FIFA 14: FUT MLS Players Guide

Oct 27, 2013; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry (14) celebrates a goal by New York Red Bulls midfielder Jonny Steele (not pictured) against the Chicago Fire during the second half of a game at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Strikers/Center Forwards

• Jermaine Defoe (IF) (Toronto FC)
• Jermaine Defoe (Toronto FC)
• Marco Di Vaio (Montreal Impact)
• Thierry Henry (New York Red Bulls)
• Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)
• Obafemi Martins (Seattle Sounders)
• Federico Higuain (Columbus Crew)
• Eddie Johnson (Seattle Sounders/DC United)
• Camilo (IF) (Vancouver Whitecaps)
• Darren Mattocks (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Again, we have a lot of stars and a lot of options, so I’m going to break this down this section as well. This time into three categories: playmakers, strikers for lone striker formations, and strikers for dual striker formations.

Playmakers: Both CFs on the list make it into this group, and it’s very important to remember that they can be converted into CAMs if needed. And keep in mind that the opposite proves true as well; Dempsey and the others can become CFs. Both of these guys give Dempsey a good run for his money, and all of them are viable options at CAM and CF. Higuain’s offensive stats are completely well-rounded, while Donovan is the better passer. In a decision some may find unpopular, I prefer Higuain because of his work rates and is better at taking long shots.

My Pick: Higuain (but still Dempsey as a CAM for gold squads).

1-Striker Formations: If you’re using a formation that uses only one striker, they need to be very well-rounded: height, heading, shooting, a good weak foot, and just a tad bit of pace. Unfortunately, not many players in MLS fit all of this criteria, so we’ll have to choose who fits the most of them. Eddie Johnson is a fantastic pick, even though his shooting isn’t the best. But his strength and jumping help him against some of the better CBs in the game, and having tremendous speed doesn’t hurt either. Di Vaio is also a worthy mention, and even though his height is questionable, the rest of his stats are exactly what you want in a lone striker.

My Pick: Eddie Johnson

2-Striker Formations: The rest of the strikers can only do 2 or 3 things well, so they require a partner to help fill in for their shortcomings, usually one of the above-mentioned players to help with heading. Speaking of short, Defoe (and his IF) and Martins would be considered as lone strikers if it weren’t for their heights, with both of them having speed, shooting, and dribbling. Mattocks is one of the lowest-rated players on this list, but don’t be fooled by the rating; he has fantastic speed and jumping, and a 4-star weak foot, and his shooting and strength are the only things that prevent him from being solo striker material. And while we’re on the subject of shooting, even though he has departed from “The Great White North,” Camilo’s IF card is absolutely stunning. His speed and dribbling are average at best, but check out these shooting stats: 99 free kick accuracy (!!!), 94 shot power, 88 curve, 80 finishing, and 79 long shots. He also has the power free kick and finesse shot traits, which, combined with those stats, make him incredibly dangerous if he gets space outside the box. And finally, the legend himself, Monsieur Henry. Another striker who’s almost set for solo duty, but his heading and jumping stats are plain awful. Everything else, however, is gravy, especially with fantastic dribbling.

My Picks: Jermaine Defoe (IF) and Thierry Henry (but not together)