FIFA 17: The complete Southampton guide

The Spine

A strong spine is a must in any successful side, whether that be in real life or the virtual world, especially if you want to make your mark as a so-called ‘smaller side’.

Big impact transfers are all well and good, but with sides on a smaller budget you need a solid side to put them into and get the best out of them. So, who can you build you team around at St. Mary’s?

Fraser Forster

The England international will be the base of any success you achieve as manager on the south coast. His spectacular return form injury last season, which in-turn sparked a change in fortunes for Ronald Koeman’s side, proved just how crucial he is to the Saints, no need for investment here.

Virgil Van Dijk

The former Celtic man was one of the signings of the season in the Premier League last summer, with his ability to carry the ball out of the back four as well as keep it tight at the back, the Dutchman will be crucial against the top sides, at home and abroad.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

A recent addition from Bayern Munich, the Dane has the daunting task of filling the rather sizeable boots of the departed Victor Wanyama.

Aged just 21, however, the central midfielder looks quite the prospect, and you should look to make him the crux of a solid midfield which can allow your forward men to wreak havoc on opposing defences.

Sofaine Boufal

A bit of an unknown quantity for Premier League fans, the former Lille man has often been compared to the likes of title winners Riyad Mahrez and Eden Hazard.

The 23-year-old starts out life on FIFA 17 rated at a modest 80, however, his stand out assets are his pace and dribbling rated at 85 and 87 respectively, whilst his other ratings offer plenty of room for speedy growth.