Overrated Players In EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team (& Their Cheaper Alternatives)

Each new season of EA Sports FC 26’s Ultimate Team mode brings a mix of anticipation, disappointment, and constant discussion about player card values. Often, highly-priced star players don’t perform significantly better than more affordable options with comparable stats – a mistake that even seasoned players can make.

Players like Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Vinícius Júnior are popular and seem strong in the game because they’re stars in real life. Their cards initially look impressive with high stats, but simply buying the most famous players isn’t always the best way to build a winning team. It’s often more effective to find cards that offer good performance for their price, rather than getting caught up in hype.

Jude Bellingham

Cheaper Alternative: Cole Palmer And/Or Jamal Musiala

Price: 120,000 – 137,000

Jude Bellingham is a standout midfielder in the game. EA rated him 90 overall thanks to his impressive strength, ability to finish shots, and calm demeanor. He excels at winning the ball, confidently dribbling forward, and scoring goals like a true attacking midfielder.

Okay, so everyone says this midfielder is the absolute best all-rounder in Ultimate Team, and honestly, playing with him, I can see why. But here’s the thing – it’s not that he *doesn’t* perform, because he totally does. It’s just… is he *really* worth the insane amount of coins they’re asking for? There are a bunch of other players who are almost as good, and they won’t break the bank. It feels like you’re paying for the name more than the actual gameplay benefit, you know?

Florian Wirtz

Cheaper Alternative: Bruno Fernandes

Price: 260,000 – 294,000

Florian Wirtz’s performance in FC 26 mirrors his impressive form with Bayer Leverkusen in real life. Many players consider him one of the best central attacking midfielders in the game, offering both goal-scoring ability and creative playmaking. However, he can be quite expensive to acquire, particularly at the start of the game, which sometimes leads to disappointment when his performance doesn’t immediately match the high price tag.

Florian Wirtz is a brilliant player when he has room to operate, but he can struggle under pressure. He’s not very physically strong, making it easier for opponents to win the ball from him, and while he’s reasonably quick, he isn’t exceptionally fast. His finishing can also be unreliable when closely marked. Bruno Fernandes offers a comparable skillset, but is significantly more affordable. With an overall rating of 88, he remains highly competitive, and his excellent long shots, passing, and positioning make him a very effective attacking midfielder for the price.

Federico Valverde

Cheaper Alternative: Vitinha

Price: 375,000 – 400,000

Federico Valverde appears to be a complete midfielder in EA Sports FC 26. He’s known for being dependable, quick, and physically strong, and his 89 overall rating accurately reflects that. He can cover a lot of ground, make powerful tackles, and still join the attack with speed. Statistically, Valverde excels with 85+ pace, excellent stamina, and accurate long-range shooting.

Valverde is a flexible player who can effectively play as either a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder, making him ideal for teams wanting a well-rounded midfield that’s strong both offensively and defensively. He typically costs between 375,000 and 400,000 coins, mostly because of his established reputation. However, Vitinha offers similar performance on the field. Vitinha excels in passing and ball control, and feels more comfortable in possession-based systems. While he isn’t quite as fast as Valverde, he’s available for significantly less – between 67,500 and 74,500 coins – making him a very attractive option.

Nicolò Barella

Cheaper Alternative: Martin Ødegaard

Price: 3,000 – 55,000

Nicolò Barella is rated 87 in EA’s game, and it’s clear why – he’s a tireless midfielder with quick reactions and strong tackling ability. His style of play is ideal for today’s game, as he effectively moves between defense and attack, intercepts passes, and connects plays smoothly. He consistently seems to be in the action. However, his price on the Ultimate Team market might be a bit high considering his overall performance.

Barella costs under 60,000 coins, which isn’t overly expensive, but he’s noticeably pricier than other midfielders who perform just as well. While Barella is a strong defensive player with good stamina, the difference in his stats isn’t significant enough to justify the higher cost. Martin Ødegaard is a prime example of a better value. He’s a technically gifted playmaker who excels at passing, dribbling, and ball control, and his finesse shot makes him a threat from outside the box. At around 11,000 coins, Ødegaard is a fantastic option for teams that prioritize creative, quick passing and smart combinations.

Viktor Gyökeres

Cheaper Alternative: Hugo Ekitiké

Price: 119,000 – 140,000

Viktor Gyökeres quickly became a standout player at Sporting CP, and his knack for scoring goals led to a powerful card in *FC 26*’s Ultimate Team. He’s a classic, strong striker who uses his speed and power to challenge defenders. While he’s great at making runs and finishing plays near the goal, his dribbling and quickness aren’t quite top-tier, which can be a disadvantage in close games.

Hugo Ekitiké offers a comparable playing style to Gyökeres, but at a much lower price. He excels in speed, positioning, and finishing, achieving similar results, yet often gets overlooked due to his lower overall rating. Ekitiké is known for his smooth movement, skillful dribbling, and quick reflexes in front of the goal. He’s a great fit for teams that prioritize fast breaks and quick passing plays.

Vini Jr.

Cheaper Alternative: Raphinha

Price: 830,000 – 923,000

As a fan, I always get excited seeing Vinícius Júnior in Ultimate Team – he’s just such a flashy player, and with a 90 rating, everyone notices him! But honestly, while he’s incredibly fast, I sometimes find his finishing a little inconsistent. And he can get pushed off the ball too easily because he’s not super strong. When he’s on, he’s amazing, but I’m not always convinced he’s *that* much better than other, more affordable wingers, considering how expensive he is.

Raphinha is a fantastic option to consider. His FIFA card, rated 85-86 overall, boasts impressive speed, quickness, and powerful shooting. Although he doesn’t have the same flashy moves as Vinícius Júnior, he makes up for it with a more straightforward and effective approach to the game. He delivers more reliable crosses and powerful shots, and is a bit stronger, making him harder to knock off the ball.

2025-10-12 00:07