Adebayo Akinfenwa vs Daryl Dike: FIFA 21's strongest players go head to head in Championship clash

We've all seen the uproar that the release of EA Sports' FIFA stats can bring, with some players even taking to social media to voice their fury at their ratings.

However, when FIFA 21 ranked Adebayo Akinfenwa and Daryl Dike as the two strongest players on the game, it's fair to say there weren't too many complaints.

Both players are absolute units, renowned for their physical presence and ability to hold off defenders, and Barnsley's trip to Wycombe Wanderers in the Championship on Wednesday evening sees the two EA legends go head to head for the first time ever...

Akinfenwa hasn't enjoyed the kind of season he'd have been hoping for since Wycombe secured promotion from League One. The frontman has suffered a number of injuries and has failed to find the net in 26 league outings for the Chairboys as they've struggled to adapt to life in the Championship.

Meanwhile, Dike's January arrival at Barnsley has aided their unbelievable run of form which now sees them well placed for a shot at promotion via the playoffs. The Orlando City loanee has three goals in is nine appearances for the Tykes and has become a key member of their starting XI.

With FIFA 21's strongest players set to go head-to-head, 90min have provided you with the complete rundown of both men ahead of the Championship showdown.

Careers to date

Both players are at very different stages in their careers, with Akinfenwa well and truly in the twilight of his playing days at 38 years if age and 20-year-old Dike just finding his feet in the professional game.

Akinfenwa started out at Lithuanian side FK Atlantas before moving to Welsh outfit Barry Town. His first foray into England football saw him move to Boston United in 2003 and he's remained in the English game ever since, plying his trade in the lower leagues with the likes of Doncaster Rovers, Torquay United and Northampton Town.

The frontman well and truly found his feet following his move to Wycombe in 2016, helping them gain promotion to League One and then the Championship.

Dike's career is still in its infancy. The 20-year-old Oklahoma-born striker has only played one season of top-tier football with Orlando City, notching an impressive eight goals in 17 outings, while he earned his first USMNT cap this year.

The youngster - who is the cousin of Emmanuel Emenike - moved to Barnsley on loan following the conclusion of the 2020 MLS season and he's already making waves in the second tier, having netted three times to date - including this thunderb*stard.

Styles of play

A regular goalscorer in League Two, Akinfenwa has struggled to find the back of the net with regularity as Wycombe have climbed up the footballing pyramid.

The 38-year-old is renowned for his ability to shield the ball with his back to goal, though, in the nicest possible way, he's not the most mobile.

Unlike Akinfenwa, Dike possesses plenty of pace and he has the movement to cause defenders constant problems. Oh, and he's ridiculously strong so can hold the ball up whenever his teammates need a breather, obviously.

For more about Dike see 90min's player profile of the USA international.

FIFA 21 stats: Who is stronger?

While Dike may possess better movement and pace than Akinfenwa, the Wycombe man trumps him in the strength stakes on FIFA 21.

The veteran forward is rated 97 for strength. 97! While Dike is only rated a measly 96. Akinfenwa's overall FIFA 21 rating is 65, though his sprint speed (46) and agility (34) drag his score down.

Overall Dike has a FIFA 21 rating of 61, with his sprint speed (74) and shot power (76) helping to boost his rating.

See here for the top 20 strongest players on FIFA 21, including Romelu Lukaku, Niklas Sule and Kalidou Koulibaly.