Since my last article the transfer window has closed so it’s worth looking at the potential impact these moves have on your potential FIFA Ultimate Team line-up. Chemistry is vital to a flourishing FUT team and the recent moves will affect millions of players who will be creating brand new squads over the coming weeks. Overnight the likes of Bale and Özil need different players around them if they’re to play to their true potential.

With Gareth Bale’s recent move, players looking to construct a team focused on La Liga will have the opportunity to partner him with the likes of Messi (who between them are the two best centre forwards in FIFA 14), Benzema and Alonso, creating a chemistry link and a line-up that would be the envy of every FUT player out there. Clearly this is the ultimate goal and it won’t happen overnight, however there are advantages for opting for players based in Spain as their FUT auction prices can be much lower.

If you choose to go down this route, here are a few players I feel would benefit any squad and, hopefully, get you on the path to victory very quickly:

• Iker Muniain, Athletic Bilbao – known for his pace and great dribbling ability, Muniain can stretch defences and open up passing lanes for strikers.
• Ever Banega, Valencia – also an accomplished dribbler and can certainly pick a pass. His vision, ability to retain possession and keep the ball moving is up there with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta but for a fraction of the price.
• Papa Kouli Diop, Levante – a great all round player. If you’re going to have the likes of Muniain and Benaga attacking teams you’ll need someone who can play the holding role and Diop is a solid option and won’t reduce your coin balance to zero.

People often ask about team chemistry and whether it really makes a difference. As was well documented fellow FUT Legend, Teddy Sheringham and Andy Cole didn’t have the best relationship off the field but they formed a strong partnership on it. New players coming in, especially from overseas can take time to settle and feel part of the squad.

I remember on many occasions at United, we used to get players coming through the youth team to stand on tables and sing a song. It was a right of passage which no-one could escape from, embarrassing for the player at the time, but great for morale and the overall cohesion of the squad.

So with new chemistry channels opening up due to players switching clubs and leagues, twinned with innovative boosts, teams may look very different this year in FIFA 14.

La Liga is also well represented in this week’s FUT Team of the Week featuring Barcelona’s Jordi Alba and the world’s second most expensive player, Cristiano Ronaldo. If you are lucky enough to discover either player in one of your packs you’ll be well on your way to building a competitive team.

Don’t forget the FIFA 14 playable demo is now available to download on Xbox 360 and PS3. For the first time FIFA Ultimate Team is included so newcomers can learn more about the mode before the kick-off on Friday 27th September.