EA have waved their magic wand and given some of Europe’s (and the Rest of the World’s) most in-form players a boost to their Ultimate Team cards. Europe's major leagues have all seen upgrades to basic Ultimate Team cards – but players who might be sweating after a subpar season can cease fretting: there are no downgrades this year. Phew.It’s not just the big names going up in the world; a few of European top divisions’ lesser lights are also given their due. These are the players who have seen the biggest improvements on their recent card, as well as some highlight names to pick out and really improve your team...Premier LeagueHeadline act: Mo Salah (Liverpool)83 OVR 85 OVRThere isn’t much the Egyptian attacker hasn’t been able to do during his second stint in the Premier League. His Ratings Refresh card reflects that: Salah has been given significant upgrades on his shooting and physicality.Best upgrades: Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom)68 OVR 75 OVRFrom one Egyptianto another. Amid West Brom’s current woes in the Premier League doldrums, it’s easy to forget that Hegazi had one of the best starts to a debut season for a defender in Premier League history. The imperious stopper's massive seven-point jump is thoroughly deserved.Best upgrades: Nick Pope (Burnley)68 OVR 75 OVRTom Heaton’s long layoff could have spelled trouble for Burnley. Thankfully for the Clarets, former Charlton keeper Nick Pope has excelled in his stead andmadethe No.1 spot his own (for now).Ligue 1Headline act: Edinson Cavani (PSG)88 OVR 89 OVRThe Uruguayan striker may have been playing in Neymar’s shadow (and had a penalty or two nicked from underneath him) for much of the season, but his goal tally doesn’t lie. Cavani has 24 goals in 25 league games, having netted every 84 minutes on average.Best upgrades: Adama Mbengue (Caen)62 OVR 69 OVRThe Senegalese left-back has developed quickly in a short space of time. Mbengue’s seven-point hike overall is indicative of a player whose star continues to rise in what is, crucially, a World Cup year.Best upgrades: Tomas Koubek (Rennes)67 OVR 74 OVRStanding at a gargantuan 6ft 6in, Koubek proves size does matter as his winter upgrade has morphed him into one of the finest silver goalkeepers in the game. What he lacks in speed, he more than makes him elsewhere across the board.Serie AHeadline act: Dries Mertens (Napoli)86 OVR 87 OVRNapoli’s surge towards the top of thetable wasn’t going to go unnoticed by EA. Mertens has continued his hot form in Serie A, and he’s bound to punish virtual defences too. While only receiving a small boost compared to some of his peers, the Belgian forward is now staking a claim for being one of the best all-round players in the game.Best upgrades: Milan Skriniar (Inter)74 OVR 80 OVRWith a name like that, the Slovakian was bound to turn up at San Siro eventually. And turn up he has: the centre-back has impressed Inter fans and newcomers alike with how dominating he’s been in recent months.Best upgrades: Patrick Cutrone (Milan)65 OVR 71 OVRWe shan't leave the other Milan giant out: their 20-year-old striker is a household name of the future. You could argue 71 is a little low but, if you’re inclined to play with and against silver teams, you can’t do much arguing about Cutrone's +13 pace increase. The kid’s got it in spades.BundesligaHeadline act: Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich)88 OVR 89 OVRGoing from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich tends to be a wise career move these days (unless your name is Mario Gotze). Defender Hummels has picked up where he’s left off since joining Bayern in 2016 –by consistently performing to the level required of the Bavarian giants. An overall boost is his reward.Best upgrades: Mickael Cuisance (Borussia Monchengladbach)61 OVR 70 OVRHere he is; one of the best winter upgrades in the game. You don’t go up nine points by chance, and the French midfielder’s attacking ability and footballing brain belies his 18 years of age. Yes, he was born in 1999. Yes, we’re all old.Best upgrades: Dennis Geiger (Hoffenheim)61 OVR 70 OVRThe Bundesliga, as we’ve become accustomed to over the years, is the breeding ground for some serious up-and-coming talent. Geiger’s upgrade may still be doing him a disservice. Expect the teenage midfielder to come into the thinking of severalbig-name clubs over the summer.La LigaHeadline act: Philippe Coutinho (Barcelona)86 OVR 87 OVROK, this one is a bit sneaky. Coutinho has spent most of the season showing his skills in the Premier League before his big-money move to Barça. He hasn’t quite hit the ground running yet at the Camp Nou, but he’s sure to improve many a La Liga Ultimate Team squad.Best upgrades: Alejandro Mula (Malaga)60 OVR 73 OVRNo, that’s not a typo. That 13-point jump for the Spanish winger is well deserved after tearing things up with Malaga at the start of the season. In essence, he’s a whole new playerwho could make a mockery of players rated far above him in-game. Just check out those stats.Best upgrades: Maximiliano Gomez (Celta Vigo)70 OVR 77 OVRProbably not the top Spanish-based Uruguayan striker you’d want on your team, but don’t discount Gomez. He’s currently boasting a one-in-two record in La Liga, and he’s only 21 years old. Plenty more to come, and that might yet include a 2018 World Cup appearance.Rest of the WorldHeadline act: Yacine Brahimi (Porto)82 OVR 84 OVRThe Algerian has continued his consistent form while plying on the wing for Porto this season. He’s been duly rewarded with a solid improvement upon his basic card.Best upgrades: Joao Novais (Rio Ave)62 OVR 73 OVRNot only does the Portuguese midfielder have one of the best upgrades in the game, he now also comes with 99 shot power. He’s the PES 6 Adriano of FIFA 18. Go and get him.Best upgrades: Maximilian Wober (Ajax)66 OVR 73 OVRAjax didn't create this composed young stopper – Rapid Vienna did – but he's their player now. Unless you want to nab in in FUT , that is. With serious pace and defending upgrades, Wober is sure to improve any Eredivisie side you're trying to cobble together.FIFA 18hints and tips on FourFourTwo:FIFA 18’s 11 most overpowered players7 critical FIFA 18 tips – direct from the developer EA CanadaThe 10 best FIFA 18 kits that’ll make your Ultimate Team look snazzy15 of the finest FIFA 18 hidden gems you can sign in Career ModeSkill moves: How to do 7 of our favouritesChemistry Styles explained – and why they’re more important than you thinkThe 5 best formations in FIFA 18: our favourite systems explainedNew features you'd love on FourFourTwo.com
