Bringing Neves to the party

Dida - 18k - Dida is a great keeper with a god awful right foot. From distance he's rarely beaten, unless the shot is low, he punches a fair amount but he's incredibly quick which means mopping up long balls and his rushing at attackers is fantastic. His throwing is quick and accurate and his kicking very good, just use his left foot, his right really is atrocious. His shot stopping is amazing and the crosses he likes to come for actually get taken. I haven't used the best IF keepers from this game but so far Dida has been my favourite IF keeper, and one of my favourite keepers in the game. Mistakes are few. A great buy especially for chemistry. (8.9/10)

Marquinhos - 26k - A must for future teams due to his chemistry in Ligue 1 and Brazil. He isn't the tallest but he is one of the quickest and that pace will really help you out. His heading isn't the best but fortunately his pace lets him cover those mistakes, which is good because his tackling is excellent. Positioning wise he's good and he's not as weak as you might think when looking at him. He doesn't come forward that often and he passes excellently; so far I haven't got many complaints apart from his heading and I'm glad of him in my teams. (8.2/10)

Miranda - 40k - Expensive but due to chemistry worth it. For my playstyle he's a silent assassin; he makes very few mistakes, wins many headers even against the tallest and is great at covering the back line; maybe it's the pace. I really can't complain, I have used in many of my teams and his tackling, awareness and strength really shows. His passing is average (not bad) and he's another shorty at 6 foot but don't let that put you off; he might be 40k but he's fantastic in game and for team creativity. (8.9/10)

Carvajal - 13k - Carvajal stay in your position! That's my only complaint. He's a mini bull due to his lighting pace, his tackling is very good and his agility lets him make headers awkward for the opposition, though he doesn't win all that many. His passing is superb and his crossing is brilliant and that's good because he never stays back and if not charging down the wing is probably helping out in central midfield. For some reason I don't mind though as he's a good defender and he plays a quality part in my attacks. Well worth the coins, plus Spanish and at Madrid; that has to be a good thing for chemistry. (8.5/10)

Maxwell - 25k - A good player who simply lacks a bit of pace. His positioning is excellent, strength more than adequate and tackling great he can however feel a little sluggish next to the quickest players and so a shadow chemistry would be useful. It's not a major concern though as he usually hold  a good position for the tackle/interception. His passing is above average and crossing quite good but I tend to use Neves because of his skills and general passing brilliance; plus I don't like to leave Maxwell too far up the pitch as he doesn't get back quick enough. In the air he holds his own, especially against wingers who are usually small and his ball control means he rarely gets caught on the ball, he almost always finds a pass. With Digne's pace he'd be in all my teams but as it is that slight sluggishness can get you caught out. (7.9/10)

Tardelli - 13k - I think this guy is fantastic and is a little bull charging around the place until he gets the ball back; his first touch and dribbling is brilliant and his short passing more than adequate but his long passing is average and he when he meet a bigger bull he generally get flattened. His work rates are great as it means he assists everywhere and this covers for his lack of defensive ability; yet he does make many crucial tackles for me, just very few interceptions. His shot is pretty good but it doesn't feel that strong, yet he's dangerous on the edge of the box and has a tidy one on one finish. He loves to overlap the passer, probably that 'beat the offside trap' trait and that suits me fine as Neves prefers to pick his moments. He is everywhere and as a CM that's very useful, it's a shame he doesn't have better defending but I think it's so low you shouldn't waste a chemistry card on him. 4* skills. (8.5/10)  

Neves - 12k - I made this team purely so I could use Neves and he doesn't disappoint. He isn't the quickest but he is strong enough on the ball, has a mean left footed cross, 4*skills, and some of the most ridiculous in-game stats. Passing wise there isn't a lot he gets wrong and that's brilliant for me as it means I can continue moves with ease; both long and short passing are excellent. His freekick taking is close to 2IF Rakitic and you feel like every corner could be a goal and every freekick should be one. He can feel a little laboured to dribble with but he rarely loses the ball and it works for him because he really is a great dribbler who keeps the ball close to his feet. I don't shoot from distance all that much but Neves is one to do it with, he has a rocket shot. All in all he makes this team really fun and although his M/M work rates mean he doesn't bust a gut to get forward he is always available for a pass and quite the versatile player when he gets one. (8.9/10)

