting stats make Vardy one of the best options at striker early on in the game. If you’re making a Premier League team, he’s probably the best option under 10K, alongside Martial.
Anthony Martial – ST
Great option for a stay forward ST. His low/low work rate allows him to just drift in the final third, with great pace and shooting stats for an 81-rated card.
Zaha – LF
It would probably be better to switch him to a left winger to better utilise his pace and dribbling. Doesn’t turn as well as Martial and Vardy to be a forward, but can be effective in charging at fullbacks.
Adama Traore – RW
Absolute bargain for starter teams if you’re looking to get a winger that can beat players and reach the byline. His pace and physicality make him a nuisance for any team, just don’t try to shoot much and lay off the ball for your strikers to score.
Midfielders
Allan Saint-Maximin – RM
Great option for the right wing as well. Blistering pace and fantastic dribbling make him a real threat even in the higher divisions of FUT Rivals. Try not to shoot that often with him though, or you might be let down.
Lucas Moura – RM
His in-game value due to his Unique body type is much higher than his 81 rating. One of the must haves for your Premier League starter teams. Great pace and dribbling, adequate shooting and a 4 star weak foot, not going to get much better at the start.
Leon Bailey – RM
If you prefer to play Moura in more central positions like a lot of players do, Bailey is an excellent replacement in the wider positions. With one of the highest pace stats in the Premier League, and high attacking workrate, he’s a real threat.
Phil Foden – CAM
It’s hard to get a good CAM high high pace, and Foden’s 84 is about as good as it gets at the start and even further down the line for Premier League teams.
Saul – CM
Great value for coins in the middle of the park. His all round stats make him a great option for all facets of the game. You can play him at CDM as well.
Fred – CDM
Again, great value for coins. Much better than Sissoko in game and can ably deputise in other parts of the game unlike the former, who can only defend and falls short in everything else. Good pace for a midfielder, and adequate passing as well as dribbling.
Defenders
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – RB
Don’t think about it, just get him if you can invest the coins. Remember to prioritise your budget on the attacking players. If you get him, he’s an absolute wall. If you want to attack with fullbacks, go for Pereira of Leicester instead.
Reguilon – LB
A no-brainer like Wan-Bissaka. With 86 pace, he’s one of the fastest left backs in the entire game and has a high/high workrate, making him immense in defence. But if you’re planning to shoot with your left backs, Telles from Manchester United would be a decent alternative.
Rudiger – CB
While the game in general has a number of fast centre-backs this time around, there are not many in the PL. Rudiger, with his 75, is one of the best options, combined with his high defending and physicality stats.
Cristian Romero- CB
Similar stats to Rudiger. Okay pace and great defensive stats. But if you prefer to pair Rudiger with a faster centre-back, Ben Godfrey is a great meta substitute.
Goalkeepers
David De Gea – GK
While there is minimal difference between the cheaper keepers, De Gea’s ‘Save With Feet’ trait allows him to make more saves than others of his price range. Emiliano Martinez, Edouard Mendy and Nick Pope are also decent options.
Remember to try the players out and make your own assessment. Not everybody feels the same about each player and sometimes just giving another player a chance can make you realise he’s more suited to your playing style.