FIFA 23 Ultimate Team: The best Ligue 1 starter squad
By Tom Gott
Ligue 1 is dominated by Paris Saint-Germain on FIFA 23, but if you're looking for an Ultimate Team starter squad, you'll have to cast your net a little wider.
As the French league shows, you don't need to spend a lot of money to find a good player. There are plenty of gems around for under 5,000 coins, most of whom don't even cost half that amount.
Here's the best Ligue 1 starter squad on FIFA 23 Ultimate Team.
1. GK: Alban Lafont
80-rated Alban Lafont stands at 6'5 with 86 reflexes.
Need we say more?
Alternatives to consider: Kasper Schmeichel, Anthony Lopes, Alexander Nubel
2. RB: Hamari Traore
Most budget right-backs in Ligue 1 are missing something, but Hamari Traore is about as well-rounded as you're likely to find at this price range.
He's fast enough, with decent stats at both ends of the field to make him a valuable asset.
Alternatives to consider: Jonathan Clauss, Malo Gusto, Nordi Mukiele
3. CB: Nordi Mukiele
Nordi Mukiele ships as a right-back but looks like he'll do his best work in a central role.
Standing at 6'2 and with a high defensive work rate, Mukiele is an elite athlete with 81 defending and 90 jumping, so you just know he'll be a problem.
Alternatives to consider: Jean-Clair Todibo, Chancel Mbemba
4. CB: Tiago Djalo
At 75 overall, Tiago Djalo's card doesn't exactly stand out, but importantly, it excels in every area you could want a centre-back to impress.
The 6'3 Djalo boasts a high defensive work rate, 81 pace, 76 defending and 77 physical, making him a perfect candidate for your starter squad.
Alternatives to consider: Kevin Danso, Facundo Medina
5. LB: Przemyslaw Frankowski
Przemyslaw Frankowski has the pace needed to fit in a starter squad but probably needs a chemistry style to boost his defending. A Guardian or a Sentinel would go down a treat here.
If you can't afford a style yet, you'll have to settle for somebody slower.
Alternatives to consider: Nicolas Tagliafico, Ismaily
6. CDM: Matteo Guendouzi
Matteo Guendouzi has flashed his true skill back in France and now looks like an ideal CDM.
He's tall, agile and powerful, but also brings a nice eye for a pass. Guendouzi will be great at recovering possession and kick-starting an attack.
Alternatives to consider: Mohamed Camara, Jordan Veretout, Moussa Sissoko
7. CM: Carlos Soler
A supremely well-rounded card with an eye for goal, Carlos Soler looks like he will be a lot of fun this year.
He'll be responsible for leading your attacks from deep, but he has enough defensive ability to do the ugly work as well.
Alternatives to consider: Seko Fofana, Vitinha, Matteo Guendouzi
8. CAM: Alexandr Golovin
You want your CAM to be able to dribble, pass and shoot, and few can offer all three like Alexandr Golovin.
That being said, this is another of those which depends on your playstyle. You can find better cards for each individual attribute if you look hard enough.
Alternatives to consider: Dimitri Payet, Pablo Sarabia, Teji Savanier, Vitinha
9. RW: Nicolas Pepe
The 2* weak foot remains a problem, but Nicolas Pepe is still a sensational card if you can get around that.
89 pace, 82 dribbling, 77 shooting and 74 passing will do the job in a starter squad.
Alternatives to consider: Junya Ito, Mateus Tete
10. ST: Lois Openda
In attack, the 93-pace Lois Openda just about gets the nod.
His 73 shooting is deceptive as it is dragged down by poor volleys and long shots, so if you plan on getting Openda into the box, you'll have no problems.
Alternatives to consider: Jonathan David, Alexis Sanchez, Martin Terrier
11. LW: Martin Terrier
There are faster options than Martin Terrier, but the sacrifice you have to make with passing or shooting are significant.
Terrier still has 85 pace, so it's not as if he's slow, and his combination of 81 shooting, 78 dribbling and 75 passing make him worth considering out wide or up top.
Alternatives to consider: Kamaldeen Sulemana, Moses Simon, Stephy Mavididi, Jonathan Bamba