Feghouli - 11k - I didn't like his NIF, he felt awkward on the ball and poor at everything but his IF is brilliant to use and involved in everything good down the right. He is very quick, strong enough to take on a full back and has a pretty good cross. His shooting is also good for a wide man and he is able to skip past most players with some superb dribbling. He only has 3* skills so he's not complete in my eyes but that's fine because he makes up for it with H/M work rates and brilliant control. Passing wise he is decent though his cross is better than his long pass; for short passes he is pretty good but certainly not as good as Garcia but he gets involved in great moves and propels my team up the pitch with his desire to get forward. I like him a lot and plan on using him in a 433, I recommend him to everyone especially as he's so cheap. (8.5/10)

Jo - Jo is brilliant; he really is. I didn't like his NIF so was unsure of his IF but I was wrong. He takes up great positions, has an amazing header and finishes with ease even though his shot takes a bit of time to wind up. Any cross is his and he is a complete bully on the pitch throwing everyone aside. His dribbling is definitely average and he lacks any real skills but he's really fun to use and completely changed my perception of him. He is strong and quick enough but he's definitely not lightening so don't think you can outrun Alba, it's never going to happen unless you push him to the ground first. He has quickly become one of my favourite players and I can't wait to find another team for him when and if the right in-forms come out. Try him out and make those crosses count, then when your opposition thinks you're a cross abuser show them he can finish on the ground too. (8.8/10)

Jonas - 19k - This is the second team I've used Jonas in and I enjoy using him every time; he is a very unusual player. He finishes 85% of his chances, is good at linking up play, can dribble and run away from defenders and bizarrely can score with his head no matter who he faces. I put this down to his positioning because he seems to be well placed all the time and available for all my moves. His passing is actually quite good too, as is his strength, and although he isn't the quickest he is a lot of fun to use especially as he can play Jo in for an early cross. He's not the best striker you'll use but he is one of them, plus he is fun which to me is an important reason I make these teams. He also have a H/L work rate which is perfect for getting behind the defence. He is a creative goal scorer a little like Vucinic and that suits me fine. (8.8/10)

Welcome to the Cheap Seats

Before I unleash my FIFA Ultimate Team review I'd like to post the teams I've been using over the last weeks, unfortunately I haven't had time to trade like I did last year and so I'm back to making discard teams, this time the cheap gold variety.

The two teams I'm posting are the ones I've been using in seasons and they've done well for me. Once again folks I do not contain, long ball or use that horrible auto-tackle so hopefully the reviews I make are a fair and honest assessment of how a player might perform for you.
The first team I chose because I wanted to use some higher rated player and couldn't afford the high costs of BPL, Bund and La Liga players. I have made a few Russian league teams too but the draw of Galatasaray was too much. Interestingly a few of my players have chemistry styles, I don't pay much extra for these (200coins) so it's worth looking at if you have a player who lacks somewhere.

Mandanda - Needed for chemistry reasons but a decent addition to any team. I added Cat chemistry because I wanted his positioning improved, his height can cause problems from long shots and so far he's only let in a couple. Also he is terrible on the ball, throw or kick the thing don't drop and make a little run....it's a sure fire way to give someone a chance. (7.5/10)

Nkolou - The FIFA 13 wretch is back, still with pace but with less ability to defend. He got sentinel chemistry, as did the other average defenders. Quick, strong enough, misses a few headers but overall god enough to start in a team. He covers Wesley who plays higher up for me but he's the sum of the parts and not the rock; great at rushing attackers though and I recommend you use his for that as the rock Chedjou will cover missed tackles. (7.9/10)

