With each passingFIFAtitle there are a handful of revisions to make the formula more streamlines and mass appealing. The series is far from what it was just ten years ago, andFIFA 23will look to improve upon its predecessor once again with a newTed Lassocrossover featuring AFC Richmond. The most controversial thing about the annual releases always seems to be player ratings, which can be underrated or overrated in comparison to their real-world performance. Erling Haaland, Lisandro Martinez, Alexia Putellas, andKylian Mbappe are some of the best players in the worldat their respective positions, and while their rating can spark fury, it’s harder still to give a score to players who are entirely fictional.
Ted Lassohas been one of the biggest surprises in television these past few years, highlighting one unlikely coach’s journey to achieving success in the English top flight of football/soccer. It’s far from a workplace comedy, though, as complex themes rise to the surface and break through the heart-warming facade to provide a show that is far deeper than initially meets the eye. AFC Richmond, the teamLasso coaches is included in the nextFIFAproject, and while the ratings of each of its players aren’t going to rival the best figures in the game, they’re not quite indicative of the show’s personalities.
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AFC Richmond’s Misfit Make-Up
FIFA 23’s roster of talent including characters fromTed Lassogoes a long way to satisfying those who have seen the Apple TV series while adding some much-needed flavor to the game. The show focuses on the lives of the players that Lasso coaches, and highlights the strengths and weaknesses that often directly impact their performance on the field. Roy Kent is one such man, playing out the final few games of his illustrious career. An 83 overall rating puts him in the same category as real-world talent like established center forward Antione Griezmann, Arsenal superstar Gabriel Jesus, and Premier League-winning goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. It’s a stretch, considering much of Kent’s story arc is about his declining ability and coming to terms with the end of his career.
Sam Obisanya, a season 2 standout, is enjoying the opposite career trajectory, quickly becoming one of thebright sparks during AFC Richmond’s single season in the Championship. An 81 rating, three lower than Jamie Tartt’s 84, isn’t indicative of his journey through the show. Tartt is a player who struggles with arrogance, and Roy’s input does well to get the best out of him, so it’s surprising that he’s granted the highest rating, given his difficulties balancing ego, team cohesion, and an abusive father who wants nothing but to see his beloved Manchester City win. Obisanya should, at worst, be in the same group as Tartt, especially given the pair’s rocky relationship in season one.
Ratings are Essential in FIFA 23
Where the cast ofTed Lassofit intoFIFA 23is an interesting topic of debate, not least because it provokes wider conversation about the importance of ratings as a whole. To give players who play week-in-week-out a number that wholly defines their abilities for an entire year is hard to justify, especially when good or bad form can be so fleeting.Ultimate Team heavily relies on it, though, and ratings are important to the overall progression ofFIFA, and has been for so very long.
Ted LassoinFIFA 23goes a long way to satisfy fans of both properties, and its relationship with the Premier League further legitimizes its inclusion. However, if it’s going to feature the cast of misfit players, the careful character development of the show has to show in the player ratings for the game. Some characters like Danny Rojas and Colin Hughes are appropriately rated for who they are inTed Lasso, but others aren’t indicative of their journeys.Ted Lassois a delightful series, and seeing the characters in the most successful football/soccer franchise in gaming is very satisfying, but the ratings of each player could use some tweaking.
FIFA 23launches June 28, 2025, for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
