The European football season is a few matches past the halfway mark at this point of the year, and the transfer window is open. Almost all of the clubs (sorry, Dortmund) you'd expect to be at the top of each league are right it in, and form and injuries have had their effects on the title race.
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The best teams have shown off their high-end talent and displayed consistency through the first half of the season, yet the competitions in England, Spain, and France remain as close as ever. EA updates the team and player ratings in FIFA 15 to reflect real-life performance, and this part of the season is as good as any to see who's on top. Our top five clubs are listed below, a combination of the current Matchday ratings and opinion on how effective the teams are in-game:
1. Real Madrid
As is usually the case, the Spanish giants come in on top of the ratings. While Barcelona may have some more highly-rated players, the style Madrid plays and the speed of its attackers are simply very effective in FIFA. The 92-rated Ronaldo is the easiest player with which to beat defenses and score with in the game, and Bale is even faster on the other wing. Combine those two with the talented dribblers and passers in the midfield, and Madrid can cut opponents apart on the counter or pick out passes to unlock defenses. Right back and goalkeeper are arguably week spots, but Casillas still pulls off great saves and Ramos and Pepe are among the most effective combinations around.
2. Barcelona
Though they're playing like the second or third best team in the world, the FIFA 15 ratings don't quite get that form across. This is due in part to Mourinho's focus on team effort and tactical efficiency, but there are of course some stand out stars. The 89-rated Eden Hazard is in scintillating form, and can easily beat players on the dribble with his speed in FIFA 15. Goal-scoring machine Diego Costa (87) will convert up top, and Fabregas' (87, which should arguably be higher given his assist record) passing can launch the perfect attack. The very pacey Willian (82) can provide another outlet, and Matic locks the game down in midfield. Come at your opponents with pressure and speed and Cheslsea can score easily. Courtois (86) is very difficult to beat between the sticks, and a strong defense will help protect any lead you earn.
5. Juventus
Though not named in the same breath as the rest of Europe's elite in the last few years, the current Juventus side is quite good. You might see more PSG or Manchester City playing online, but this team is better in the game on paper. The outrageously talented Pogba is now an 87 and can score, create, and defend in midfield, while Tevez is as effective as ever up top. Perhaps the world's best all-around player Arturo Vidal (87) will make this side difficult to break down and can help the scoring. If there's a weakness to this team it's in its speed, but the same could be argued for City's midfield and defense. Juventus may not immediately come to mind as a top team, but they're currently leading Serie A and are rated well in FIFA 15.
