FIFA 14 Prediction: The Invincible XI
RCB: Thiago Silva (87 Overall)
Attracting a potential overall of 90 whilst still playing for Fluminense in his homeland, the immense quality of this man was recognised in the first next-gen edition of the FIFA series FIFA 08 to be exact. Safe to say that EA SPORTS definitely got this one right...
Today, he's one of the key figures behind the Paris Saint-Germain awakening after the Ligue 1 outfit paid 42m the second highest transfer fee for a defender to pry him away from AC Milan in 2012. His impact was immediate and obvious; the Parisians shipped just 23 goals in his title-winning first season nearly half the number conceded in the previous Ligue 1 campaign.
Key Stats
Standing Tackle: 91
Similar to Lahm in the right fullback slot, Silva's below par strength rating is nullified by his ability to knick the ball from his opponent's toes with regular success. In FIFA 14 and arguably real-life, too nobody does this better than the Brazilian centre back.
Marking: 91
Another handy attribute exercised by the CPU, marking plays a critical role towards ensuring a tight defensive line. Sitting atop the marking stat ratings, you can trust the PSG defender to keep a scrupulous watch on opposing strikers without you even having to hit a button.
Sprint Speed: 81
Like separating the men from the boys, Thiago Silva is held in a different regard to other elite centre backs due to his impressive mobility. Heralded as the quickest centre back exceeding an 85 overall rating, the 28-year-old has a better chance than most of running down the fastest forwards in FIFA 14.