FIFA 22: Budget Ballers for Starter FUT Teams

FIFA 22, the 29th installment and arguably the top sports sim, is almost here. Most players will start playing October 1, and will surely flock to the popular Football Ultimate Team (FUT) mode. Since its introduction in 2009, we have seen FUT transformed the FIFA franchise.

Starting a new FUT Season in FIFA 22

The first few matches of the new FUT season are often difficult. Players have spent the last year carefully curating a phenomenal team of special and iconic players with maxed-out stats all over the field. They’ll now have to start from scratch using players with substandard pace, laughable crossing, or shocking stamina.

Additionally, those who purchased the Ultimate Edition will be able to access the game on September 27, meaning plenty of outrageous FUT teams will exist by the time everyone joins four days later.

In order to compete in those first few matches, you’ll need to use your coins wisely. That means looking for bargains in the market. We’ve taken a look at some of the players available for 1,000 coins or less in FIFA 21 who might also give you excellent bang for your buck in FIFA 22.

Building on a budget

First is winger Filip Kostić. The 27-year-old Serbian currently turns out for Eintracht Frankfurt. He’s an interesting option for anyone looking to piece together a Bundesliga-heavy team. Acceleration and sprint speed stats of 89 and 88 respectively are godsend for early  FUT games. This is goes double when combined with a 90-rating on stamina. Kostić may only have a 2-star weak foot, but at 84 overall, he’s great value in any left-sided or forward position.

Staying in the Bundesliga but heading to the other end of the pitch now, it may be worth adding experienced Belgian stopper, Koen Casteels, to your squad. At 86 overall, the Wolfsburg man has been given a ratings boost over last year. It’s possible he may not come as a budget option in FIFA 22. However, with plenty of other good options at GK, like France/Milan man Mike Maignan, it’s possible Casteels may be offered on the cheap.

Weston McKennie is another possible budget pick-up. Midfielder McKennie plays for Piemonte Calcio (that’s Juventus to me and you), and the U.S. national team. This makes him a decent option on chemistry potential alone. Though his 77 overall rating is perhaps at the lower end, he was the only non-inform centre midfielder in FIFA 21 with at least 80 physical, sprint speed, stamina, and strength stats.

One of the standout players at Euro 2020 was Dutch defender, Denzel Dumfries. While the Netherlands became unglued fairly early, Dumfries caught the attention of many. He showcased intense attacking support runs from full-back, and deservedly scored twice. Despite his great physical stats, Dumfries may not have been a popular pick in FIFA 21. It’s difficult to fit a Dutch Eredivisie player into a top team chemistry-wise. However, he’ll certainly be on the radar of many more players now that he plays in Serie A for Inter Milan.

Finally, if you’re a newbie or just simply tight on coins, don’t sleep on Lille forward, Jonathan David. The 21-year-old is already a key member of the Canadian national team (who may well be worth backing at Sports Interaction to qualify for the Qatar World Cup) and his five-star weak foot and 87 sprint speed will be useful to early-game FUT players.