Predicting the EA Sports FIFA 23 Team of the Year

It is one of the most anticipated events in the popular game.

The voting lines for EA Sports FIFA 2023 Team of the Year awards were opened online on January 10th and since then, football geeks have been buzzing about who will make up this ultimate team. The nominee list was filled with many new names, such as Emiliano Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Jude Bellingham, etc., but Cristiano Ronaldo was the most prominent absentee. As one of the most awaited promotions of the FIFA Ultimate Team, Team of the Year continues to grow in popularity every year.

The best player of the 2022 season will feature on this list and it isn't to crack into. The voting lines will close on 17th January at 7:59 GMT while the list will be announced on 19th January.

There are many names who stood out in 2022 and that's why today we are going to predict the EA Sports FIFA 2023 Team of the Year.

Thibaut Courtois (Goalkeeper) - Real Madrid

The star man of Los Blancos was the star of the 2022 year in goal. He might not have had a memorable World Cup due to Belgium's group-stage exit but overall, he had a splendid year. Courtois led Real Madrid to their 14th Champions League title with his jaw-dropping saves in every match. Not only this, he was the main reason why Los Blancos conquered the Spanish League. 

Joao Cancelo (Right-Back) - Manchester City

Last season, Joao Cancelo continued to display his class for Manchester City in the right flank position. However, he was also shuffled to the left block position as well, but that didn't affect his class. Cancelo was a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League and easily one of the favourites to feature on EA Sports FIFA 2023 Team of the Year. 

Virgil van Dijk (Centre-Back) - Liverpool

In 2022, the Liverpool star led Liverpool to the Champions League final and the Netherlands to the quarter-finals. The towering defender gave strikers a hard time and was a key factor in both teams' success. Even though he would have loved to win more medals in 2022, his Individual performance was impeccable.

Eder Militao (Centre-Back) - Real Madrid

The 2022 year was a breakthrough year for Brazilian defenders in the heart of the defence. Militao has had impressive performances in previous years, but in 2022, he emerged as a force to be reckoned with against the best attackers in the world. In 2023 again, he started from where he left off after winning the Champions League and La Liga. 

Theo Hernandez (Left-Back) - AC Milan

Just like Eder Militao, Theo Hernandez also had his breakthrough year in 2022. He had already made his name in the AC Milan line-up in previous seasons but last year, he led them to the Serie A title after 10 years and also earned a call-up for the World Cup. In the World Cup also, he set the world on fire after coming in as a replacement for his injured brother Lucas Hernandez in the starting lineup.

Casemiro (Midfielder) - Manchester United

Among the best midfielders in 2022, there are few who can compete with Manchester United's Casemiro. It was another memorable year for the Brazilian midfielder. He won the Champions League and La Liga with Real Madrid and then joined struggling Manchester United, a gamble that proved his quality. The best defensive midfielder in the Premier League is Casemiro, who has lifted a depleted United team since he arrived.

Luka Modric (Midfielder) - Real Madrid

Real Madrid star Luka Modric has been a TOTY regular for many years now. It is certain that the Croatian star will be on the team of the year again after another exceptional year. As well as enjoying success at Real Madrid, the Croatian international team also reached a semi-final at the World Cup. He is one of the best midfielders at the moment, and there aren't many lists that will not include him.

Kevin de Bruyne (Midfielder) - Manchester City 

The Manchester City magician was again at his supreme best in 2022. He scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 30 appearances for Manchester City in the Premier League season. The World Cup was his only setback from last year. De Bruyne is a dream player in the middle of the park and is likely to be selected for the FIFA Team of the Year 2023.

Lionel Messi (Right Wing) - Paris Saint-Germain

When we recap the year 2022, then the happiest face that will turn up in your mind will be Lionel Messi. Despite a difficult start to his Paris Saint-Germain career, Messi turned the heat up in 2022. The 2022 World Cup triumph for Argentina is an outstanding example of his brilliance. 

Kylian Mbappe (Left Wing)- Paris Saint-Germain

The French attacker has been in the headlines for his phenomenal performances since 2022 started. Mbappe was a running riot, especially at the World Cup where he scored eight goals to win the golden boot. Mbappe is now among one of the best in the world and any team is incomplete without his name. Although he didn't win any big silverware with Paris Saint Germain or France, his unbelievable numbers are enough to seal his name.

Karim Benzema (Striker) - Real Madrid

In 2022, Karim Benzema won Ballon d'Or and it proves how good his year was. The French striker was at his peak. He literally scored in every match and showed up especially well for the big matches. He was unable to participate in the 2022 World Cup due to injury, which would have been another great achievement for him.