Top 3 FC 25 Underrated Players to Buy in Ultimate Team
In order to build a good team in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team without spending millions of coins, proper scouting of underpriced players is critical. Most players chase the same meta stars—Mbappé, Haaland, and Vinícius Jr.—but there are treasures just as good for a quarter of the price.
These underrated cards often go under the radar due to league popularity, little hype, or unconventional positions, but they are game-changers for budget-conscious players.
This guide presents three incredibly underrated players that offer top-level performance without the premium price tag:
1. Alexander Isak (TOTS): A genuine striker who is on par with the best strikers in the game
2. Wendie Renard (Shapeshifters 96): A dominant defensive midfielder who outmuscles the competition
3. Sergio Busquets (Shapeshifters 96): A midfield maestro perfect for possession-based playstyles
As a bonus, we’ll also look at Peter Crouch’s Shapeshifters Hero 95 card, an unexpectedly solid goalkeeper option that’s as fun as it is effective.
Whether you’re building a budget squad, looking for smart investments, or just want to try something new, these players deserve your attention before their prices rise.
ST: Alexander Isak – Team of the Season (TOTS) EA FC 25
Why He’s Underrated
Alexander Isak's Team of the Season (TOTS) card is the most underappreciated striker selection in EA FC 25. Despite his similar stats to stars Mbappé and Haaland, he is affordable due to his lack of popularity. Players usually choose Premier League strikers or meta-strike names, but Isak possesses the speed, shooting, dribbling, and aggression necessary to be an ultimate forward.
Another reason he's underpriced is his league—if he plays in the Premier League for Newcastle, he doesn't carry the same hefty price like other EPL stars. He's a total steal for his rating and in-game value.
Key Stats & Playstyle Breakdown
Isak's TOTS card has 96 Pace, 96 Shooting, and 97 Dribbling; thus, he is a nightmare to mark for defenders. Here's why he stands out:
Scorching Speed (96 Pace): He leaves most centre-backs behind, thus making him perfect for through balls and counterattacks.
Deadly Finishing (96 Shooting) : His shot power and positioning guarantee that he scores opportunities in and around the box.
Silky Dribbling (97 Dribbling) : At 6'4", he moves fluidly on the ball, allowing him to quickly turn and perform skill moves.
5-Star Weak Foot : He's deadlier with his left or right foot, eliminating the typical weak-foot complications.
Aerial Threat : He's a viable target for crosses and long balls due to his height.
Best Chemistry Styles & Tactical Setup
To make the most of Isak’s potential, use these chemistry styles:
Hunter: Tones up his speed and shooting to near-perfect levels, leaving him unstoppable on breakaways.
Engine: If you prefer your striker a bit more balanced, this tones up his passing and dribbling for link-up play.
Optimal Formations for Isak:
4-3-2-1: His pace thrives with this tight formation, utilising gaps between defenders.
4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow): In addition to a second striker, he can take advantage of a target man or play off in behind.
4-2-4 : If you're playing high-pressure attacking football, Isak's speed and finishing excel in such situations.
Market Value & Investment Potential
Currently, Isak's TOTS is a percentage of the cost of similar-tier strikers, Haaland or Lewandowski. Given his form, he's a great bet to watch his price increase as more users discover him to be effective.
Why purchase now?
Weekend League Demand : The more users who try him out, the greater his price has the potential to be.
Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) : If a high-rated SBC drops, his price could spike due to his strong links (Premier League, Sweden).
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly elite striker, Isak is one of the best options available.
CDM/CM: Wendie Renard – Shapeshifters 96
Why She’s Underrated
Wendie Renard's Shapeshifters 96 card makes her a top defensive midfielder in EA FC 25 but remains overlooked. Players of Ultimate Team dismiss female players, but Renard's physique, defensive stats, and passing qualify her as a CDM destroyer who can match toe-to-toe (and typically outclass) the best of them such as Vieira or TOTY Rodri.
