11 Starter Players You Should Buy on FIFA 22 Ultimate Team

Gain a head-start in a competitive environment with this list of 11 starter players that you should buy in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team. Discover some of the bargains in today's transfer market that will allow you to put up a fight against the best teams. From Gareth Bale to Reece James, these affordable footballers will help you immediately rise up the online divisions.

11 Starter Players You Should Buy on FIFA 22 Ultimate Team

Many domestic football seasons around the world are reaching their conclusions. There is, however, still a lot of football to play on FIFA 22 Ultimate Team. All PlayStation Plus members can now enter the pitch thanks to the best-seller being one of the latest monthly games. It can be daunting to start Ultimate Team at this stage. The best players possess incredible special Icon and Team of the Season cards in what is a competitive online environment, while newcomers are left with very few coins. Don’t panic, though, as those few coins can build a great team.

Over the course of the game mode’s lifespan, many footballers naturally decline in price on the Transfer Market. This makes them easily accessible to beginners who can quickly become able to compete well in matches. They have been referred to as ‘starter players’ for this reason. I have gathered some names, priced under 1.5k, who can help new clubs make an immediate impact. Here are 11 starter players that you should buy on FIFA 22 Ultimate Team.

Illan Meslier (Leeds United, GK, 1.2k)

Every position is important, but having a good goalkeeper is crucial as they stop the ball from hitting the back of the net. That’s something that Illan Meslier has done a lot in real-life recently. He actually has the most saves in the 2021/22 Premier League. While his defensive teammates have let him down, he has proven himself to be a talented youngster. As a beginning player, he’ll prevent a good few goals as long as he’s protected.

Leeds' saviour on too many occasions this season

Leeds’ saviour on too many occasions this season

The Frenchman’s 77 overall, non-rare card is deceiving. His attributes are impressive with 81 reflexes and 79 diving standing out. Meslier will be more than capable of pulling off outstanding saves. For just 1.2k coins, he can be a mainstay in your squad even after moving on from other starter players you begin FIFA 22 Ultimate Team with. 36 speed is concerning so bringing him out of goal is not wise. A height of 6’5″, though, will more than make up for this when he’s consistently punching corners away.

Breakdown:

  1. 81 reflexes
  2. 79 diving
  3. 6’5″ height

Reece James (Chelsea, RWB, 700)

The 2021 Champions League winners are sorted at right-back for the next ten years thanks to this man. Reece James has enjoyed an outstanding season. Virtually, he’s far from being one of the best defenders but he’s a must-buy for any starter squad. As well as being strong in defence, James is a creative player going forward and will get assists if your playstyle involves moving full-backs up the pitch.

That shooting attribute needs a big upgrade in FIFA 23

That shooting attribute needs a big upgrade in FIFA 23

Chelsea’s academy graduate excels in many attributes. 86 crossing and 82 curve emphasises his ability to create goals for any cheap striker you also buy. It will be difficult for plenty of opposition defenders to shrug him off the ball with 80 pace and physicality. Of course, James impresses when not in possession. 80 stand tackle means that players on the wing will also struggle against him. Like Meslier, this man is another player who could remain in the first 11 for a long time.

Breakdown:

  1. 86 crossing
  2. 82 curve
  3. 80 pace
  4. 80 physicality
  5. 80 stand tackling

Kevin Vogt (Hoffenheim, CB, 400)

Over to the Bundesliga, and some readers may not be familiar with this player. Kevin Vogt is, though, one of the best passers at Hoffenheim which is great for a defender. That has been reflected by EA Sports as he boasts 80 short passing and 85 long passing! He is well-rounded in other areas, arguably making him one of the best FIFA 22 Ultimate Team starter players. A price tag of 400 coins helps also.

A hidden gem amongst non-rare cards

A hidden gem amongst non-rare cards

Standing tall at 6’4″, the German is capable of bullying most attackers off the ball with his 83 strength coupled with his 75+ defending stats. Should an opponent get away from Vogt, then they need to be fast as he can easily catch up thanks to 76 sprint speed. Watch out for his 64 acceleration, though. Taking a while to reach full pace will make things very challenging when up against the quickest strikers. Regardless, players who wish to build a Bundesliga or Germany starting team should give Vogt a try.

