The 88s: The Real Difference-Makers
The 88-rated club includes:
Gabriel Magalhães
Bukayo Saka
Alexander Isak
Goldbridge once again circled back to the Rice debate here. If Gabriel can sit at 88, why is Saliba at 87? Statistically and stylistically, many would argue Saliba has surpassed his Arsenal teammate.
That said, Saka absolutely deserves his 88, continuing his upward trajectory as Arsenal's most dangerous attacker. Isak also looks fairly rated after a stellar season leading Newcastle's attack.
The 89s: Controversy Arrives
The 89 group features a fascinating mix:
Alisson Becker
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Florian Wirtz
Alisson is widely accepted as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, so no debates there. But the inclusion of FC 26 Coins Donnarumma and Wirtz raised eyebrows.
Neither has played in the Premier League yet, with Donnarumma rated off his Champions League exploits with PSG and Wirtz boosted by a sensational season at Bayer Leverkusen. Their cards look fantastic, but Goldbridge questioned whether it's fair to place them above established Premier League stars like Rice, Saka, or Ødegaard.
The 90s: No Complaints
The 90-rated players in FC 26's Premier League rankings are:
Virgil van Dijk
Erling Haaland
Rodri
Goldbridge had zero issues here, and few fans would either. Rodri is fresh off a Ballon d'Or win, Haaland remains the most lethal striker in the game, and Van Dijk continues to be the league's defensive leader. It's refreshing to see defensive players getting recognition at the very top.
The Best of the Best: Salah at 91
Finally, standing above the rest is Mohamed Salah with a 91 overall. With 89 pace, 88 shooting, and 90 dribbling, Salah remains the Premier League's ultimate attacker in FC 26.
Despite competition from Haaland and Rodri, Goldbridge crowned Salah as "the best player in the Premier League," both in real life and in cheap FC 26 Coins Ultimate Team. Few can argue-his consistency, production, and sheer dominance over the last five years speak for themselves.
