World class Irish footballers have been few and far between in recent years. Robbie Keane and his namesake Roy are probably the last two elite players to represent the Boys in Green, which doesn’t make for good reading considering they both hit their peak back in the noughties. But it’s not all doom and gloom, below we take a look at the top 5 Irish footballers on FIFA 22:
Best Irish Wonderkids in FIFA 22
5. Troy Parrott (MK Dons: ST)
Currently on loan at MK Dons, Troy Parrott is one of Tottenham’s hottest prospects. A pacy, agile striker with sublime balance Parrott possesses exceptional movement for his age which allows him to exploit space in behind. Technically there’s plenty of room for improvement for the 19-year-old, with finishing, dribbling and control all under 70. But with a current overall rating of 64 and a potential of 80, the teenager is definitely worth keeping an eye on in FIFA 22 career mode.
4. Anselmo Garcia McNulty (Wolfsburg: CB)
Spanish born Anselmo Garcia McNulty was recently handed a three-year contract with German club Wolfsburg and is currently skipper of their youth team. Standing 6ft 1” tall, McNulty is dominant in the air with 82 jumping, and despite still only being 18-years-old is deceptively strong with 71 strength. Add to that 68 heading accuracy, 69 standing tackles and 65 sliding tackles, and it’s clear to see why there’s so much excitement surrounding the teenager. Given time this kid has the skill-set to go on and become a solid centre back at both club and international level, which is backed up with a potential of 81 in FIFA 22.
3. Andrew Omobamidele (Norwich: CB)
Another promising Irish centre back is Norwich City’s Andrew Omabamidele. The 19-year-old has already received 5 senior international caps after a handful of appearances for the Canaries in the Premier League and is expected to become a regular starter in years to come. Dominant in the air with 79 jumping and not one to shy away from a challenge with 70 standing tackles, Omobamidele also possesses a quick turn of pace with 75 acceleration, which is becoming more and more important in the modern game as defences look to deploy a higher line and move away from sitting deep. There’s no denying the young centre back needs to improve dramatically in most aspects of his game if he’s to make it at the top level, but with a potential of 81 there’s plenty of expectation.
2. Nathan Collins (Burnley: CB, RB)
It’s fair to say Ireland won’t be struggling for centre backs over the next decade or so, and Burnley’s Nathan Collins is by far the pick of the bunch. Also capable of playing right back, the Stoke academy graduate made his senior international debut in October 2021 after representing Ireland at youth level almost 30 times. Defensively solid, Collins has 74 standing tackles, 72 sliding tackles and 71 defensive awareness. He’s dominant in the air too with 78 strength, 72 jumping and 70 heading accuracy. Currently rated 71, with a potential of 82, Collins is well worth the £8million release clause in FIFA 22.
1.Gavin Bazunu (Portsmouth: GK)
Aged just 19 Gavin Bazunu has already made 10 senior appearances for the Boys in Green and it’s no surprise to see him top the list as Ireland’s hottest prospect on FIFA 22. The 6ft 2” tall shot stopper has been likened to a certain Shay Given and is currently on loan at Portsmouth from Man City after graduating from the Shamrock Rovers academy. Still only rated 64 overall but with a potential of 84, Bazunu has solid attributes with 69 reflexes, 68 diving and kicking and 66 handling. Improvements need to be made with the ball at his feet, especially if he’s to make it as a sweeper keeper back at Man City, but all in all he’s definitely one to look out for.
For years the future of Irish football has looked bleak, and that’s being kind. But now, with an abundance of talent coming through their ranks, things seem to be on the up. They’re just missing a midfield general like Roy Keane to get stuck in in the middle of the park.