Breakdown:

  1. 80 short passing
  2. 85 long passing
  3. 6’4″ height
  4. 83 strength
  5. Defending attributes 75+
  6. 76 sprint speed

Andreas Christensen (Chelsea, CB, 550)

The Blues player seems set to leave the club for Barcelona this summer. Andreas Christensen’s time in London has been a rather turbulent one, but good performances last season earned him an 80 overall rating from EA. Priced at 550 coins, this makes him a great bargain. He’ll fit well into a Thomas Tuchel-style back 3 and a back 4. Just be wary of the dreaded Injury Prone trait. Those recovery consumables from free packs will come in handy.

It's surprising that Christensen does not have a rare card

It’s surprising that Christensen does not have a rare card

Denmark’s star defender possesses fantastic defensive attributes. 84 stand tackling and 83 awareness make him a nightmare to get past. He is a calm, ball-playing centre-back as evidenced by 79 short passing and 76 composure. While Christensen will defend corners well, he certainly won’t be one of your highest scoring players on FIFA 22. Despite his epic long-range strike at Euro 2020, 20 long shots is pretty brutal. Ensure that he stays behind during attacks.

Breakdown:

  1. 84 stand tackling
  2. 83 def. awareness
  3. 79 short passing
  4. 76 composure

Marcelo (Real Madrid, LB, 800)

Just a few years ago, the Brazilian legend achieved an 88 rated card and was among the most expensive defenders in Ultimate Team. Unfortunately, his real-life performances have drastically declined with his attributes following suit. It’s sad to now refer to Marcelo as being one of many FIFA 22 starter players, but at least he’s one of the best on this list. The 33-year-old still has plenty to offer any club that’s just starting out.

These attributes were much higher back on FIFA 19

These attributes were much higher back on FIFA 19

For just 800 coins, your squad will get a left-back who’s well skilled in every area. Marcelo’s eye-watering 5 star skill moves and 87 dribbling make him a joy to control on the ball. It’s worth getting him forward too, as 72 shooting means he is more than capable of contributing goals. 71 defensive awareness, though, is poor for someone of his calibre. It would be ideal to make sure the centre-back next to him is able to help him out of difficult situations.

Breakdown:

  1. 5 star skill moves
  2. 87 dribbling
  3. 72 shooting

Scott McTominay (Manchester United, CDM, 700)

Anyone who keeps up with the Premier League is aware of how bad Manchester United have been this season. The Red Devils are in need of a serious rebuilding process, It’s unknown yet if Scott McTominay will be a part of this. The defensive midfielder is currently experiencing better luck on FIFA with his 80 rated card. His solid performances in the 2020/21 season have helped make him a great option for beginner squads.

A real-life squad of the players on this list would likely beat Man United

A real-life squad of the players on this list would likely beat Man United

Scotland’s star man is a rock in midfield with his 84 physicality and 6’4″ height. 81 stand tackling means that it’ll be difficult for opposition midfielders to dribble past him. McTominay’s stature, however, also makes him a bit sluggish to control. 66 agility and 62 acceleration does not help, which is why he’s so cheap to buy. He will struggle against squads of world class players. Until you reach that level, though, he is worth buying as great protection for your starter team’s backline.

Breakdown:

  1. 84 physicality
  2. 6’4″ height
  3. 81 stand tackling

Abdoulaye Doucoure (Everton, CM, 850)

This is another midfielder who’s endured a tough season with his club. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s performances for Everton may be mixed, but on FIFA he’s consistently been a good cheap card to use. FIFA 22 Ultimate Team is no different. He is well skilled in every attribute including defending, shooting and dribbling, to the point where he could easily play in any position.

Doucoure can do it all

Doucoure can do it all

When looking at the Frenchman’s in-depth statistics, 89 stamina is the one that catches the eye. For just 850 coins, new players can obtain a midfielder who will run for 90 and even 120 minutes. He’ll run up the pitch to utilise his 76 finishing and 84 shot power, but sprint all the way back to show off his 77 defending attributes. Doucoure is the complete midfielder and a less pricey version of the likes of Kante and Pogba.

