FIFA 14 Prediction: The Invincible XI
LB: Ashley Cole (85 Overall)
It was a nightmare trying to fill the left fullback slot. Jordi Alba and Ashley Cole were the two main contenders, but the Chelsea man scrapes in due to one of the key factors in FIFA 14.
Watch any gameplay video of the upcoming game on YouTube and it's clear as day that EA SPORTS have significantly slowed down the pace of the game. The less frantic build-up play appears likely to revolutionise the general approach to FIFA 14, and offer limited success for users obsessed with button-mashing one-touch football. Thus, these pace-hungry FIFA 13 players will be encouraged to finally let the light of day shine upon their R2 and RT buttons a godsend, in my books.
In consequence, world-class players on the wrong side of 30-years-old should become as effective as their quality deserves, restricting the need to use average yet blisteringly quick defenders to survive online.
Key Stats
Sliding Tackle: 92
Similar to Philipp Lahm on the opposite flank, Cole's supreme defensive game takes care of flying wingers rather than desperate attempts to match his opponent stride for stride in a footrace. The England international is no slouch he was among the fastest fullbacks during his peak, in fact but it must be conceded that he has lost a few yards of speed over the past few seasons. Not to worry though, as Cole can usually win the ball from unpromising positions with one of his perfectly-timed sliding challenges.
Standing Tackle: 87
Given the opportunity, the 32-year-old can get the better of anyone whether on the slide or face to face. Cole's slight build is made irrelevant by his cunning ability to read an opponent's movement and nip in at just the right time. He's been going about his business in that exact fashion for years, and correctly ranks at second-best in the FIFA 14 standing tackle statistics.
Stamina: 86
As players fatigue in modern football simulations, their abilities are subtly hindered by their weary legs. The most obvious effect is the beating taken to their endurance, but tiredness also slows down their general movement and reaction times. Don't underestimate the importance of stamina and fitness in FIFA 14 just have a look at Cole's healthy fitness bar in the latter stages of a match.