It's that time again: FIFA 18 is ready to take over the focus of fans across the globe, and one of the most playable sides in the gameBarcelonaare sure to be favourite picks for many once again.There's no secret why so many choose to operate with the Camp Nou side: top-tier talent, lots of pace in attack, good depth to choose from and a certain Lionel Messithe second-highest rated player on the newest iteration of the game.For Barca fans in particular, this latest version of FIFA might be the best timed of all: Unrest over transfer activity in the summer can be sorted to each supporter's wants, while the recent injury to record signing Ousmane Dembele can be overcome by delving into the market for a replacement.But what if they could turn toformer greats to fill the voids'That can already be done in part, with legends such as Luis Figo, Hristo Stoichkov and Carles Puyol all having their own Legends cards. Gary Lineker, Michael Laudrup, Gheorghe Hagi and Jari Litmanen are other former players who have had the same honour bestowed upon them.This year, the FUT ICONS cards take over, including appearances for Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Diego Maradonabutat Barcelona, there are always more stars who deserve a mention, more greats of the past who supporters would like to restore to the team.Here, we've curated those who might be of particular interest to supporters and rated them in accordance with other former greats listed on the game. Pep Guardiola (Overall rating: 89)Now regarded as a managerial legend, it shouldn't be forgotten that Pep Guardiola was one of the finest holding midfielders in Europe.He departed Barcelona for Italy just after the turn of the century after coming through the ranks at the La Masia academy, having captained the first team and won six La Liga titles along the way.His role then was the same as Sergio Busquets' is now: defensive protector, metronomic passer from deep and orchestrator of those around him.FIFA card ratingPace: 64Dribbling: 79Shooting: 54Defending: 86Passing: 92Physical: 78Guardiola's passing was sublime, both over short distance and long range, as he sought to get his team on the front foot while rarely giving up possession.He didn't score manya dozen goals in over a decade at Barcelonabut his ability to sit and shield the back line and initiate play from deep was almost unsurpassed.For those fans looking to find the successor to the Xavi-Andres Iniesta partnership and return Barcelona to their dominant midfield displays of old, bringing back the man whose style inspired their own would be appealing. Rivaldo(Overall rating: 91)Rivaldo was Barca's biggest attacking star across the turn of the century, and at times he had to haul the club to victory himself.His all-round offensive threat was in equal parts majestic and brutal: a powerful figure who could hold off defenders when needed, but one who also had that innate unpredictability to find space or invention where no other player could.FIFA card ratingPace: 85Dribbling: 86Shooting: 89Defending: 34Passing: 81Physical: 73Using the Brazilian on FIFA would be an exercise in mirror-imaging Cristiano Ronaldo of a few years previous: cutting in off the right with explosive power and unleashing a left-footed shot of magnificent force from range.Capable of playing across the attacking lineeven as a second forward himselfRivaldo possessed so many traits to his game that lovers of dribbling, a passing buildup or the need for speed would all find great service from the former No. 10.Victor Valdes(Overall rating: 86)Not too many goalkeepers make the grade, but Victor Valdeswas such an integral part of a successful Barcelona side that he would have to be a consideration.The former Spain international was the instigator of many Barca attacksor at least periods of dominating possessionwith his willingness to play out from the back, pass short to his defenders even when under pressure and his capacity to take the ball from them and redistribute when they were pressed.FIFA card ratingDiving: 79Reflexes: 88Handling: 82Speed: 56Kicking: 91Position: 79There were shortcomings with his style, particularly off set pieces towards the near post or claiming high crosses, but these faded into irrelevance more often than not given what he brought to the team elsewhere.Valdes' reflexes and shot-stopping ability were prominent attributes, and the fact he was La Masia-trained also lent itself to his popularity. Phillip Cocu(Overall rating: 88)Dutch legend Phillip Cocu was an integral part of the Barcelona team across the end of Guardiola's time as a player, right up to 2004 when he returned to his homeland with PSV Eindhoven.A classy performer who was comprised of equal parts intelligence on the ball and defensive resilience, Cocu was just as happy striding forward to impart his creative side in the attacking third as he was chasing back to break up opposition play.FIFA card ratingPace: 78Dribbling: 65Shooting: 72Defending: 87Passing: 86Physical: 80One of those all-rounders who would fit into any midfield style, Cocu could adapt to shine alongside different team-matesan appealing trait on FIFA that would allow either a more offensive-minded partner in the centre or to switch up formations.There were goals in his game, too, which led to Cocu featuring on the wing at timesthough speed was never regarded as his best attribute. Ludovic Giuly(Overall rating: 86)It seems difficult to believe but there was life on the right wing at Barcelona before Messi came along, in the shape of Ludovic Giuly.A French winger who had incredible pace and close control on the run, Giuly formed part of the attacking trident alongside Samuel Eto'o and Ronaldinho as the Camp Nou side won the 2006 Champions League under Frank Rijkaard.FIFA card ratingPace: 88Dribbling: 89Shooting: 77Defending: 56Passing: 78Physical: 62It's not tricky to spot why he would be a favourite on FIFA: great speed, the ability to beat defenders one-on-one and a knack for scoring plenty of goals, at least in the first half of his career, make him a well-rounded wide attacking threat.Giuly would go on to lose his place to Messi's emergence, but that's hardly a put-down on the winger.Eric Abidal(Overall rating: 87)Finally, we come to left-back Eric Abidal, the French defender who served Barcelona for several seasons under Guardiola and even returned to playing for the side after surgery on a liver tumour.In his prime he was a fleet-footed and powerful full-back. He wasn't always the most graceful in possession, but he was rock solid defensively and more than capable of playing centrally when needed.FIFA card ratingPace: 81Dribbling: 69Shooting: 58Defending: 86Passing: 68Physical: 89Abidal was happy to get forward and support the front three, overlapping thanks to his great pace rather than dribbling ability, but his aerial prowess also made him useful in the box in both offensive and defensive situations.He left Barcelona in 2013 after winning four La Liga titles and two Champions League medals, but he's perhaps most fondly remembered for his refusal to admit defeaton the pitch and off it.
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