Building the Cheapest 87-Rated Squad in FIFA 24: A Strategic Guide
FIFA 24 is here, and with it comes the thrilling challenge of building a top-tier squad without breaking the bank. For many players, achieving an 87-rated team is the ultimate goal—it’s the sweet spot where squads are competitive yet achievable. However, constructing such a team on a budget requires a mix of smart planning, market knowledge, and a bit of creativity. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to assemble the cheapest 87-rated squad in FIFA 24 while maintaining a high level of performance on the pitch.
Why an 87-Rated Squad?
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth asking: why aim for an 87-rated squad? The answer lies in FIFA 24’s meta. An 87-rated team offers a perfect balance of power and affordability. It’s high enough to compete in Division Rivals and even some FUT Champions weekends but doesn’t require the astronomical coins or packs needed for a 90+ rated squad. Plus, with the right chemistry and tactics, an 87-rated team can outperform higher-rated squads in the hands of a skilled player.
Key Strategies for Building a Budget-Friendly 87-Rated Squad
1. Focus on Liga Portugal or Eredivisie Players
Liga Portugal and Eredivisie are goldmines for affordable, high-potential players. Clubs like Sporting CP, Porto, and Ajax often produce talented youngsters with high ratings at a fraction of the cost of their Premier League counterparts. For example, players like Gonçalo Inácio (CB, 87) or Jérémy Doku (RW, 87) can be snapped up for under 50,000 coins, making them ideal for budget-conscious builders.
2. Utilize Young Players with High Potential
Young players are often cheaper than their older counterparts, but they can still deliver elite performance. Look for 21- to 23-year-olds with high potential ratings. These players may start with a lower overall rating but can be upgraded through training or in-game performance. For instance, Florian Wirtz (CAM, 86) is a bargain at around 30,000 coins and can grow into a world-class midfielder.
3. Leverage Non-Rare Cards
Rare cards dominate the market, but non-rare players can be just as effective. Since non-rare cards are less sought after, their prices are significantly lower. For example, Dayot Upamecano (CB, 86) in his non-rare form is a steal at 20,000 coins, offering elite defensive stats without the premium price tag.
4. Experiment with Custom Tactics
Even the cheapest 87-rated squad can shine with the right tactics. Focus on custom tactics that play to your players’ strengths. For example, if your team has pacey wingers, use a counter-attacking style to exploit defensive gaps. Similarly, if your midfield is physical, adopt a possession-based game to control the tempo.
Building Your Cheapest 87-Rated Squad: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Choose Your Formation Wisely
The 4-2-3-1 Narrow and 4-3-3 formations are excellent for budget squads. They provide defensive stability while allowing for attacking flexibility. The key is to maximize chemistry by sticking to players from the same league or nation.
2. Selecting the Right Players
Here’s a breakdown of how to pick the best players for your squad without overspending:
Goalkeeper (GK):
Mike Maignan (AC Milan, 87) – A solid, affordable option with excellent reflexes.
Defenders (CB, LB, RB):
Merih Demiral (Atalanta, 87) – A dominant center-back with great defensive stats.
Owen Wijndal (Arsenal, 86) – A budget-friendly left-back with impressive pace and dribbling.
Jeremie Frimpong (B