Key Stats & Playstyle Breakdown
Renard's Shapeshifters card is a complete defensive player with:
94 Defending : World-class interceptions and tackling.
93 Physicality : Strong enough to bully opposing attackers out of possession.
96 Passing : Great at launching counters.
6'2" Height : Cannons the ball in crosses and headers and poses a threat on dead balls.
She can even play Center-Back (CB) as a last resort, so she is multi-functional defensive force.
Best Chemistry Styles & Tactical Setup
In order to use her potential to her utmost:
Shadow : Boosts her defense and speed, turning her into an unstoppable ball-winner.
Anchor : If you want a more dominating presence, this boosts her power and aggression.
Best Formations for Renard:
4-2-3-1 : Perfectly suited to a stay-back CDM, protecting the defense.
4-4-2 : Effectively covers acres in a flat midfield.
3-5-2 : Her strength and height ideally suited to a three-at-the-back setup.
Market Value & Investment Potential
Renard is a lot cheaper than TOTY midfielders Rodri or Kimmich but performs just as well. Her value can skyrocket in Weekend League, so a purchase now is recommended.
Why pick her?
Meta Defensive Stats : She does everything you want your CDM to do.
Strong Links : French and Liga F links make her simple to hybrid.
Potential Price Rise : As more and more people find out about her value, demand (and price) could rise.
If you need a dominating budget choice of a CDM, Renard is one to try out.
CAM: Sergio Busquets – Shapeshifters 96
Why He's Underrated
Sergio Busquets playmaking Shapeshifters 96 card makes him among the best playmakers in EA FC 25, but he's normally neglected due to his bad vision for defense. However, if you love possession football, Busquets is a pearl with unparalleled passing and defensive vision.
Key Stats & Playstyle Breakdown
Busquets excels as a deep-lying playmaker with
93 Passing : Spotting through balls and long passing.
94 Dribbling : Surprisingly speedy in cramped areas.
High Defensive Awareness : Assists in pressing and ball winning.
He's ideal for slow build-up, tiki-taka, and control in the middle area.
Optimal Chemistry Styles & Tactical Setup
To maximize his performance:
Engine : Enhances his speed and dribbling to make his movement smoother.
Anchor : completes his shooting and passing to become a full CAM.
Optimum Formations for Busquets:
4-3-3 (False 9) : Controls play from a deep position.
4-2-2-2 : excels as a playmaker in the center.
4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow) : Ideal for slow, deliberate buildup.
Market Value & Investment Potential
Busquets is a value against other class-top CAMs like De Bruyne. His price (and demand) can rise if football based on possession becomes standard.
Why buy him today?
Class-top Passing : Not many possess his vision and distribution.
Defensive Contribution : Unlike most CAMs, he assists in gaining possession.
Investment Potential : In case a slow-play meta occurs, his price may skyrocket.
For control-minded tactical players, Busquets is a necessity.
Bonus Mention: GK: Peter Crouch – Shapeshifters Hero 95
In fact, Peter Crouch is a keeper in EA FC 25 because of his Shapeshifters Hero 95 card. At 6'7" and 95 reflexes, he's a ridiculously handy cheap keeper. While he's a bit of a meme selection, his height and shot-stopping abilities make him a surprisingly solid choice—especially against cross-spammers.
Why give him a shot?
Ridiculous Height : Covers more of the goal than most keepers.
Great Reflexes : Surprisingly good at close-range saves.
Fun Factor : One of the most unique cards in Ultimate Team.
If you’re tired of facing the same meta GKs, Crouch is a fun alternative worth experimenting with.
Conclusion
Discovering hidden gems such as Isak, Renard, and Busquets can provide your EA FC 25 Ultimate Team with a massive competitive edge at little cost. These gems far exceed their price and have great investment potential since more and more players find them. Don't wait—get some experience with them before their prices go up! And for the thrill-seeker, take a chance on Crouch as a goalkeeper for some sidesplitting (and functional) saves.
Who's your favourite sleeper pick in EA FC 25? Let us know in the comments!
