Let's talk about high powered offenses in FIFA 14. We all want to score as many goals as possible and dominate the opponent, and with the game shifting more towards attacking, let’s take a look at the top 5 offenses in FIFA 14.
Note: Things I take into account are individual ratings for strikers, any attacking stats for midfielders and wingers (passing, dribbling, shooting, etc.), the strength of attacking depth the team has, how useable the team's attack, factoring in amount of positions players can play, and different formations. Got it? Sweet, now read on.
5 – Manchester United
I know what you’re thinking readers…“Dre! Where’s Paris Saint Germain?!”
Honest truth? They’re very similar. Both are very fortunate to have two elite strikers each: PSG with Zlatan Ibrahimovic (89), the $80 million man, Edinson Cavani (87), Manchester United with Wayne Rooney (87) and Robin Van Persie (89). But to me, United has more depth behind its front two. PSG has Ezequiel Lavezzi at Left Wing (85), but after that, it's a struggle.
Manchester United still has underrated wingers Nani and Antonio Valencia, as well as Shinji Kagawa at Attacking Midfield (All 83). They also have Javier Hernandez (82) who can inject some speed into the attack off the bench. PSG’s options are limited to Lavezzi, Lucas (81), and with Javier Pastore and Jeremy Menez being heavily weakened this year (79, 77), PSG’s lack of depth is the reason why its been beaten out of the top 5 by the reigning Premier League Champions.
4 – Manchester City
The current Champions of the BPL, beaten by the former Champions. For those not in the know when it comes to soccer, Manchester City spent BIG on club depth last off-season, and is loaded with strikers. Leading the charge is Sergio Aguero (87), but they also have Stefan Jovetic (84) and Alvaro Negredo (83) to add to rotational man Edin Dzeko (83).
In addition, they added a key player on the right side to add some wing play and to spread the field – Sevilla’s Jesus Navas (84), who adds much needed speed to the offense. He’s joining some of the best attacking midfielders in the game with David Silva (87) and Samir Nasri (84). And if you like his attacking capabilities, Yaya Toure (86) can be moved forward into a CAM slot. With Aguero being able to play CAM, and Silva and Nasri being able to play anywhere along an attacking line of three, you have a potentially devastating attack.
3 – Barcelona
Surprised? That’s right, I only have the almighty Barca at my No. 3 slot. To be honest, the top 3 are all very close. All have strengths in different areas. But overall, in FIFA 14, I think Barcelona is still limited.
They have the game’s best overall player in Lionel Messi (94), but the fact he’s had his ability to play Right Wing taken away (CF only), he’s now limited and won’t be as effective as a central attacker (Especially as Barca tend to be a team that only has one striker upfront.
And while Pedro (84) and Alexis Sanchez (82) have had their ratings reduced, they have gained the dangerous attacker Neymar (84) who has a very rare five-star ability in weak foot and skill moves. Add in the usual incredible 1-2-3 punch in midfield of Andres Iniesta (89), Xavi (89) and Cesc Fabregas (86), you have the best passing attack in FIFA. .
2 – Real Madrid
Unlike last weekend’s El Clasico derby game, in this list, the Galacticos beat the Catalans. Now, until the deadline day for transfers in soccer, I still would have had Barcelona ahead of Madrid, if it weren’t for one thing:
A world-record signing of $137 million to Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspurs. The 87-rated Welshman is a MASSIVE boost to Real Madrid’s attack, he is one of the most dynamic attacking weapons of FIFA 14, and does everything well, including making tackles deeper in midfield (He was a Left Back many years ago). And he can play on the left wing, right wing, or down the middle as an attacking midfielder and striker. It's almost like having a second Ronaldo on the pitch, but more flexible.
Despite the team losing key playmaker Mesut Ozil to Arsenal, they still have Cristiano Ronaldo (92), who can beat any defender in the world on his own. Karim Benzema (85) isn’t quite as strong as he used to be, but still a very serviceable striker, and with Angel Di Maria (86) now being able to play as a CAM, and Isco (84) being able to play four different positions, Madrid now have a flexible attack that can hurt you in several ways. What stops from the top spot is that one team have even more rotational depth. Yep, it’s exactly who you think it is…
1 – Bayern Munich
Surprise, surprise, the No. 1 slot goes to the current European Champions. And for good reason. What makes Bayern No. 1, is that their midfield is not only the best in FIFA 14, it’s the best midfield in any FIFA game, ever.
Starting off, you have the games second and third best wingers: European Player of the Year, Franck Ribery (90) and Champions League Final MVP, Arjen Robben (87). Both can cut in on their weaker foot, both have at least four star skills, and both are ridiculously fast dribblers who can destroy you inside and outside the corner of the 18-yard box. Then you have Mario Gotze (85) and his $50 million signing, who can play either side. You also have the big man Mario Mandzukic (83), who while not the best overall, is a demon in the air with headers, a good trait to have when you have two elite wingers either side.
If you want more speed centrally, you also have Thomas Muller (85), who can play RW, CAM or Striker. Then, you have the supporting cast of Bastian Schweinsteiger (88), who might be the best all round midfielder in FIFA, Toni Kroos (84), Zherdan Shaqiri and Thiago (81) are also there.
Most of Bayern's talent can play in more than one area, and can beat you in any way they chose, whether it be counter-attacking, with speed, passing and precision, or from distance. It’s practically perfect. Could you stop them?
Enjoy the read? Got a different Top 5? Comment below, let me know, or you can follow me on Twitter @Harrison101HD.