As the dust settles on Chelsea’s turbulent campaign, talk among fans has already shifted to the next edition of EA Sports’ flagship football title — and specifically, how the Blues’ squad will be represented in EA FC 26. Player ratings are always a hot topic, and this year feels different. With the club reshaping its identity, a couple of standout performers have emerged as genuine stars, likely to see their virtual stock soar. For Ultimate Team enthusiasts, it’s the perfect time to start planning — some will even be eyeing up FC 26 Coins early, knowing these upgraded cards could define their squads from day one.
Cole Palmer’s rise has been one of the most compelling stories in the Premier League this season. When he left Manchester City, there was curiosity but also skepticism — could he handle being the main man? Not only did he handle it, he thrived. Week after week, he pulled the strings in attack, scoring and assisting with a composure that belied his age. Watching him felt like seeing a player who knows exactly where the game is going before anyone else on the pitch. In FC 25, his rating feels like an outdated snapshot; in FC 26, expect him to jump into the mid-to-high 80s, with sharp boosts to his shooting, passing, and dribbling. He’s no longer “one for the future” — he’s already one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders you can pick.
Moises Caicedo’s story is different, but no less impressive. His record-breaking move to Chelsea came with intense scrutiny, and the early months were rocky. There were moments when it looked like the pressure might weigh him down. But somewhere around mid-season, something clicked. His tackling became sharper, his positioning more disciplined, and his passing range started to open up. By the end, he was the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield. His current EA rating undersells his influence, so a bump feels inevitable. In FC 26, he could easily be among the top defensive midfielders available — the kind of player you build your Ultimate Team spine around.
Of course, it’s not just those two who’ve turned heads. Malo Gusto deserves a mention — stepping in for the injured Reece James is no small task, yet he did it with a calmness that’s rare for his age. Defensively solid, but also willing to push forward and deliver quality balls into the box, he’s made a strong case for a significant upgrade. Nicolas Jackson is trickier to judge; his finishing can frustrate, but his pace and movement caused constant problems for defenders, and his goal tally by the end wasn’t bad at all. Conor Gallagher, meanwhile, has been everywhere — literally. His stamina and defensive work rate have been relentless, and in-game, that should translate to boosted physical and defensive stats that make him a nuisance in midfield battles.
Not everyone will come out ahead in the ratings shuffle. Raheem Sterling’s season was a patchwork of bright moments and long, quiet spells. That kind of inconsistency tends to be punished in EA’s updates, so a small dip wouldn’t be surprising. Reece James is a tougher call — when fit, he’s world-class, but injuries have limited his impact. EA often factors in availability, meaning his rating might stay flat or even slip slightly, which feels harsh but is consistent with how they’ve handled similar cases in the past.
What’s clear is that Chelsea’s in-game hierarchy is shifting. Palmer and Caicedo are stepping into the spotlight, and that changes how the team will feel to play with in EA FC 26. For Career Mode players, they’re the kind of core you can build around for years. For Ultimate Team, they’re potential game-changers if you can get them early — which is why some players are already planning to buy FC 26 Coins before the market goes wild. The Blues might still be figuring things out in real life, but in the virtual world, their new generation is ready to take over.
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