FIFA 17: 10 Best Free Agents You Need To Sign

1. Paulinho (81)

Graziano Pelle
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Former Tottenham man Paulinho is an excellent central midfielder, and the best free agent in FIFA 17. Currently plying his trade in China, Paulinho will likely come with higher wage demands than most on this list, but he’s worth every penny. Still only 27 years old, he’s playing at peak level at the moment, but it’ll be a few years before his decline sets in, and he’ll be lynchpin for your side until then.

Paulinho can play as either a CDM or CM, and while he’s more than capable in a defensive role, playing CDM feels like a waste of his attacking talents. The Brazilian is a great box-to-box midfielder, and with stamina of 92, there’s no need to ever sub him off or remove him from your XI.

Paulinho’s physical stats are strong for a CM. Acceleration of 76 and 78 sprint speed, coupled with his high dribbling stat (77), make him a strong ball carrier, and he also comes with good distribution (81 short passing, 76 long passing). He’s the type of midfielder you want making lung-bursting runs from deep positions, and he’ll be an immediate asset to any side.

Paulinho’s tackling stats (76 standing, 73 sliding) mean he can do a job as a holding midfielder against lesser opposition, but he’s let down by his strength and aggression (both 69). Nonetheless, if you’ve got a central midfield lacking in dynamism, you need to sign this guy immediately.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.