Rafa Silva (84 CAM – Benfica)
Rafa's third-week inclusion is another reminder of his consistency. His in-form upgrades him to a lightning-fast 92 pace, alongside 86 dribbling and 81 shooting. This card can easily transition between CAM, RM, and CF roles, making him a budget-friendly hybrid option for FC 26 Coins early FUT squads.
Best Use:
Perfect for Portuguese or Liga Portugal-based hybrid builds.
Apply "Marksman" to enhance finishing and physicality.
Alexis Saelemaekers (82 RM – Bologna)
The Belgian winger finally earns his TOTW nod after a run of excellent club form. With 85 pace, 84 dribbling, and 79 shooting, he's ideal for Serie A squads lacking affordable right-wing options.
Best Use:
Pair with Giroud or Vlahović-style target men in a 4-3-3.
Use "Deadeye" to convert him into a playmaking finisher.
Igor Thiago (81 ST – Brentford)
Thiago's physical, hold-up style translates well in Ultimate Team. With 83 physical and 80 finishing, he's the definition of a "budget beast." Though not meta-tier, his positioning and heading ability make him dangerous inside the box.
Best Use:
As a secondary striker in 4-4-2.
Link with Premier League players like Bowen or Eze for early chemistry.
Palmeira (81 CB – Al-Ittihad)
A defensive rock from the Saudi Pro League, Palmeira stands out for 83 defending and 82 physicality. With the rise of global footballers in the SPL (Ronaldo, Brozović, etc.), Palmeira provides great chemistry links for hybrid squads.
Best Use:
Anchor chemistry for stronger aerial duels and positioning.
Partner with elite SPL defenders like Laporte for balance.
Vallejo (80 GK – Alavés)
This Spanish keeper offers reliable reflexes and diving stats (84 and 81 respectively). While not a top-tier option, he's a strong early-game LaLiga goalkeeper for players avoiding premium options like Ter Stegen.
Shipnoski (80 LW – Kaiserslautern)
A hidden gem in TOTW 3, Shipnoski's 86 pace and 82 dribbling make him a superb budget winger for cheap EA FC 26 Coins Bundesliga 2 or hybrid German squads.
Tip: Add "Finisher" chemistry style to elevate his shooting to 85+, turning him into a fast-break threat.
