Top Premier League Starter Cards to Target in EA Sports FC 25

As the release of EA Sports FC 25 approaches, the community buzz around the initial player cards is reaching a fever pitch. For managers building their Ultimate Team from scratch, the Premier League offers a goldmine of talent. The starter cards provide a fascinating mix of raw pace, tactical intelligence, and physical dominance, setting the tone for the new season. While some cards represent incredible value, others might be slightly overpriced in the early market frenzy. The key is to identify which players align with your tactical vision, whether you favor a high-pressing system, a counter-attacking approach, or a possession-based game. These initial choices can define your early success in the game's competitive modes.

7. Micky van de Ven

Tottenham Hotspur's defensive colossus, Micky van de Ven, receives a significant upgrade in FC 25. His base card is a dream for managers who like to play with a high defensive line. 😤

• Rating: 82

• Position: CB

• Club: Tottenham Hotspur

This young defender combines elite physical tools with refined defensive instincts. His standout attributes are perfectly suited for the modern game:

• Pace (88): He possesses recovery speed that few strikers can match.

• Defending (83): Solid tackling and positioning.

• Physicality (81): Strong enough to wrestle with any forward.

Standing at 6'4", his aerial dominance (81 heading accuracy) makes him a threat on set-pieces and a reliable last line of defense against crosses. While his passing (64) and shooting (47) are typical for a center-back, his dribbling (71) is surprisingly competent, allowing for calm build-up play from the back.

6. Maxence Lacroix

For managers operating on a tight budget, Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix is the quintessential bargain hunter's dream. His card offers one spectacular attribute that can define a defensive strategy.

• Rating: 76

• Position: CB

• Club: Crystal Palace

The French defender's calling card is his blistering 88 Pace. This makes him an absolute menace against through balls and a perfect partner for a slower, more physically imposing center-back. While his overall rating is modest, his key stats are more than serviceable:

Stat	Rating	Note
Pace	88	Elite recovery speed
Physicality	77	Holds his own in duels
Defending	76	Reliable in the tackle
Dribbling	67	Can carry the ball forward if needed

His versatility is a bonus; with that pace, he can even be deployed as an emergency full-back on the flanks to shut down speedy wingers.

5. Gabriel Jesus

Arsenal's dynamic forward, Gabriel Jesus, remains a top-tier attacking option despite a slight rating adjustment. His card embodies the modern, versatile striker who is as much a creator as a finisher.

• Rating: 82

• Position: ST

• Club: Arsenal

Jesus's game is built on agility, technical brilliance, and clinical finishing in the box. His starter card ratings are exceptionally well-rounded:

• Dribbling (88): Glides past defenders with ease.

• Pace (83): More than enough to exploit defensive gaps.

• Shooting (80): A reliable finisher with both feet.

• Physicality (77): Stronger on the ball than he looks.

• Passing (75): Excellent link-up play for a striker.

This balance makes him a perfect focal point for any attack. He can hold up play, run in behind, or drop deep to connect the midfield. For a fair price, he offers immense value and will be a consistent performer from day one.

4. Timo Werner

If sheer, unadulterated speed is what you crave, look no further than Timo Werner's starter card. Now at Tottenham Hotspur, his card is a budget-friendly weapon designed to terrorize defenses.

• Rating: 80

• Position: LM (Secondary: ST)

• Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Werner's profile is built around three explosive attributes: 91 Pace, 80 Dribbling, and 79 Shooting. This combination makes him the ultimate counter-attacking threat. Whether deployed on the left wing or through the middle as a striker, his ability to sprint onto through balls and finish is exceptional. While his passing (68) and physicality (69) are areas for potential Evolution upgrades later, his core strengths are perfectly formed for early-game success. For a cheap, pacey outlet, he is arguably the best value attacker on this list.

3. Diogo Dalot

Manchester United's Diogo Dalot represents the modern full-back prototype. His starter card offers a rare blend of defensive solidity and attacking impetus, providing balance to any squad.

• Rating: 82

• Position: RB**

• Club: Manchester United

With 85 Pace and 80 Dribbling, Dalot is a constant outlet on the right flank. He can overlap, deliver crosses, and even cut inside. Defensively, he is no slouch either, boasting 79 Defending and 79 Physicality, which helps him in one-on-one duels. His well-rounded stat distribution (77 Passing, 63 Shooting) means he rarely has a glaring weakness. For managers who like their full-backs to contribute in both phases of play, Dalot is a must-have cornerstone for the right side of the pitch.

2. Jeremy Doku

Manchester City's electrifying winger, Jeremy Doku, is set to be one of the most sought-after cards in the early weeks of FC 25. He is the definition of a game-changer on the wing.

• Rating: 80

• Position: LW

• Club: Manchester City

Doku's stats are built for one purpose: to beat his man. With a staggering 92 Pace and 86 Dribbling, he is virtually unstoppable in open space. His gold PlayStyle+ is Rapid, making his speed even more effective for getting past defenders. 🚀 His default PlayStyles include Flair, Quick Step, and Trickster, which means every dribble move is more effective. While his shooting (72) and passing (73) are good, they are secondary to his primary role—destroying full-backs and creating chaos. Be prepared to pay a premium for this card initially, but the investment will pay dividends.

1. Christopher Nkunku

Despite a minor rating adjustment, Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku claims the top spot as the most complete and versatile attacking midfielder available among Premier League starters. His card is a creative hub and a goal threat rolled into one.

• Rating: 84

• Position: CAM (Secondary: CF, ST)

• Club: Chelsea

Nkunku's brilliance lies in his perfect balance of technical skills. His 86 Dribbling combined with 5-star Skill Moves makes him a magician in tight spaces. He is not just a dribbler; he is a complete attacker with 81 Pace, 81 Passing, and 81 Shooting. This makes him unpredictable and lethal anywhere in the final third. Furthermore, his PlayStyles are a midfielder's dream:

• Finesse Shot 🎯

• First Touch

• Flair

• Incisive Pass

• Technical

• Trivela

For a relatively accessible price, you get a player who can score worldies, provide defense-splitting passes, and glue your entire attack together. Christopher Nkunku isn't just a starter card; he's a card that can remain in your team for months to come.