Chedjou - Though FIFA is extremely pace based 14 is less focused on this and so someone with a defensive brain is really helpful. His tackling is great, heading strong unless it's a high ball, positioning brilliant and tracking excellent; very strong too. He is often the last line of defence and I'm always happy with that because he rarely make a mistake and mops up those horrible through balls. He can defend so Anchor chemistry gave him more pace to make sure he could do that little more with the Ibarbo's of this world. (8.5/10)

Bedimo - An interesting player, his pace and strength lets him get back and cover pesky through balls but he does wander forward and out of position more than I like. He does a job, and to be honest as a possession player that suits me fine. Great tackles in the box due to his strength and this is imperative in FIFA. He does love to run forward and overlap. (7.5/10)

Sarioglu - The most interesting player in my team, I was going to use Eboue but with a M/M workrate I decided the trade off between height and pace made him my first choice. His positioning is very good, and reminds me of Rafael from FIFA13, his pace lets him chase back and put off crossers and his crossing itself is great. His height and strength is a problem for sure but Chedjou next to him helps a lot, he is always available for a pass which I find fantastic plus he seems to make intelligent runs forward and his pace turns him into a great second winger. (7.9/10)

Melo - Melo is epic and always everywhere. He is a defensive monster, an attacking threat and a good passer for a CDM. The H/H work rates suit this formation brilliantly especially as Sneijder is a lazy bugger. Not much more I can say about him as he is practically perfect. I will put a Chemistry card on him and I think it will be to improve either his dribbling, shooting or passing. (9/10)

Inan - Feels very similar to his TOTS card in FIFA13; strong on the ball, great passer, good long shots (if you can get them off) but a bit laboured on the ball. He really is a M/M guy, he stays in the middle of the park and when he gets forward struggles to get back. I do like him and sometimes he is incredible for me but in an attacking sense I can't seem to consistently make use of him and he usually covers a charge forward/wandering Bedimo. Great defensive positioning. (7.5/10)

Sneijder - In silvers I use a lot of 4star skill players but they are too costly in golds, in this position I would much rather a more skilled player but Wesley is one of those interesting sorts who can win games due to fantastic passing and great snap shots. Amazing set pieces help. He is neat on the ball, but not that strong, has a mean shot and superb pass and spends his time in the final third. He makes good runs to find but sometimes if you're coming out of your own half he's difficult to get the ball to. His 5* weak foot is great for me and should be used. (8/10)

Amrabat - A good all round player who makes decent runs and is a real thorn in the side for my opponents. He is right footed, which can be annoying when crossing, but 4* skills makes cutting inside fun plus he has H/L work rates and 90 pace which means he's always getting away down the wing. He is strong enough to get away but I stuck on Deadeye Chemistry because I find his shooting below par, especially finesse shots. and it has helped but to be honest he makes plays (not chances) for better players especially as he is so good on the ball. (7.5/10)

Huntelaar - This team was based on Galatasaray and I needed a formation that would suit full chemistry, I couldn't afford Farfan at the time but felt the chance to get two high rated players for less than 3k was well worth investing. Huntelaar started slowly for me because I am more used to playing like Arsenal but I soon changed my approach and use his devastating shooting and incredible positioning to better effect. So far he gets at least a goal a game for me and anywhere in the box he is lethal. Pretty damn handy from outside too, if you get a chance. Also he is great to get forward, strong and available to hold up the ball as others get forward. All round a great player and even if he's not that quick I use wingers if I need to run away with the ball. (9/10)

Farfan - I chose Farfan due to chemistry and I was very happy to see his price was less than 3k, 2.3k later I had my man and suddenly I realised why he was rated so highly. For me he is excellent, he is very strong, has a mean shot, more than enough pace and a devastating cross. He gets assists for fun and goals when I decide to get one. His is a 4* skiller which is great but the M/M work rates can leave him chilling behind Sarioglu, which is fine as Sarioglu can cross. When you get alongside your man Farfan usually comes out with the ball and I find his link with Huntelaar translates in game as Hunt gets many goals from his guys work.(9/10)

The fitness team, I had a Russian league team and Diakite so I decided to make it a party. It's fun, very fun.

