Stoke City’s FIFA 17 Ratings: Goalkeepers – True to life or overhyped rubbish?
By Garry Welsh
Before the release of FIFA 17, I came across a few articles that had the author try and predict the rating of each squad member from a chosen team. Now that FIFA 17 has been released, I have decided to analyse how the boys between the sticks have faired.
GOALKEEPERS
Shay Given
Shay had a few good seasons with Newcastle while he was in his prime. His form eventually earned himself a move to Manchester City in 2009. Given made 50 appearances for the Citizens in two seasons. Aston Villa then came calling for the veteran shot-stopper. Four seasons later, Given found himself in the red and white.
YEAR AGE TEAM FIFA RATING
2005 28 Newcastle United 91
2009 32 Newcastle United 83
2010 33 Manchester City 83
2011 34 Manchester City 84
2012 35 Aston Villa 82
2015 39 Aston Villa 74
2016 40 Stoke City 74
These numbers are typical of an ageing player. Shay hit his peak in 2005 and has declined slightly ever since. A poor season or dip in form can send a player’s rating south, but age isn’t on Given’s side. I expected the trend to follow – perhaps a low 70 score for his FIFA 17 rating.
It seems the guys at EA have given him a slight progression and awarded a 75. Could Given become the Buffon of the Britannia? Timeless.
VERDICT: FAIR
Jack Butland
Butland started off his career with Birmingham City. Much of his time at St. Andrews was spent out on loan – a trend that continued when he signed for Stoke in 2013. Butland’s first FIFA appearance came in 2012, his third professional season.
YEAR AGE TEAM FIFA RATING
2012 18 Birmingham City 64
2013 20 Birmingham City 71
2014 21 Stoke City 72
2015 22 Stoke City 72
2016 23 Stoke City 72
Jack’s real life progression is unquestionable. Last season was probably his best to date; Butland being an integral part of a solid campaign for the Potters. A stuttering Joe Hart has paved the way for Butland to establish himself as England’s number one. Hart had a FIFA 16 rating of 84. This makes Jack’s FIFA 17 rating of 82 rather justified. Meteoric.
VERDICT: GOOD
Jakob Haugaard
With a promising youth career that included Brondby IF, Haugaard was tipped for big things in his native Denmark. In 2011 he signed for Europa League regulars FC Midtjylland. Mark Hughes saw something for the future and purchased Jakob in 2015.
YEAR AGE TEAM FIFA RATING
2013 21 FC Midtjylland 51
2014 22 FC Midtjylland 51
2015 23 FC Midtjylland 60
2016 24 Stoke City 62
The stats show an obvious progression with age. If he was to continue the trend he would be in the 70’s by the time he is 30. With most goalkeepers typically hitting their peak later than other positions, Haugaard has plenty of time to show his worth. Rising star?
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VERDICT: FAIR(ISH)
Lee Grant
Grant arrived on deadline day on loan from Derby County, who he signed a professional contract with in 2000. After spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley he returned to the Rams in 2013. At the age of 34, he looks set to be entering the twilight years of a long career.
YEAR AGE TEAM FIFA RATING
2005 21 Derby County 64
2007 23 Derby County 64
2008 24 Sheffield Wed 60
2010 26 Sheffield Wed 70
2011 27 Burnley 69
2013 30 Burnley 65
2014 31 Derby County 67
2016 33 Derby County 66
The stats suggest that Grant peaked in 2010. This opens the question as to why Stoke wanted him in August. There is however, no doubting his experience. With a FIFA 17 rating of 66, Grant is steadily reclining. Still, not bad for a 16-year veteran. Steady.
VERDICT: FAIR