Expert predictions and analysis for FIFA 22’s Team of the Year promo, featuring Messi, Salah, and a breakdown of each position.
FIFA 22 Team of the Year: Our Expert Predictions
As the FIFA 22 Team of the Year (TOTY) promotion in Ultimate Team draws near, Dexerto presents our carefully curated selection of the eleven players who dominated the football landscape in 2021. Our predictions spotlight Lionel Messi, Mohamed Salah, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and other exceptional talents poised to receive massively upgraded cards.
With official voting yet to commence, our analysis is based on the defining moments and consistent performances that shaped the year, from international triumphs to domestic dominance.
The calendar year 2021 was packed with unforgettable football drama. Italy’s stunning penalty shootout victory over England at Wembley secured their EURO 2020 crown, while Chelsea reclaimed the Champions League trophy with a masterful tactical display under Thomas Tuchel. League titles were claimed by Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, Lille, and Inter Milan, setting the stage for intense competition for TOTY honors. This guide not only names our picks but explains the rationale behind each selection, helping you understand the meta and prepare your Ultimate Team strategy for these coveted cards. Anticipating TOTY releases is key for savvy FUT managers looking to invest or build squads around these game-changing players.
Best Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
The undisputed standout goalkeeper of 2021 was Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, who edged out formidable rivals like Manchester City’s Ederson and Liverpool’s Alisson Becker. His performances were a masterclass in shot-stopping and composure under pressure.
Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, Donnarumma was the bedrock of Italy’s triumphant EURO 2020 campaign, earning the Player of the Tournament award. His seamless transition from AC Milan to Paris Saint-Germain and his partnership with Lionel Messi signals a thrilling prospect for 2022. For Ultimate Team players, a TOTY Donnarumma card would be a monumental upgrade, offering exceptional reflexes, kicking, and presence—essential traits for competitive play. A common mistake is overlooking goalkeeper upgrades, but a top-tier keeper like a TOTY Donnarumma can single-handedly win matches by denying certain goals.
Best Defenders
Trent Alexander-Arnold responded to his pre-EURO omission with a phenomenal season for Liverpool, elevating his game to new heights. He maintains an astonishing rate of an assist every other game in the Premier League and has added crucial defensive stability alongside Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konaté. He is on track to shatter the defender assist record once again.
Antonio Rüdiger’s transformation into a world-class defender was central to Chelsea’s success. His defensive solidity, ball-playing confidence, and surprising attacking forays were instrumental in their Champions League win and sustained Premier League form, contributing to 9 clean sheets in 19 matches. He outshone competitors like Rúben Dias and Thiago Silva through his consistent, transformative impact.
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The legendary defensive duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci deserved recognition for their EURO 2020 heroics. We’ve selected Bonucci for his commanding leadership and impeccable distribution.
With eight Serie A clean sheets for Juventus, four in the Champions League group stage, and a stellar international tournament, Bonucci embodies the classic, intelligent defender. His inclusion provides a perfect balance of experience and ball-playing ability in our predicted backline.
João Cancelo has redefined the full-back role at Manchester City. His exceptional quality allows him to excel as both a right and left-back, and even in midfield, under Pep Guardiola’s guidance. A relentless engine, defensively robust, and increasingly potent in front of goal, Cancelo is the complete modern full-back. In FIFA, his TOTY card would be incredibly versatile, suitable for multiple positions and tactical setups, making him a highly valuable asset. When building your Ultimate Team defense, prioritize full-backs with high stamina, passing, and defensive work rates to effectively support both attack and defense.
Best Midfielders
N’Golo Kanté has rediscovered his peak form, showcasing a remarkably well-rounded game. The French dynamo, a Premier League winner with two clubs and a 2021 Champions League winner, has evolved into a complete midfielder—a relentless ball-winner, precise passer, and occasional attacking threat. His ability to find another gear promises more silverware.
Jorginho boasts the most decorated year of any player on this list, pivotal in Chelsea’s European glory and Italy’s EURO victory. His third-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting is a testament to his influence, securing his TOTY spot despite the narrative around his penalty-taking role.
Kevin De Bruyne reaffirms his status as the world’s premier midfielder, retaining his place from last year’s TOTY. While Bruno Fernandes and Joshua Kimmich drop out, the Belgian’s consistency and genius keep him firmly in the lineup.
Pep Guardiola’s faith in a striker-less system is justified by De Bruyne’s goal threat. With six goals and twelve assists in City’s title-winning season, and five already this campaign, his ability to decide games from midfield is unparalleled. For advanced FIFA players, a midfield trio of Kanté, Jorginho, and De Bruyne in Ultimate Team would offer the perfect blend of defense, control, and creativity. A common pitfall is using midfielders with similar profiles; instead, aim for complementary roles like a destroyer (Kanté), a regista (Jorginho), and a creator (De Bruyne).
Best Forwards
Mohamed Salah’s claim as the world’s best player has intensified through 2021, culminating in a scorching run of form. For Liverpool, his output is staggering: 15 goals and 9 assists in 24 matches this season, following 37 goal involvements in the previous campaign.
Despite being overlooked in the Ballon d’Or top five, Salah’s relentless goal scoring and elevated influence in Jürgen Klopp’s system make him indispensable. As the fastest and most lethal elite winger currently playing, his omission from TOTY is unthinkable. His in-game card would be a must-have, with blistering pace, lethal finishing, and improved physical stats.
Robert Lewandowski remains a goal-scoring automaton. With 30 goals in 25 games this season and 48 in 40 last term, his output at age 33 is extraordinary, firmly placing him in the Ballon d’Or conversation alongside Messi.
Lionel Messi completes our attack, capping a year where he led Argentina to Copa America glory and claimed a record-extending Ballon d’Or. Scoring 38 goals for Barcelona, his move to PSG hasn’t ignited yet, but a return to prolific scoring is inevitable. His inclusion signifies the apparent divergence in the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry. Optimizing your attack with a TOTY forward requires understanding their unique traits: use Salah for cutting inside, Lewandowski as a target man, and Messi as a creative false nine or winger to maximize their impact.
These are our definitive picks for the FIFA 22 Team of the Year 2021. Once the community vote opens, these 11 players are poised to receive the most powerful upgraded cards in Ultimate Team. Stay tuned for further updates. For more FIFA 22 insights, explore our guides: FIFA 22 TOTY: How to vote for Team of the Year nominees | Best FUT Strikers | Best FUT Midfielders | Best FUT Wingers | Best FUT Center-backs | Best FIFA 22 custom tactics | Best teams in FIFA 22 Career Mode.
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