EAFC’s first-ever Team of the Year has made five changes from the player-selected FIFPRO World XI, with Manchester City’s dominance threatened by two Liverpool stars.
Pep Guardiola’s men dominated the FIFPro team announced on Monday, with six players among the 11 in the 3-3-4 formation.
But once EA tallied up the votes they’d received – the first since rebranding their football game from FIFA to FC – they made five adjustments to their 4-3-3 team and saw Liverpool stars take the place of several of Man City’s Treble winners. .
Alisson Becker was chosen ahead of City’s Ederson in goal and has been given a special rating of 95 for his efforts between the sticks for Liverpool, while Van Dijk was named alongside Ruben Dias in defence.
AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremy Frimpong are surprise choices at left-back and right-back respectively, confusing FIFPro’s decision to select Dias, John Stones and Man City’s Kyle Walker as their defenders.
Two Liverpool players beat Man City stars to be named in EAFC’s first ever Team of the Year
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham was the most nominated, appearing in 74% of the teams submitted
John Stones was named in the FIFPro team but missed out on EA FC’s Men’s Team of the Year
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is the only England representative on the team, but he was the most nominated star, appearing in 74% of all men’s teams submitted to EA.
PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Van Dijk came second and third respectively, featuring in 66% of the nominated teams.
Bellingham joined Man City’s Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne in midfield.
Bellingham said: “A huge thank you to the fans for voting for me to be part of this year’s Team of the Year.
“I know many great players have been part of previous Team of the Year selections and it is always an honor to be part of that list.”
The front line of Lionel Messi, Mbappe and Man City’s Erling Haaland will probably not come as a surprise to many fans or gamers.
The forwards are each rated 97 and were the same trio shortlisted for FIFA’s Best Men’s Player on Monday.
Haaland said: “It is an honor to be part of the Team of the Year Final XI, alongside some incredible players.
“Winning an award voted for by the fans means a lot. I really appreciate everyone who voted, thank you!’
EA FC’s popular Ultimate Team feature allows players to create dream teams using online cards that act as players that can be used in in-game matches.
The women’s team includes another nod to England and Man United goalkeeper Mary Earps.
Lionesses star Millie Bright joins PSG’s Sakina Karchaoui, French star Wendie Renard and Barcelona full-back Ona Batlle in defence.
Barcelona’s players dominate the midfield, with Alexia Putellas alongside Aitana Bonmati, the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Women’s Player.
Barça winger Caroline Graham Hansen is up front, while Wolfsburg’s Lena Oberdorf, Portland Thorns’ Sophia Smith and Chelsea’s Sam Kerr complete the eleven.
Kerr is out for the season after becoming the latest WSL star to suffer an ACL injury during a warm-weather training camp in Morocco.
Putellas appeared in 84% of all women’s teams entered, ahead of teammates Bonmati (77%) and Graham Hansen (66%).
Man City’s Erling Haaland was nominated again and has a rating of 97 for the EAFC game
Mary Earps was named as the EAFC Women’s Team Goalkeeper of the Year
Chelsea duo Millie Bright and Sam Kerr were also among the top 11 of the year
Putellas said: “It’s incredible to be recognized by the fans and be among the best players in the world.
“Being part of the first women’s team of the year is a huge honor that I am very proud of.”
Kerr added: “It’s a great feeling to know that the fans voted for me to be part of this year’s Team of the Year.
“There are some incredible players in this XI, so it’s a real privilege to be included.”