Another day, another set of FIFA ratings – this time the 30th-21st highest-rated players.
And, boy, were we not expecting this.
Mo Salah, arguably one of the best players on the planet, has failed to get into the top 20. In fact, he’s not even anywhere near a 90 score – and boasts a decent but undeniably harsh 88 rating.
This is the same Salah who shone for Liverpool last season, day in, day out.
The same Salah who was mentioned in the same conversations as, dare we say it, Leo Messi.
The same Salah who saw countless in-form cards and upgrades throughout FIFA 18. His best card was 98 rated, for Christ’s sake!
The same… you get the idea.
The Egyptian isn’t the only shock name on the list. PSG’s Edinson Cavani is also rather low – although he’s far better than Salah, according to EA.
The same goes for Real Madrid’s Isco – sure, a class act, but is he reaaally better than Salah?
Here’s the full list:
- Coutinho – FC Barcelona
- Hugo Lloris – Tottenham Hotspur
- Marcelo – Real Madrid
- Mohamed Salah – Liverpool
- Isco – Real Madrid
- Marc-André ter Stegen – FC Barcelona
- David Silva – Manchester City
- Mats Hummels – Bayern Munich
- Edinson Cavani – Paris Saint-Germain
- Paulo Dybala – Juventus
FIFA 19’s demo will reportedly land on September 13.
Gaming website TrueAchievements claim a source close to the game revealed the date – and also confirmed a section of The Journey will be available to preview.
Here’s everything you need to know about the demo – from how many teams you’ll get to play with, to the features you’ll be able to try.
How many teams will be in playable in the demo?
There have been reports that 13 teams will be playable, but so far we’ve only seen nine.
These are as follows:
- Bayern Munich
- Juventus
- PSG
- Man City
- Man United
- Borussia Dortmund
- Real Madrid
- Atletico Madrid
- Tottenham Hotspur
Amazingly, Dortmund were only recently added to the roster after the German team dumped PES and switched allegiances to EA.
It’s not known yet what stadiums will feature, but we’re almost certain there won’t be nine of them.
The demo will likely offer offline play with up to two players – and may include a playable section of The Journey, although no details have been confirmed.
There are also a host of new gameplay features and tweaks set to arrive to this year’s game.
Here are the most important.
Will I be able to play online?
No – the demo will be offline only.
How long will matches last?
You’ll be locked to four-minute halves.
What season / weather conditions are available?
Autumn / Fall / rain / clear are the available options.
Will The Journey be included?
Yes – there are reports there will be a playable section.
How big is the file to install?
Playstation 4: 7.3 Gb
XBox One: 8.0 Gb
Tactics
Game plans have been introduced this year – which are set up before a match.
Here, you can set what tactics your team has depending on certain situations – such as if they’re 1-0 up or losing a match.
Once you have made the plans, simply assign to a D-pad press and you’re good to go.
Unlike last year, when it was hard to see if a tactical option had been executed, there’s now a clear toggle for on-the-fly instructions.
You’re also now able to adjust your team’s width and depth, as well as instruct your full backs what kind of runs to make in attack or your centre back to cover certain areas of the pitch.
There’s greater control over your team’s defensive style, too – with new settings: “pressure after possession loss,” “constant pressure,” “drop back,” “balanced,” and “pressure on heavy touch.”
Sounds great!
Sweet spot
If you tap Circle or B just as your foot hits the ball, you massively increase the chance of striking it into the top corner.
It’s all about timing, so get it wrong and you’ll be punished with a scuffed shot.
Revised mini-map
A simple but welcome change.
One team will now have triangle icons, the other will have circles – so it’s easier to see who’s who.
Champions League
EA has got everything from the Champions League logo including the commentary team, Derek Rae and Lee Dixon.
It’ll also have its own mode and the ability to create custom tournaments. Amazing.
Europa League
This was slightly overshadowed by the Champions League announcement, but yes the Europa League will also be in FIFA 19.
Expect the full broadcast package, too.
General gameplay
Passing has been re-worked to feel more natural, while an active touch system allows better first touches from different parts of the body.
It also opens up the possibility of a feint attack – where, as the ball approaches, you can shift your weight one way, before going the other.
Stepovers, too, are reportedly easier to pull off and look more convincing – making it harder for your opponent to defend against.
Finally, 50/50 battles over a loose ball will now take into account more variables than last year – such as reaction time.
NOW CHECK OUT THE FIFA 19 TRAILER BELOW.