Ultimate Team in EA FC – formerly known as FIFA – is not just a game mode; it’s a passion for millions of gamers worldwide. Ever since being introduced to the world back in 2009, UT has taken on a life of its own. It has kept millions of gamers enthralled for over 15 years while simultaneously becoming the primary source of income for gaming behemoths EA Sports.
With influencers such as KSI and his Sidemen posse making a name for themselves in the area, the game mode has taken on a life of its own. Nowadays, it has become so popular that even online betting sites are accepting esports bets as a legitimate thing.
While there are no big tournaments on the horizon in the beloved soccer simulation, the game has paved the way for others, such as CS:GO and Valorant, to also become megastars in the betting world. In fact, you can bet on the latter of those two right now as the VCT – China tournament is about to get underway. According to Esports betting odds, the renowned team Edward Gaming is the betting favorite, being short-priced as a -200 favorite to win this Valorant competition.
One of the most appealing aspects of Ultimate Team is the ability to build and customize your team, from humble beginnings to a powerhouse of world-beaters. Throughout its history, certain player cards have stood out as super overpowered – or OP to you and me – due to their exceptional stats, chemistry with other players, or the virtual world’s meta at the time. Let’s take a look at four strike forces that used to strike fear in every game the world over.
Roma’s Ruthless Front Three
Fondly remembered as the most infamous trio, the Gervinho, Seydou Doumbia, Victor Ibarbo combination was the bane of many a defence during FIFA 15. This Roma-powered forward line was particularly terrifying thanks to the blistering pace of all three players, with little to no chance of recovery for defenders once they were clean through on goal.
Gervinho: The former Arsenal ace was a staple in squads looking for raw speed and agility. His ridiculous pace and close ball control made him a menace on the left wing.
Doumbia: A clinical finisher who could run riot through almost any defence, the Ivorian’s card was famed for its acceleration and balance, allowing him to turn on a dime and outpace virtually any defender in the game.
Ibarbo: A near-perfect physical specimen in the game, Ibarbo was renowned for its ability to shrug off challenges with ease, combined with breakneck speed making him a lethal weapon up front.
Moscow Madness
Long before the pace was reigned in by the team over at EA’s studios in Vancouver, FIFA 13 saw the Emmanuel Emineke – Ahmed Musa duo, a strike partnership that could burn grass by merely standing still. This formidable duo boasted impeccable speed and a deadly eye for goal, and as both players were Nigerian and were playing in Russia at the time, their chemistry was off the charts.
Emineke: With an ability to receive the ball in stride, the Spartak Moscow hitman could blitz past defenders with ease. Not to mention the skill moves that made him a fan-favourite for skillers and a nightmare for opponents.
Musa: Musa was something of an unsung hero in this partnership. While his strike partner dazzled with the ball, the CSKA Moscow striker’s unrelenting sprints and knack for being in the right place at the right time made him a consistent scoring threat.
Samba
Back in the day, everyone had an unheralded team of Brazilians in their arsenal waiting to steal the show. FIFA 12 was no different, and with the deadly Welliton-Nilmar partnership combining devastating effects, it’s clear to see why so many fell in love with that touch of samba flair.
Welliton: A standout card due to his electric pace and a rocket of a left foot, the Spartak sensation was more than just a one-trick pony. His impeccable dribbling and agility rounded up his attributes, making him a well-rounded forward who could terrorize defenders with his unpredictability. And to make him even more threatening, you could also pair him up with the aforementioned Emineke for that extra dose of sauce.
Nilmar: A clinical finisher with a penchant for the spectacular, this Villareal rocket was the perfect complement to Welliton’s explosiveness. His high attacking work rate meant he was always thirsting for a goal, often getting on the end of Welliton’s through balls and crosses.
The Italian Stallions
Last, but not least, FIFA 10 boasted a trio that dripped with the flair of Serie A football. Antonio Di Natale, Fabrizio Miccoli, and Mauro Zarate weren’t a cheap trio, but they were certainly the embodiment of the term ‘cultured strikers’ and were worth their weight in gold.
Di Natale: A blend of pace, dribbling, and shooting, the Udinese legend was the complete package. His work rates and underrated physicality allowed him to play a dual role, coming deep to pick up the ball or making piercing runs through the heart of the defence.
Miccoli: A true virtuoso, this Palermo striker’s five-star skill moves made him a pleasure to watch and a nightmare to defend. His long shots and finesse were a treat for those who delighted in the creative side of FIFA.
Zarate: A player who possessed a bit of everything, the Lazio winger was renowned for his unpredictability. His ability to play on the flank but cut inside to unleash thunderbolts made him a versatile and dangerous attacker.
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