FIFA 21 Ultimate Team is dominated by high-rated cards from the most popular clubs in the world. Many gamers only seek out players that are well known or have base stats that look good. Seasoned FUT players know that rating and base card stats do not mean anything. For example, Sergio Busquets is an 87 rated player with 62 shooting and 42 pace.
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People that search long enough will find a few players that sell around 1,000 coins and outperform their ranking. This guide will take a look at ten such cards, as well as explain why they are so effective in-game. Many of the players in this list are in leagues with plenty of chemistry options.
10 Moussa Marega
Marega has unbelievable physical stats with 90 sprint speed, 90 strength, and 93 stamina. The card will outpace and out muscle almost every single icon card in the game, yet it is only 79-rated. The 80 finishing and 84 shot power are enough to ensure a finished product in the final third. Unlike previous versions of the card, this year Marega will even score a few longshots. Dribbling is not the strong suit of the card, so getting the ball out of his feet quickly is a good idea.
9 Kunde Malong
The midfielder from Cameroon can do everything on the pitch. The box to box midfielder has pace, strength, and enough dribbling to stay on the ball. His shooting and passing stats are serviceable, and he can make attacking plays upfield. From distance, Malong will definitely score a few screamers. However, the card will let clubs down inside of the box.
8 Keita Balde
Balde has been an underused gem for several years now. The winger has been converted to striker and has all of the important stats for the position. Balde is rapid and has both agility and dribbling stats in the 80s. His shooting will be inconsistent, but the player provides a lot of upside for a 76 rated card.
7 Frank Acheampong
The Chinese League has a lot of great players this year, and Acheampong is certainly one of them. The card has over 90 pace, stamina, agility, and balance. Acheampong's great balance and mediocre strength will keep him on the ball when challenged more often than not. The Ghanaian has four-star skills as well. Speed kills this year, and Acheampong is lightning fast.
6 Mohammed Kudus
Kudus' 75 rating makes absolutely no sense. The card has close to 2,000 in-game stats, the most impressive of which are 89 acceleration, 90 agility, and 90 balance.
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Kudus has both strength and aggression in the 80s as well. Clubs will want to use a chemistry style to improve his passing and shooting, however. With the right chem style, Kudus will perform much better than his 75 rating indicates.
5 Christian Pulisic
Every year, Pulisic gets an even better card in FUT. This year, he is an 81 rated left-winger, which is two ranks better than his previous card. Pulisic performs best when the card is on the ball in open space, attacking and creating chances for other players.
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Because the card has 91 acceleration and 87 agility, it will feel much faster than the base card indicates. Short passing is alright with the player, but gamers will want to avoid making long passes. For the price, Pulisic will make an astounding impact on any budget team.
4 Ike Opara
Opara is a FUT legend. The player has had some of the most overpowered cards in the history of the mode. This year is only the second time the American is 75 rated or higher. All clubs need to know is that the defender has 88 sprint speed and 85 strength with defensive stats in the 70s. Opara is undoubtedly the best 75 rated player in the game. Clubs should try to find a way to fit him into their starting lineup.
3 Renato Sanches
After several inconsistent seasons, Sanches looks like he has found his stride in Ligue 1. The versatile midfielder will mesh well in the CM or CDM role behind a CAM. His card is extremely well-rounded with over 2,100 in-game stats. Sanches can knock in a long-range shot from time to time, as well. The player is one of the most adaptable midfielders in the game, and because he is only 78 rated, gamers can pick him up for under 1,000 coins.
2 Taison
Taison has a great affordable card every year. His 81 rated LM card is no exception. The card's 93 acceleration and unbelievable dribbling stats make it one of the best in FUT. Taison may not have good finishing, but the card has 80+ shot power, long shots, and volleys. Clubs can pair Taison with Marlos and a Brazilian striker for a very cheap competitive lineup.
1 Joaquin Correa
Joaquin Correa has gone unnoticed because there is another Correa in the Serie A that is slightly better. However, unlike Angel Correa, Joaquin can be played in the center of the pitch. The Argentinian is fast, agile, and one of the better passers in the league. The card does not have the best shooting stats, but gamers can have the card sit behind two strikers and make plays from the CAM position. Poor balance will be noticeable in-game, so it is important to get the ball off of his feet well before a challenge.