Abbiati - Brilliant keeper; makes the occasional mistake but generally is a terrific shot stopper. Good distributor too. Not much more to say about him but that he'll always be in contention for me squads. Solid. (9/10)

Mexes - Great defender, good in the air and strong everywhere else. Isn't the quickest but is pretty strong which means he can drag someone back as someone else covers. He is decent on the ball and able to pass which is a real help. A great discard defender. (8.5/10)

Diakite - The heading machine; he wins everything in the air and makes Drogba shirk with confusion. He isn't the best tackler but he does get back quickly, and powerfully which is good as Debuchy enjoys a venture forward. He does wander from his position and is quick poor on the ball but he stays back which is really helpful. (7.9/10)

Ansaldi - Ansaldi is average; he doesn't feel pacey even if he is, he is strong enough but nothing spectacular and he wanders around like he is sight seeing. Sometimes this is perfect as he's always available for a pass but sometimes it's baffling to watch his 'runs'. He is another guy who does a job but isn't spectacular, even if he has a good cross and overlaps well, maybe the fact he is quiet for me is a good thing...this team has done very well for me. (7/10)

Diarra - A hilarious player to use; a mighty midget who thinks he can do everything. He comes back for keeper passes, is regularly there for the last pass but can't really shine in front of goal or behind the back line as his shooting is poor and passing sub-par. No complaints though as defensively he is great; he wants to help out and that's fine...maybe one day I'll move to assisted-shooting and make the most of him. Used in a 4231 too and he was great. (8.3/10)

M'Villa - A strange concoction of brilliant and useless; he has scored some wonder goals for me and missed some sitters, similarly his passing is either brilliant or awful. Decent on the ball and very quick but nothing special in terms of a midfielder and used for his defensive abilities and occasional attacking luck?.. (7.9/10)

Britton - I needed a solid RW link to help Diakite fit and Dyer was my choice. I was a bit apprehensive using Britton but after 45mins I was sold. He is a good passer, neat on the ball and has a good shot. He does a lot of the link play for me and with Dyer is a good attacking outlet. All round he surprised me a lot and my enjoyment of this team comes from the right hand side which really does step up and perform. Britton is an interesting player that should be tried as he is always available for a pass and has a quick one touch lay off. (7.9/10)

Dyer - Dyer is brilliant and his work rates and pace make his useful everywhere. Don't get in a physical battle with anyone unless you're charging away and getting pulled back but do use those 4* skills and bamboozle defenders before making a pass to make a run. His passing is more than adequate, shooting useful and crossing very good. He is weak, and using him helped me learn how to shrug of the silly jockey/jostle technique that is abused but he is literally always available for a pass of some short. He simply isn't all pace, you just have to use him properly. (8/10)

Danny - Another player who doesn't quite hit the mark but does add a lot to your team. He is strong enough on the ball to hold someone off once, with excellent skills and a nice finesse shot but he doesn't score as much as I'd like even if he's brilliant at moving away from his defender in attack. I'd like him to get forward more but he has a Medium attacking work rate which can leave him behind the line, in this formation you do need you winger to make a run forward but I do like using him. When I improve my skills his silky dribbling will be really effective. (7.9/10)

Cisse - An all round great player who as a CF lacks a little in terms of passing but is a bull on the ball with a fantastic header. His dribbling is average even with 4* skills but if you get a straight line run, then run to another straight line run, he's very good. I used him in a 451 as a striker and he was decent but since going CF he has scored a lot more for me. I think a chemistry card with passing would help him a lot as his link up is either great or poor and usually dictated by whether the pass is with his back to goal. (back to goal good, on goal, poor) (8/20)