David De GEa (GK - goalkeeper)
David De Gea was Manchester United’s no. 1 goalkeeper for 12 seasons in which he won 2 golden glove awards is shockingly still a free agent in October of 2023. Winning the 2nd golden glove in the 2022-23 season by keeping the most clean sheets, he had his part to play in some goals conceded which lead to many question marks over his future once his contract expires. And what many thought did happen, Manchester United decided not to extend his contract ending his 12 year stint, replacing him with Andre Onana.
De gea is one of the best shot-stopping goalkeepers the world has ever seen, often winning games for Manchester United and being their man of the match for many games in his 12 years. He is a great leader, loves working with youngsters and is always fit and available for the team with a great fitness record. However his rating and price has fallen considerably in the last couple years specially with the rising demand for keepers who can play out from the back and are good with their feet. He would be a great player for your team if you are not looking for a sweeper keeper role.
Best stats: Aerial Reach (16), Handling (18), Reflexes (19), Positioning (18), Agility (17)
Jesse lingard (am - attacking midfielder)
The 30-year old English attacking midfielder is a product of the Manchester United youth academy. He broke into the Manchester United first team under Louis Van Gaal in 2005 and was a regukar starter till 2019 socring important match and trophy winning goals to win games in the last minute for Manchester United and featured for the England National Team as well.
2019 he saw a dip in his form leading him to sit out of games till 2021 where he went for a loan to West Ham United and showed why he was a quality player scoring 9 goals in 16 appearances till the year ended. After this he returned to United and was loaned out to Nottingham Forest for his last year of the Manchester United contract and now he is a free agent. He is still a quality player who has a high work rate, dribbling, pace and teamwork.
Best stats: Off the Ball (17), Fitness (17), Dribbling (14), Technique (14), Finishing (14), Teamwork (16)
Eden hazard (LW - left wing attacker)
Aged 32, the Belgian forward has played was a elite player for Chelsea winning the Premier League twice, the UEFA Europa League in 2013 establishing himself as one of the best players in the world before making his dream transfer to Real Madrid in 2019. However his injury woes, subpar performances and a lack of fitness led to him only playing a limited number of games for his dream club letting himself and the club down.
Known for his dribbling skills, close control and agility he will still be a great signing for any team looking for a electric winger and playmaker, although there will be question mark if he will still make it at any top club in the Europeans leagues. There is also rumours over this 2023 summer of Hazard retiring from football and hanging up his boots with concerns over his fitness and willingness to play for any other team. So the question remains over his future plans for staying in this sport.
Best stats: Dribbling (18), Passing (16), Technique (18), Flair (18), Vision(16), Composure (16), First Touch (17)
Jérôme Boateng (CB - centre back defender)
Boateng started his career at Hertha Berlin club before moving to Hamburger SV and guiding them to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals twice. He then made his big move to Bayern Munich in 2011 where he established himself as a great defender winning numeric Bundesliga titles and European titles, most notably achieving coveted continental treble in the 2012-13 and 2019-20 seasons.
His contract ended in June 2021, with Bayern signing a younger talented replacement for him and releasing him. He chose to join Lyon after that but now he is a free agent once again with rumours of Roma interested in signing him in the January transfer window. If you are looking for a great leader and defender in the backline to have around the team, Boateng would be a great addition even if he is just a squad player. His defending, aggression and leadership will definitely help the team although you will have to keep an eye out for his pace and stamina because he of his age.
Best stats: Jumping Reach (17), Composure (16), Anticipation (16), Tackling (15), Marking (15), Passing (15)
Shkodran Mustafi (CB - centre back defender)
Mustafi started his career at Hamburger SV and Everton before making a move to Sampdoria in 2012 and the moving to Valencia in Spain in August 2021. His performances there and also at the FIFA World Cup 2014 where Germany lifted the Cup earned earned him a transfer for 35 million to Arsenal where he played 151 games.
This 31-year old German brings strength, heading and marking to the table and although a free agent he would still be a good option for no-nonsense centre back for most good teams across the top 5 leagues with low wage demands as well.
Best stats: Heading (16), Tackling (16), Bravery (16), Jumping Reach (16), Aggression (16), Positioning (14), Strength (15)
TImo horn (GK - Goalkeeper)
Horn started his career at SC Rondorf and then joined his favorite club FC Köln in 2002, even rejected a chance to play for Liverpool. He faced relegation at the start with club, spending two seasons in the 2nd division of Bundesliga. But he played key role in their promotion leading the clean sheet stats as well winning the Köln player of the season award as well. He kept signing contract extensions up until season end of 2023 as he loved playing for his childhood club Köln.
The 30 year old German keeper has always been a consistent perform for Köln in Bundesliga. His reflexes, composure, handling and the fact that he was a FIFA Confederations Cup winner with Germany in 2017 makes him a solid option between the sticks. He would be a good back-up option for a elite team or a starter for a good team in most of the leagues in the world (not sure about his abilites suited for the Premier League clubs).
Best stats: Strength (15), Reflexes (15), Throwing (15), One on Ones (15), Handling (14), Positioning (15), Anticipation (14)
