As we head into the new year we take a look at the best performers throughout 2023 with a TOTY promotion. As anticipated Manchester City dominates, with several familiar faces making the predicted side.

Marc ter Stegen - GK - 89 > 95 OVR

The goalkeeping position is arguably the hardest to predict with contenders such as ter Stegen, Alisson and Ederson emerging as likely inclusions for EA. My preference is for the German after a superb season between the sticks for Barcelona. Keeping a total of 26 clean sheets and only conceding 18 goals is simply ridiculous. What more can you do as a goalkeeper?

Theo Hernandez - LB - 85 > 94 OVR

When it comes to LB’s there is not an out-and-out go-to selection. Hernandez received the nod last season and I expect the Frenchman to repeat history here too. The community takes part in the decision for this side and Hernandez is a prevalent option. That alongside his performances during the World Cup make him a favourite for this side in my eyes.

Ruben Dias - CB - 89 > 95 OVR

Long gone are the times when Pique and Ramos would hold down the central defender positions and now instead they vary year to year. Once again it’s an open book with various options presenting themselves. In terms of performance alone, Dias should be at the top of the list with his contribution towards City’s treble but his in-game card does harm his chances. That being said I feel one performance and one community card is the most likely here.

Virgil Van Dijk- CB - 89 > 95 OVR

Do I believe Van Dijk should make this side? The answer is no but I do feel as though it will happen. There are various routes this could take with both Bastoni and Kim Min Jae having stand-out years. I think it’s too rogue to predict their inclusions, thus I have played it safe with Van Dijk, who has made four of the last five TOTY sides.

Kyle Walker - RB - 84 > 94 OVR

There are a lot of City players in this prediction but with the English and CL winners being so dominant, winning the treble and recently lifting the Club World Championship is it any surprise? Wingbacks are often a position that changes year to year since both Marcelo and Alves came away from the top of the game thus giving Walker a great opportunity for his first inclusion. When it comes to the game side of things Walker is a heavy favourite and without Hakimi in the running who else are people going to select?

Jude Bellingham - CM - 86 > 95 OVR

We all knew that Jude Bellingham was one of the biggest talents out there, especially away from the forwards. Since the move to Madrid, he seems to have exceeded those already colossal expectations. With the Englishman making FIFA 23’s edition of the side he has already made the biggest leap thus likely making him hard to dislodge for the next decade considering recent performances.

Kevin De Bruyne - CM - 91 > 97 OVR

Despite only managing two appearances during the 23/24 campaign so far this side is selected mainly on 22/23 performances so his recent injury trouble can be overlooked. KDB is still widely regarded as the best central midfielder in the current era. His performances for City during that CL win last season amplify that statement. With a total of 31 assists during the 22/23 campaign can anyone compare with his playmaking prowess?

Rodri - CM - 89> 96 OVR

The attacking side of the game always receives more praise, hence why we always see attacking-minded players predominately selected for the midfield positions. Rodri has a great chance to dislodge that trend after some phenomenal performances for City over the past calendar year. Especially in the latter rounds of the Champions League, including a goal during the final. His FC card does go against him but I am sure EA will increase that pace to make him usable should he get in.

Kylian Mbappe - LW - 91 > 98 OVR

The front three for this side practically select themselves with a consensus among both the FC community and panelists being clear to see. Mbappe starts us off with sixth consecutive inclusion into the TOTY promotion and the Frenchman is not expected to lose that streak anytime soon. Mbappe ends the calendar year with an impressive 52 goals, which is second only to Ronaldo but top among the elite divisions.

Erling Haaland - ST - 91 > 98 OVR

If Haaland played for a top nation would he have received the Ballon d’Or? Most likely but instead he joins the growing list of “robbed” players with the award going in favour of global reputation rather than performance. Haaland has continued to hit the ground running since making the move from Dortmund to Manchester City, leading them to a Champions League victory in 2023. He is also among the highest scorers of the calendar year making his spot in this side inevitable.

Lionel Messi - ST - 90 > 98 OVR

Do I believe Messi should have been awarded the 2023 Ballon d’Or? Not a chance but with the award in the Argentine’s hands he becomes nailed on for a spot in this side. It’s more of a testament to what Messi has achieved in his career. This will however probably be the final time we see a TOTY Messi, although I expect EA to include him in various promotions in future editions of the game.

Cristiano Ronaldo - ST - 86 > 97 OVR

The twelfth player goes down to the fan vote and almost always goes the way of an attacking player. Ronaldo is a fan favourite and this could easily be among the final opportunities to include him in this side. With 53 calendar goals, he tops the ranks so you could even argue he deserves to be here more than Messi who is guaranteed a spot. The alternative is probably Vinicius Junior but I can't see a vote not ending in a Ronaldo victory.

Be sure to follow @FUTBIN on social media and comment below who you want to see in TOTY in EAFC 24 Ultimate Team.