The highest-ranked XI on FM22: Van Dijk, Modric, Messi, Kane…

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25th December 2021

Football Manager is all about finding the best young stars and turning them into world-beaters.

However, it is nice sometimes to already have those ready-made world-beaters in your side. That’s why we’ve put together this list.

Here is the highest rated 11 on Football Manager 2022, configured into an old-school 4-4-2 formation.

GK: Manuel Neuer

Once again, German stopper Manuel Neuer is ranked as the best goalkeeper at the start of the game.

Despite being past his peak, Neuer still has a safe pair of hands in between the sticks.

The more youthful likes of Jan Oblak and Thibaut Courtois follow closely, but the 35-year-old is still seen to be the world’s best keeper.

RB: Joshua Kimmich

Another German in the side, this time on the right of the defence.

Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich is ranked as the best right back on the game, and at just 26, he may not have reached his peak.

He is ranked higher than the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and is seen to be the most reliable player at right-back.

CB: Virgil van Dijk

The Premier League’s first entry into the team, Virgil Van Dijk is reliable as they come.

Liverpool’s star centre-back is the leading defender in the game and would walk his way into any side in the world.

At 30-years-old, Van Dijk is probably at his peak so won’t progress any further, but it would be surprising if that was possible, having already been ranked as the world’s number one centre back.

READ: The making of Virgil van Dijk: ‘Quick, strong, confident’…and a handy striker

CB: Sergio Ramos

Incredibly, Sergio Ramos at 35-years-old is still seen to be one of the best centre backs in the world.

Now playing his trade in Paris, and arguably past his best, he is still seen to be better than the likes of Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte.

With very few technical attributes rated under 14, as well as impressive mental stats, Ramos is still up there according to Football Manager.

LB: David Alaba

Austria international David Alaba has made it into the team at left-back.

At 29, Alaba is playing at his peak and would slot into any team in his position, but is also capable of playing in the centre of the defence.

Now playing at Real Madrid, Alaba has shown he can cut it in Europe’s top clubs, so if you are looking for an elite level left-back, Alaba is your man.

Real Madrid lead against Barcelona!

With all the attacking talent on the pitch it's David Alaba with the finish on his Clásico debut! pic.twitter.com/TgYiz2mpMt

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) October 24, 2021

CM: Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne defied the odds to become one of the worlds best players.

Eyebrows were raised when Manchester City signed him for £54 million after his unspectacular spell at Chelsea.

However, he has grown from strength to strength, and now playing at his peak, De Bruyne is the best centre midfielder in the game.

CM: Luka Modric

Another veteran makes it into the team, this time Croatian star Luka Modric.

The 35-year-old Real Madrid midfielder is still at the top of his game and is ranked higher than players such as N’Golo Kante, who misses out on the team.

However, Modric isn’t likely to be at this level for long, so you may only be able to enjoy having him in your side for one season until he starts to decline.

AMR: Lionel Messi

A man who needs no introduction and arguably the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi still makes the best 11 on the game at 34.

Now playing at PSG, Messi is still the highest-ranked player in the game in any position – in spite of scoring just one league goal before Christmas in real life.

He can play in multiple positions too, including CAM and ST, making him an incredible player to have in your team, even at his age.

READ: Comparing Lionel Messi’s seven Ballon d’Or-winning years

AML: Kylian Mbappe

At just 22-years-old, Kylian Mbappe makes it into our team.

The PSG star can play out on the left or up front and is still yet to reach his peak.

He is the youngest player in this team, yet he is already rated higher than the likes of PSG team-mate Neymar, and Liverpool’s Mo Salah.

A no-brainer if you’re looking to sign the best of the best.

ST: Robert Lewandowski

Ranked as the best striker in the world, Robert Lewandowski is the third Bayern Munich player to make it into this team.

With his finishing ranked at 20, Lewandowski is the deadliest striker in the game.

At 32, he is probably just past his peak, however, he will still do a fantastic job for your side should you need goals.

READ: 10 stats behind Lewandowski’s incredible and record-breaking 2021

ST: Karry Kane

The only Englishman to make it into the side, Tottenham’s Harry Kane is seen to be the next best forward behind Lewandowski, despite his struggles with form in the real life.

Kane is chasing down Alan Sheerer’s record for the most goals scored in the Premier League, and aged at 27, he may just do it.

Should you sign him in the game, he will be almost guaranteed to get you the goals for a few years at least, and should be your go-to big-money signing, if you need to add goals to your team.

By Josh Watton