Virgil van Dijk – 82 > 84
Without doubt, Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the Premier League, and had he not suffered a major injury last season, the Dutchman could have earned an even higher rating.
He started FIFA 17 with a shockingly low overall of 79, which was then lifted to 82 during the winter updates after some fine performances in a Saints shirt.
Chris Smalling was an 84 during FIFA 17 on the back of one decent campaign under Louis Van Gaal, so surely van Dijk has every right to jump to at least his level.
Had the 26-year-old joined one of the so called ‘bigger clubs’, his rating could’ve been even higher for this year’s game.
Wesley Hoedt – 76 > 77
After sealing his move to the south coast during this summer’s transfer window, there is a lot expected of Wesley Hoedt for Southampton this year. He will be partnered by international team mate van Dijk in what looks like a promising back-line for the Saints.
Although he wasn’t too much of a regular starter at Lazio, he showed glimpses of what he is capable of when called upon and deserves a slight increase in his FIFA rating.
At 23, Hoedt has plenty of time to develop in the Premier League and become a better player than a 77 score suggests, but he must settle in quickly to prove he is a capable gold player.