Gamers around globe are always massively excited for the release EA SPORTS FC every year, something that also applies to professional footballers.
In saying that, the reason for their interest is perhaps a little bit different to the general punter.
Whereas us normal folk are simply looking forward to getting on the pitch and using some of the best players in the game, those that will actually appear in the title are always eager to see what ratings they will carry.
The revealing the EA SPORTS FC ratings each season is always a big event, especially in dressing rooms at the top level. You can guarantee that it leads to plenty of banter as players compare their own ratings to that of their teammates. Of course, the competitive mindset of a top professional footballer means that they are never going to be quite satisfied with their overall score.
Ireland star Nathan Collins reviews his EA FC 24 rating
Nathan Collins has experienced quite the rise in his career over the last number of years. Having come through the youth ranks at Stoke City, he has been at the centre of big money transfers for each of the last three summers.
The first one came in a £12million switch to Burnley in 2021, followed by an Irish transfer record £21.5million move to Wolves the following year. He would then go on to break that mark once again during the summer, joining Brentford for £23.5million.
All of this took place while he established himself as a key member of the Ireland team under Stephen Kenny.
Considering that, it is no surprise to see that he is the joint-highest Irish player in EA SPORTS FC 24 alongside Josh Cullen at 76-overall.
However, it should come as no shock to learn that the 22-year old was hoping to rank just a little bit higher.
Speaking at the EA SPORTS FC 24 Clubhouse event to celebrate the launch of FC 24, he joked about some of the areas of his game that the game developers could have been just a tad bit more generous with.
It should be higher! I'd like high 70s, a bit higher at 78 or 79. We will push then next year for the 80s.
My physical was 76 or something like that. I've been studying it.
They’ve done me dirty on the pace. 67 was it? I'm not having that, not at all! It should be high 70s...
Passing was in the 50s? That should be higher. I think I'm a decent passer sometimes, I like to play it out.
They've done me dirty on dribbling as well. They haven't seen my goal (against Ukraine), have they?
There's room to improve that's the main thing.
The Brentford man certainly doesn't lack for confidence, but he will be probably have to score a few more crackers such as the one he managed against the Ukrainians if he is to boost those attacking stats for next year.
He was definitely a bit happier when it came to his 'play style'. EA SPORTS FC 24 has introduced a number of different ones that will apply to their player items, giving the game a more authentic feel as players excel in the same areas that we from them in real life.
Nathan Collins has been given the 'anticipate' play style, which will help with his position and not needing to go to ground to tackle.
I think that's fair.
I don't like tackling. Players are too good nowadays if you're tackling, they skip or run by you. They're too good at dribbling or too good with the ball, if you tackle they're just going to go by you.
I only tackle if it's 100 per cent or if it's last-ditch. Other than that, I use positioning and try to outthink them.
That's the type of level-headed defending that you will need to excel in EA SPORTS FC 24.
Nathan Collins will be hoping that some top performances on the pitch will mean he is a little bit happier with his own rating in the next edition of the game.
You can watch the full video with Nathan below:
SEE ALSO: How To Defend In FC 24 - 6 Important Tips And Tricks
