Football fans are rubbing their hands together as EA Sports gradually reveal the FIFA 19 player ratings.

Every year, the games company takes on the difficult challenge of attributing a number to some of the biggest names in world football and drawing comparisons between stars as a consequence.

The decision-making process took place over the whole summer and there must have been some chopping and changing all the way to the deadline.

Now, though, EA have settled on their rankings and only the inevitable winter upgrades will allow them to make changes to their verdict.

The company is beginning to unveil their ratings this week by slowing counting down the top 100 players, naming new cards every day.

FIFA 19 ratings becoming clearer

At the time of writing, 40 different players have been revealed and the debate is already alive between football fans.

Liverpool fans have lamented the decision to downgrade Virgil van Dijk's pace, while Manchester City supporters are feeling smug about their players this year.

However, for those not wanting to wait for the final unveilings, the FIFA 19 demo has given an early indication of how the final ratings will pan out.

Predicted best possible XI

The preview game has given an accurate forecast so far and with more teams beginning to be leaked, supporters can get ahead of the game.

That considered, people are starting to put the puzzle pieces together and establish exactly who the best players in FIFA 19 are going to be.

SportsKeeda have taken that very initiative and put their necks on the line by predicting the best possible starting XI. 

It makes for rather interesting reading - check it out below:

GK - David de Gea (91)

CM - N'Golo Kante (89)
CM - Kevin De Bruyne (92)
CM - Luka Modric (91)

RF - Lionel Messi (94)
CF - Cristiano Ronaldo (94)
LF - Neymar (92)

Confirmation approaching this week

Barring any last minute changes from EA, the above will be the dream starting XI for players on FIFA Ultimate Team.

The defence is almost completely made up of Real Madrid players with Godin squeezing his way into the back-line and Modric also representing Los Blancos in midfield.

Only three Premier League players make the cut, comprising two thirds of the midfield with De Bruyne receiving an impressive rating of 92.

The attacking trio won't exactly cause many surprises yet it's very interesting to note that Messi - despite missing out on a nomination for FIFA's 'The Best' award - catching up Ronaldo on 94.

Whatever EA settled on, though, their decision was always going to be met with debate and no doubt the team above will cause its fair share of arguments.

However, ahead of an exciting new season, it's always fascinating to see some of the game's biggest names compared in such incredible detail.

Do you think FIFA 19 have got their ratings correct? Have your say in the comments section below.