EA Sports’ behemoth video game FIFA 22 came out recently, and Swindon Town players feature again.
Many divisions are included in the game, from the top European leagues to the bottom divisions of the English Football League. That’s where Swindon Town are at the moment, challenging to get back into League One at their first attempt. They do so with a talented squad, creative and hopefully bringing pride back to the club and the town.
FIFA’s main game mode is the Ultimate Team, which makes them a huge amount of money. Goal.com suggest it makes the company as much as $1.6bn (£1.1bn) per year, as players strive to get Messi, Mbappe and Ronaldo in their team. At first, that’s not easy, and as Bwin.com explains, players instead must hunt for the bargain to get their team up and running. That might mean turning to their favourite League Two players, and for fans in Wiltshire, that means Swindon Town. Four Swindon players stand out from the crowd, so if you’re a County Ground regular, these are the players to keep an eye out for in your bronze packs this autumn.
Jonny Williams
Williams is a Welsh international and the jewel in the Swindon Town crown, so there’s little surprise he’s the top-rated player on FIFA. His overall rating is 67, but one or two of his stats stand out. His balance is 89, agility 86, and that completes a physical make-up that makes him good on the ball, if not a bit easy to knock off. He’s not the quickest (61), but with 70 ball control and 69 dribbling, he is a player to get on the ball in early games.
Jack Payne
Last summer, Payne joined from Lincoln City and is a pocket-rocket, a number ten with flair and style. His rating is just 65, but he is a good player to get on the ball like Williams. It could be argued he’s the best Swindon player on the game, as he’s packing 81 acceleration, 92 balance and 90 agility. His jumping is 80, which is amusing for a player who stands just 5ft 5in. He can feel a bit let down with his shot power (62) and finishing (57).
Louis Reed
Reed has a distinguished career in League One, appearing for Sheffield United and Peterborough, and he’s the third-best Swindon player on FIFA. The left midfielder has three-star skill moves and is rated 64. There must be something in the Swindon water because his best quality is his balance at 87. He can hit a decent shot with 72 shot power, good for a bronze card.
Anthony Grant
34-year-old Grant is a veteran, having played for Shrewsbury, Stevenage, Crewe, Port Vale, Peterborough and Southend United. The Jamaica international was Player of the Season in 2019/20, and his FIFA rating reflects that. He’s a 64, but if you’re looking for a strong presence in midfield, he’s your man – he’s got 81 strength. Don’t get him in scoring positions, though; his finishing is 45 and penalties just 41.
