2. Brad Friedel (Tottenham)
This experienced veteran has seen countless campaigns in the Premiership with several clubs over the past 15yrs. Brad is known for his command of the area and roaring his team to defend set peices and mark up opposition players, yet with stats like these (Command (10) and Communication (13)) he's not done well in the eyes of the FM13 scouts. I've also seen him pluck balls out of the air at corners and tips over shots destined for the top corner so his Aerial Ability of 10 is again very poor. Much like Given, rated at £550k means he'll probably attract attention of newly promoted teams or act as a back-up, as stats wise at Spurs he's easier now third choice.
1. Romelu Lukaku (Chelsea, on loan at West Brom)
The athletic Belgian was the next big thing, when signed for £10 million last year but quickly found his chances at Chelsea limited. This year he's moved on loan to West Brom and seems to be finding his feet, already finding the net three times in only a handful of appearances. I do think though that his dribbling and finishing are very under-rated (finishing of 12) and I would have expected him to be given more aerial dominance than found here. He hasn't had the best of times for the Belgian national squad but I think there is real potential for him to kick on over the next few seasons and hopefully he'll flourish with whichever team he plays for. I think the main point that has come out of the two articles I've written regarding player rating is that there needs to be some level of consistency across the board. You can't simply look at a player and think 'well he's tall so he must be a good jumper' or that every pacey winger England produces has no end product. Obviously these findings are based on the Beta/Demo versions of the game so hopefully some of the stat erros I've pointed out will be addressed for the full version being released on 2nd of November. There also needs to be thoughts paid to past glories and raw potential. Clearly if you play for a top club (Giggs and Scholes) who get to keep your stats forever, but surely other players should be allowed some leeway too and perhaps let their decline be a tad more graceful. Likewise there should be more scrutiny of future development and potential of young players, though how these wonderkids develop over the years is anyones guess at the moment without the full game being launched. I will add this though, I would like to see lesser known players given credit for work they do especially in the non-league. I saw Matt Tubs (who was playing for Crawley at the time) demolish my local team Kettering Town, in a season that saw him score 37 goals. The FM out at the time was woefully poor to him and seeing as he hasn't really improved much as a player since then I'm surprised by his ratings in FM13, though they are relatively justified despite his poor form since joining Bournemouth. Another player worthy of note (with a local connection to me) is Lee Tomlin, the pie eating midfield maestro who dazzled at Rushden & Diamonds before their unfortunate demise. I never shall forget his goal celebrations in front of the Kettering fan's in one of his last games for Diamonds, but anyway back to the point at hand, many feel (including my mate Dan who's become a somewhat cult figure in these articles) he should be playing in the Prem. He's stalled a bit at Peterborough and I wouldn't be surprised if Southampton, Swansea or even a more established team doesn't come in for him during the January transfer window. Whether these hopes pan out in future games of FM13 we shall have to wait to see, but one thing I know is this.. It's going to be a long season :)