FIFA 23 - These players NEED an UPGRADE after World Cup heroics

The winter World Cup has come to an end, providing us with plenty of thrilling moments and memorable performances.

We couldn't help but notice that some of the stand-out players didn't have FIFA 23 ratings to match their output.

So, here are players that we believe need an upgrade in FIFA 23 after top World Cup contributions!

Azzedine Ounahi (OVR 71 → 77)

One of Morocco's national heroes, Azzedine Ounahi was a bit of an unknown coming into the tournament for many.

He showed that he could mix it with the best around, helping control the midfield and provide defensive cover as the team made it to the Semi-Finals.

He has already been handed a +1 upgrade in a recent update, but that doesn't seem nearly enough considering the displays on show in the World Cup!

Sofyan Amrabat (OVR 76 → 81)

Another from Morocco, Sofyan Amrabat made it into many Team of the Tournament selections and was an essential part of the nation's set-up.

A total defensive shield, he sniffed out danger, was aggressive in hounding down attackers and showed great composure and ability on the ball to take it away from the danger.

A 76 OVR is far too low for a guy that showed that much class!

Julian Alvarez (OVR 79 → 81)

Manchester City knew they were signing a gem when Julian Alvarez was added to their books, but with Erling Haaland the main man, he was always going to be in his shadow and hasn't gained as much praise as maybe he should have.

For Argentina, he was able to show off his talents, bagging four goals and being one of the World Cup-winning side's best players.

Richarlison (OVR 81 → 83)

In a team with as many stars as Brazil, it can sometimes be hard to stand out, but Richarlison did just that as he led the line for his country.

His performances can be inconsistent, but when he's on form - as he was at the World Cup - his ability really shows.

Josko Gvardiol (OVR 81 → 83)

Josko Gvardiol has been getting a lot of attention from the big European sides, with his World Cup campaign making him an even more exciting prospect.

Apart from a bit of Messi magic in the semis, he didn't put a foot wrong and looked calm, controlled and confident at the back.

He is already a classy customer and at only 20 years old could become one of the best around.

Olivier Giroud (OVR 82 → 84)

Injury to Karim Benzema before the tournament meant Olivier Giroud leading the France attack and showing that maybe he should stay as the first choice!

Now the national side's all-time leading goalscorer, Giroud keeps scoring no matter where he is and we think he has been criminally underrated for a while now.

It may be that his stats abilities can't be properly catered to in FIFA (like Thomas Muller) but we think a little boost should come his way.

Bukayo Saka (OVR 83 → 84)

He already gained an upgrade from his initial 82 OVR rating at the start of December, but should Bukayo Saka be handed another one?

A shining star for England in recent years, he is a driving force for the team, with his speed and dribbling causing issues for any defender he comes up against.

Antoine Griezmann (OVR 83 → 85)

One of the players of the tournament, everyone was singing praises for Antoine Griezmann.

He took a -2 hit to his rating between FIFA 22 and FIFA 23, but at the World Cup, he showed that he still has it and should be bumped back to an 85 OVR.

During the tournament, he also played a deeper role, showing a different side to his game which could be reflected in an upgrade.

Jude Bellingham (OVR 84 → 86)

Jude Bellingham continues to show that he is not just one of the best prospects in football, but one of the current best in midfield!

His ability on the pitch is matched by his leadership, quite a feat for someone who is still just 19.

There really is nothing the boy can't do and he seems to relish playing on the biggest stages around.

Kylian Mbappe (OVR 91 → 92)

This may be a bit controversial, but we think that Kylian Mbappe showed that he is a class above the rest this World Cup.

Sure, Lionel Messi took home, not just the title, but also the Golden Ball award, yet Mbappe showed that he can do things no one else on the planet can.

The way terrorised defenders for the whole competition and nearly single-handedly won the final for France was something to behold.

There are still five players tied at the top of the rating table (all on 91 OVR) but we think Mbappe deserves to be one above the rest!