FIFA 23 Ultimate Team: The best Bundesliga starter squad
By Tom Gott
The Bundesliga is always a great place to look for a cheap starter squad for Ultimate Team.
The German top flight has long had some of the most game-breaking cards and that remains the case in FIFA 23, with a handful of players looking like they could go down in history as some of the most terrifying cards the game has ever seen.
Here's your best Bundesliga budget squad, with each player coming in at under 5,000.
1. GK: Gregor Kobel
Standing at 6'5, it's not hard to see the appeal of having Gregor Kobel in your team.
Add in his 88 reflexes as well and you'll be praying you don't come up against him.
Alternatives to consider: Koen Casteels, Mark Flekken
2. RB: Ridle Baku
As far as cheap right-backs go, the Bundesliga isn't exactly blessed with elite options, but Ridle Baku is probably your best shout.
He's mobile enough to keep up with most attackers and just about has the defensive abilities needed to get by.
Alternatives to consider: Marius Wolf, Thomas Meunier
3. CB: Nico Schlotterbeck
Most of the Bundesliga's top budget defenders come with high/high work rates, including Nico Schlotterbeck.
You need to make sure you set your tactics up to try and limit his tendencies to move forwards, but once you've sorted that out, Schlotterbeck will be a star.
Alternatives to consider: Josko Gvardiol, Evan Ndicka
4. CB: Timo Hubers
We want somebody here who doesn't have the high attacking work rate, so we've opted for Timo Hubers.
The 6'3 man comes with 80 pace, 78 defending and 73 physical, which will do the job at this stage in the cycle.
Alternatives to consider: Edmond Tapsoba, Ko Itakura
5. LB: David Raum
Over at left-back, we have 81-rated David Raum.
Raum brings 87 pace, 71 defending and 77 physical, but also boasts the secret weapon of 78 dribbling and 77 passing, making him a real danger when you get forward.
Alternatives to consider: Jerome Roussillon, Christian Gunter
6. CDM: Salih Ozcan
A well-rounded midfielder with medium/high work rates, Salih Ozcan is an easy selection at CDM.
His 5'11 body and impressive physical stats are enough to battle with any opponent, while his above-average agility allows him to get across the pitch with ease.
Alternatives to consider: Djibril Sow, Dominik Kohr
7. CM: Ryan Gravenberch
Now playing with Bayern Munich, Ryan Gravenberch's excellent card is far easier to link in FIFA 23.
The Dutchman is well-rounded, with 83 dribbling and 78 passing his stand-out stats, so he'd be a great addition to any team.
Alternatives to consider: Jamal Musiala, Marcel Sabitzer
8. CAM: Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz's superior passing just about gives him the edge over Jamal Musiala here.
That makes Wirtz an all-round threat with excellent dribbling, passing and pace, and his shooting isn't half-bad either.
Alternatives to consider: Jamal Musiala, Dominik Szoboszlai, Marcel Sabitzer
9. RW: Karim Bellarabi
When it comes to right wingers, you're going to have to sacrifice something. All the budget options are lacking in one area, whether it be pace, passing or dribbling.
We've gone with Karim Bellarabi, who is as close to the full package as you're going to get at this price point.
Alternatives to consider: Silas, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ihlas Bebou
10. ST: Sheraldo Becker
There are a few intriguing options here. The Bundesliga has a lot of budget strikers flirting with FIFA 14 Victor Ibarbo territory.
Of all those available, Sheraldo Becker stands out. He's got 95 pace, what more do you want?
Alternatives to consider: Donyell Malen, Karim Adeyemi
11. LW: Donyell Malen
Donyell Malen may be better in a central role, but limited options out on the left wing mean we'll shift him out here for our team.
88 pace, 83 dribbling, 4* skills and 4* weak foot make him a real candidate to shine on the left wing.
Alternatives to consider: Josip Brekalo, Giovanni Reyna