The Accurate FIFA 22 Chelsea Player Ratings
The impending release of FIFA 22 has seen many fans upset with how their players have been rated. I decided to show FIFA a thing or two and rate the Chelsea players myself.
In a time of relative stability at Chelsea Football Club, there is always a need to complain about something or other. This is perhaps part of the reason why there is a persisting culture war within the annals of Chelsea’s online communities. However, following the release of Chelsea’s player ratings for the upcoming FIFA 22 release, there has been a unified outcry from all sections of the fanbase who agree that, in typical fashion, Chelsea players have been unfairly represented.
FIFA 22 is set to release on the opening day of October this year. This suggests that there has been ample time for those who decide the ratings at EA to witness the progression of Chelsea under Tuchel since his appointment towards the end of January this year. Many have been encouraged to repeat one of the famous Mourinho witticisms that there is a campaign against Chelsea.
I’d argue that certain reactions to, what is only a video game, are slightly hyperbolic. However, I have decided to grab the bull by the horns and produce what I believe will be a more accurate presentation of Chelsea players in my own FIFA 22 ratings. I will compare mine against what EA has produced and let you, the reader, decide what you think is more correct; Let us begin.
The Top Dogs
EA: N'Golo Kante - 90 | The Loved One. He is the best in the world at what he does and is quite clearly one of the best players on the planet. Arguably could be a 91 rating seeing as Kevin De Bruyne is 91 rated but I am willing to accept a 90 rating for N’golo Kante.
EA: Romelu Lukaku - 88 | The New King. Lukaku is a top-five striker in world football, arguably top three. Toppling the Juventus monopoly and elevating his game to the highest level justifies a higher rating. My rating: 90.
EA: Jorginho - 85 | The Debated One. I can feel the Jorginho fans bubbling with rage at this rating, rightly so. Having achieved greatness across Europe for club and country whilst being a catalytic figure for both teams makes me wonder who has really been watching the games at EA over the past year. My rating: 88.
EA: Thiago Silva - 85 | Golden Oldie. A seemingly ageless Thiago Silva topped off an outstanding career with a Champions League win with Chelsea and a Super Cup to complement it. Still a key figure in the Chelsea dressing room and in European football, his rating seems respectful for a player who has given so much to the game.
EA: Timo Werner - 84 | Pasta and Ketchup. Timo Werner has some prime real estate in my heart and I want him to do well. Despite contributing to 27 G/A’s across the course of last season, his technical ability is lacking. Having been an 85 rated player on FIFA 21, a downgrade seems fair. My rating: 83.
EA: Kai Havertz - 84 | The Master of Space-Time. Kai has been given this rating as it has taken him a while to get up to speed within the Premier League and his only Champions League goal came in the final. I am not concerned about this rating, he is in for a huge season.
EA: Hakim Ziyech - 84 | The Lost One. Ziyech seems to be not waving but drowning at points under Tuchel. However, he is potentially the most technically gifted player Chelsea currently have and has demonstrated that across previous seasons. My rating: 84/83.
The Chasing Pack
EA: Edouard Mendy - 83 | *Exhales angrily*. European goalkeeper of the season, outstanding clean sheet record, and a transformative presence for Chelsea. This for me is the worst rating EA has given a Chelsea player this year. My rating: 88/89.
EA: Mason Mount - 83 | *Rubs temples with frustration*. Chelsea’s Player of the Season, Champions League winner, and England international Mason Mount deserves a higher rating. Mount is clear of players like Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech for Chelsea and therefore deserves a higher rating. My rating: 85.
EA: Mateo Kovacic - 83 | The Press-Resistant One. Kovacic has started the 2021/22 season on fire, yet his lack of final third output across the course of last season coupled with the fact he is not a starter when everyone is fit suggests to me that his 83 rating is an accurate representation of his level.
Toni Rudiger - 83 | The Will Punch You One. I am aware my forthcoming statement may be laced with bias, but Antonio Rudiger, on form, is currently one of the top five central defenders in world football. Key for Chelsea across all competitions, his rating is far too low. My rating: 86.
César Azpilicueta - 83 | El Capitán. Mr. Evergreen continues to be an important player in this Chelsea side and is playing some of his best football at present. Aging players tend to decrease in rating year on year so I understand why he has this rating. Nonetheless, I do not agree. My rating: 84/85.
The Chasing the Chasing Pack, Pack
EA: Christian Pulisic - 82 | Pulihamstring. Christian Pulisic has all the tools to be one of the most devastating wide attackers in European Football and steps up as a leader for his country during international competitions. It is his penchant for injuries that are holding him back. This rating is fair, for now. His shooting should be a lot higher.
EA: Ben Chilwell - 82 | Mr Ben. Despite not having featured for Tuchel at all until the final quarter of Chelsea’s home fixture against Zenit in this season's Champions League, Ben Chilwell was excellent for Chelsea last season having bounced back from time on the bench. One of the better full-backs in Europe and a fan favourite, perhaps my bias is getting in the way when I think he could have a higher rating. My rating: 83.
Saul - 82 | The Unexpected One. I am not going to pretend that I am an avid Atletico Madrid viewer, I would rather watch Union Berlin or Inter Milan. However, Saul Niguez has plenty of top-level experience and, after his harrowing debut, I am sure he will improve as the season progresses. I think this rating is fair.
Reece James - 81 | Hulk. This rating is a shambles, almost as bad as Mendy’s pitiful rating. Reece James has been incredible for Chelsea since he found his way into the first team and his performances last season were, on the whole, excellent. His new calf tattoo alone boosts his rating for me. My rating: 83/84.
Andreas Christensen - 80 | Danish Maldini. It is at this point I assume that nobody at EA watches Christensen play or Chelsea for that matter. His development over the past year has been monumental and his performances have been outstanding. He will be one of the best in Europe for the next decade. My rating: 83/84.
The Can’t Quite Keep Up With The Pack Chasing The Chasing Pack, Pack
EA: Kepa - 79 | The Tragic Hero. Kepa has gone through an awful lot over the past two years and he has handled it very well. His Remontada in the Super Cup was exactly what he deserved after torrents of abuse. I think his rating is fair.
EA: Marcos Alonso - 79 | The Confusing One. I don’t think anyone can fully formulate their feelings towards Marcos Alonso. The left-back who is not a left-back but prefers to play as a striker, the maverick. His rating is fair and, if we are all honest, his pace rating of 58 is hilarious.
Ross Barkley - 78 | Nice try. It has not really worked out for Ross Barkley at Chelsea, despite some solid performances. He is still a Premier League quality player who needs a home sooner rather than later. My rating: 77.
Callum Hudson-Odoi - 77| The Golden Boy. Injuries, politics, and systemic change have all had their impact on Callum Hudson-Odoi’s Chelsea career. After having his loan move rejected it will take a lot for him to bounce back, but with his talent level this can be done. I hope to see it this season, however, I doubt we will. My rating: 79.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 75 | Loftus-Creek. Again, injuries seem to be the kryptonite for Ruben. He might still be the fan’s favourite player, but his time at Chelsea has all but ended. There is no doubt he could be a beneficial member of many Premier League teams, just not at Chelsea unfortunately. My rating: 77.