Breakdown:

  1. Well skilled in every attribute
  2. 89 stamina
  3. 76 finishing
  4. 84 shot power
  5. 77 defending

Tanguy Ndombele (Olympique Lyon, CAM, 750)

For attacking midfield, Tanguy Ndombele may well be the best card available under 1k coins. The on-loan Lyon player also has a Tottenham card, making him accessible to Ligue 1 and Premier League starter squads. His future at Spurs looks very uncertain, but he can have a positive future at your club if he performs as well as his attributes claim. At first glance, he looks like someone capable of controlling a match.

One of the best dribblers in his position

One of the best dribblers in his position

88 dribbling makes Ndombele a dangerous player for opponents. 87 ball control and composure means that he’s able to move the ball forward calmly as he waits for any attacking openings. Once there’s a good option, his outstanding 87 vision and 85 short passing makes it very likely that your striker will be gifted a scoring opportunity. The 24-year-old can take on these chances alone too, as evidenced by his 72 shooting. 69 defending, though, shows why he should always remain at the front of the midfield.

Breakdown:

  1. 88 dribbling
  2. 87 ball control
  3. 87 composure
  4. 87 vision
  5. 85 short passing
  6. 72 shooting

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid, RM, 800)

Similar to his teammate Marcelo, the Wales captain used to be one of the best and most expensive players in his position on Ultimate Team. It’s shocking that in FIFA 22, he’s being recommended as a good starter player. Constant injuries and a severe lack of playing time for Real Madrid have sent his attributes spiralling downwards. Don’t be turned off, though, as this card is more than capable of producing some classic Gareth Bale magic.

As a Welshman, seeing this hurts a lot

As a Welshman, seeing this hurts a lot

While Bale may no longer possess outstanding pace, a rating of 82 is still good and will get him past many full-backs. He is, though, at his most dangerous when in or around the opposition box. 84 shooting, which includes 90 shot power and 87 long shots, means that he will get you plenty of goals. The Welshman is also a set-piece specialist. He’s a great target man from corners with his 84 jumping and heading accuracy, and 87 free kick accuracy speaks for itself. Bale is one of this year’s best bargains.

Breakdown:

  1. 84 shooting
  2. 90 shot power
  3. 87 long shots
  4. 84 jumping
  5. 84 heading accuracy
  6. 87 FK. accuracy

Moise Kean (Piemonte Calcio/Juventus, ST, 650)

The on-loan Juventus striker has had an eventful career at just 22 years old, having already played for them as well as PSG and Everton. Some may think that Moise Kean is an odd entry on this list. Don’t let the non-rare card fool you, however. He boasts plenty of impressive attributes that make him a worthy pick-up for any FIFA 22 starting team.

Not very popular with Everton fans

Not very popular with Everton fans

Italy’s youthful forward is the perfect target-man. His 85 pace and strength gives him the ability to terrorise any defence. He may not have the best finishing at 81, but he should still score a fair few goals and will at least contribute in other ways. Kean is better off being played as a solo striker rather than in a partnership. This is due to his 56 passing ability compared to 78 dribbling. He can go on some great runs but is untrustworthy when it comes to playing that final pass. For 650 coins, he’s worth buying even as someone to come off the substitutes bench.

Breakdown:

  1. 85 pace
  2. 85 strength
  3. 81 finishing
  4. 78 dribbling

Alexander Isak (Real Sociedad, ST, 800)

Last on this list of FIFA 22 starter players is Alexander Isak. The young Swedish forward has scored goals for multiple clubs and seems to be one to watch for the future. EA Sports certainly have high hopes for him, as shown by his 82 rated card this year. Standing at 6’4″, he is a menace for defenders both in real-life and on the virtual pitch.

Hitting long balls to Isak in the 90th minute if you're losing seems ideal

Hitting long balls to Isak in the 90th minute if you’re losing seems ideal

The Real Sociedad striker’s best attribute is 86 attack positioning, meaning that he will usually be in the right place at the right time. 84 pace provides Isak with the ability to sprint away from defenders when given the ball. Despite his height, he’s not hard to control thanks to his surprising 79 agility. Of course, he’s a good player to target from corners. He may be quite weak in the physical department, but he is still a great first choice forward for any beginning squad.

Breakdown:

  1. 6’4″ height
  2. 86 attack positioning
  3. 84 pace
  4. 79 agility

What other FIFA 22 starter players are good to buy on Ultimate Team? Let me know in the comments below!

Prices correct on PlayStation at time of writing.

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