The world’s most popular football game franchise is back for another year, with the latest addition of EA FC set to be launched on September 26 worldwide.
Top of the charts when it comes to football simulation games, EA FC 26 will allow fans across the globe to play as their favourite team or players, while they can also take on a career of their own. It is expected to sell into the millions once again, cementing its status as one of the world’s most adored computer games.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe have been confirmed as the highest-ranked men’s players on the game after EA Sports released their player ratings earlier this week. However, many Scottish fans are wondering which Tartan Army heroes are likely to shine for them this season when they pair off against their mates and fellow gamers.
While there’s no place for Lennon Miller, despite his £4.5million move to Udinese, there are some shock inclusions on the list. Will Scott McTominay nab the top from Andy Robertson after his outstanding debut season at Napoli? Could Lewis Ferguson move into the top three highest-rated Scots after his Coppa Italia win with Bologna? And where will John McGinn be placed after years of consistent performances for club and country?
Here, The Scotsman looks at the 15 highest-ranked male Scottish footballers on EA FC 26 - from 15-1.
5. Scott McKenna - Dinamo Zagreb - 75
Became the first and only Scottish player to play in the Croatian league when he moved to Dinamo Zagreb in the summer, and he's started superbly, helping the club keep four clean sheets in their opening six league games. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
6. Kieran Tierney - Celtic - 77
Returning to Celtic in the summer after a six-year stint at Arsenal, the full-back has struggled for fitness and was subsequently ruled out of Scotland's international camp earlier this month. His rankings on EA FC have dipped from 87 last year. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
7. Che Adams - Torino - 77
Has four goals in his last three appearances for Scotland, and enjoyed a strong first campaign with Torino following his arrival in the Serie A last summer, where he scored nine league goals. | PA Photo: PA
8. Ryan Gauld - Vancouver Whitecaps - 78
Ranking surprisingly high on this list, there's no doubt that the Scottish playmaker has long been lauded as one of the best in the MLS. He's rated higher than the likes of Gilmour, Hickey and Adams on the newest version of the popular video game. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images