Wingers: The Pace-and-Dribble Formula

On the wings, you want players who can burn past defenders and deliver either a cutback or a shot. Finishing matters less than pure pace and dribbling.

Pedro Neto (Premier League, 81 rated)

With 90 sprint speed, good agility, and a 4/4 skill-move and weak-foot combo, Neto is tailor-made for early Premier League squads. Expect him to be one of the most popular wingers in FC 26 Coins week one.

Noni Madueke (Premier League, 79 rated)

Another budget option. With 91 sprint speed and 85 agility, he can play both wings. His finishing isn't elite, but with a Finisher chemistry style, he becomes deadly.

Geyse (Liga F, 82 rated)

A Brazilian speedster with 91 sprint speed and 92 agility, she's perfect for hybrid squads. Combine her with Martinelli and you've got an unstoppable Brazilian link.

Cloe Lacasse (WSL, 82 rated)

A women's league standout with 90 sprint speed and excellent stamina. If you're looking for value outside the big leagues, Lacasse is the perfect pick.

Thompson (NWSL, 80 rated)

With pace and finishing, she's another hidden gem for starter squads. Great option if you want to experiment with women's league squads.

Wingers live and die by pace. If they can also shoot or cross, that's a bonus, but the first priority is beating fullbacks off the dribble.

Strikers: Clinical Finishing on a Budget

The most fun position to shop for. Strikers in FC 26 come in all styles-speed demons, physical tanks, or clinical finishers. The trick is finding the ones who combine multiple attributes without breaking the bank.

Iñaki Williams (La Liga, 81 rated)

Every year, Williams is a must-have starter striker. With 94 sprint speed, 82 finishing, and elite stamina, he's the perfect run-in-behind forward.

Moise Kean (Serie A, 83 rated)

With 88 finishing and 87 sprint speed, Kean is a powerhouse in the box. His 3/3 weak foot and skills hold him back, but as a poacher he's deadly.

Vivianne Asseyi (WSL, 83 rated)

A physical beast with 90 sprint speed, 86 finishing, 93 stamina, and 90 strength. She combines pace and power in a way few budget strikers can.

Dovbyk (La Liga, 82 rated)

A taller striker with 86 finishing and 86 sprint speed. If you prefer a target man who can also run, he's a smart pick.

Donyell Malen (Bundesliga, 82 rated)

Known for his agility and burst, Malen is a brilliant option for players who like skill moves and dribbling.

The rule for strikers is simple: prioritize finishing and sprint speed. Players like Kean and Asseyi might lack flashy skills, but they'll score the goals that matter in early Rivals and Champs.

Final Thoughts

When FC 26 launches, every coin matters. That's why identifying the hidden gems early is the best way to stay ahead of the curve. Players like Bombito, Pedro Neto, and Zakaria will dominate starter squads, while picks like Saúl Coco or Moise Kean give you budget-friendly alternatives to EA FC Coins for sale overpriced meta cards.

The formula for success hasn't changed: pace + defensive awareness in the back, versatility in midfield, and sprint speed + finishing up top. Stick to that blueprint and you'll dominate the early weeks of FC 26 without spending a fortune.