1993 – the inception of EA Sports trademark FIFA video game series.
Without doubt the greatest football franchise in the gaming industry, with the upper hand over its arch-nemesis in Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series.
The latest installment of EA’s predominant sports game is FIFA 16, released in September 2015 following the standard mass hype from an abundance of passionate football fans.
Let’s take a look at Bayer Leverkusen from a FIFA 16 perspective. Selections in the Leverkusen XI are based on a mixture of best performers so far in 2015-16 and potential. As you can see, a diamond formation in the form of 4-1-2-1-2 has been opted for. It is not the formation Roger Schmidt would generally utilise, but it does offer variant options. Note that 99 is the highest possible overall rating and attribute rating.
Bernd Leno
Already one of the most promising goalkeepers in world football, Leno is a front runner to become Manuel Neuer’s successor whenever that era may arrive.
Age: 23
Position: Goalkeeper
Rating: 84
Potential rating: 88
Top three attributes: 85 reflexes, 84 diving, 84 handling
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 83.
Has been consistent, pulling off quality saves, however, he is still yet to hit top form.
Tin Jedvaj
Demonstrated his great abilities in patches throughout 2014-15. His position is centre-back on FIFA 16, but he is capable of playing in the right-back role.
Age: 19
Position: Centre-back
Rating: 75
Potential rating: 86
Top five attributes: 83 aggression, 77 standing tackle, 77 sliding tackle, 76 marking, 76 interceptions.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 75.
The Croatian is out for the season with a thigh injury, but it will be pleasing to see this immense talent in action next season.
Kyriakos Papadopoulos
A fierce and potent defender who is starting to impose himself as a regular starter.
Age: 23
Position: Centre-back
Rating: 79
Potential rating: 84
Top five attributes: 92 aggression, 91 jumping, 90 strength, 87 heading, 84 sliding tackle.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 78.
Overall, the Greek has been inconsistent, but has showcased his abilities on occasions.
Jonathan Tah
The youngster burst onto the scene in 2014-15 and he has not looked back since.
Age: 19
Position: Centre-back
Rating: 73
Potential rating: 86
Top five attributes: 91 strength, 77 standing tackle, 74 marking, 72 heading, 71 sliding tackle.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 80.
Excluding Leno, Tah is the only other Leverkusen player to have played every minute of action. The German has exceeded all expectations which warrants his massive potential.
Wendell
One of the positive signs in Leverkusen’s dismal commencement to the current campaign.
Age: 22
Position: Left-back
Rating: 77
Potential rating: 85
Top five attributes: 87 acceleration, 87 aggression, 86 sprint speed, 80 sliding tackling, 79 standing tackle.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 79.
Consistently vibrant, enjoys linking up with the attack and performs his defensive duties well.
Lars Bender
The holding midfielder has well rounded attributes, his stamina is out of this world, outstanding defensive contribution and distributes the ball well.
Age: 26
Position: Central-midfield
Rating: 81
Potential rating: 83
Top five attributes: 94 stamina, 87 interceptions, 85 standing tackle, 83 short passing, 82 long passing.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 83.
Currently undergoing some injury trouble, but has been solid in all seven of his appearances so far.
Karim Bellarabi
Renowned for his pace and exceptional dribbling skills, Bellarabi has also proved he has goalscoring capability.
Age: 25
Position: Right-midfield/winger
Rating: 83
Potential rating: 85
Top five attributes: 91 acceleration, 90 sprint speed, 88 dribbling, 87 agility, 84 ball control.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 82.
Has stepped up in recent weeks, but has yet to really find his stride.
Hakan Calhanoglu
The vast creative instigator of Leverkusen and a brilliant free kick and long shot taker.
Age: 21
Position: Attacking-midfielder
Rating: 78
Potential rating: 83
Top five attributes: 95 free kick, 93 curve, 89 long shots, 87 shot power, 81 vision.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 80.
It would be ideal to see him contribute more goals, but Calhanoglou is consistent in a creative sense, orchestrating opportunities in every outing.
Julian Brandt
The young German prodigy is already sought after by top European clubs. He will be keen to compliment his fantastic 2014-15 breakthrough with an even better 2015-16.
Age: 19
Position: Left-midfield/winger
Rating: 74
Potential rating: 88
Top five attributes: 81 dribbling, 79 agility, 79 sprint speed, 78 acceleration, 78 ball control.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 75.
Has received decent match experience considering his age, but it would be intriguing to see him feature more as he has impressed in his substitute cameos.
Admir Mehmedi
The Swiss international’s versatility provides Leverkusen with more options.
Age: 24
Position: Centre-forward
Rating: 77
Potential rating: 82
Top five attributes: 84 dribbling, 82 shot power, 81 agility, 79 sprint speed, 79 ball control.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 80.
The new signing has been superb once earning his chance, pivotal in the Champions League for the BayArena outfit.
Javier Hernandez
The Mexican hit-man boasts brilliant speed and finishing technique. He is simply a boisterous nightmare to defend against.
Age: 27
Position: Striker
Rating: 80
Potential rating: 80
Top five attributes: 88 finishing, 87 positioning, 87 acceleration, 85 sprint speed, 85 jumping.
My rating based on 2015-16 proceedings so far: 82.
Exploits his clinical execution powers and has been spectacular in both the Bundesliga and Champions League.
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