Tonight EA launched the mini-release for the Ones to Watch promotion, which includes three new players in packs. If you were wise enough to save your Guaranteed Ones to Watch Pre-Order packs until now, then you will love the new additions.
Renato Sanches OTW
His 80-rated gold card was already expensive, and now EA has included Renato Sanches in the Ones to Watch promotion following his transfer to PSG this summer. Some might overlook the card as it's only 80 rated, but compared to the likes of Tolisso who is 81 rated and undesirable, Renato Sanches is one of the best central midfielders in FIFA 23 right now. Given how the upgrade system works for Ones to Watch this year, anyone who is lucky enough to pack OTW Renato Sanches will have themselves a solid midfield option for months to come.
Matthijs de Ligt OTW
If this was a card featured in the FIFA 22 Ones to Watch promotion, it would be somewhat expensive but nowhere near as valuable as de Ligt is this year, especially in the current meta. Previously any defender under 80 pace would be frowned upon but with the introduction of the new AccereRATE system and the currently overpowered Lengthy AccereRATE style, de Ligt looks like a fabulous option to have in your team for the next couple of months, providing he gets the expected upgrades. Playing for Bayern München and being Dutch means he should almost be guaranteed multiple upgrades. While he's not as exciting to pack as Renato Sanches, Mane, or even Haaland, there will still be value in having him first owner if you pack him from the Guaranteed Ones to Watch pack.
Steven Bergwijn OTW
As expected with the Mini-Release, there is always one player that doesn't carry quite as much excitement, and unfortunately, it's Bergwijn in this case. The only plus side I can see that is with playing for Ajax and being Dutch, there is a higher chance he will pick up upgrades throughout the first few months and you could quickly find him being 85 or 86 rated. Which, if you can overcome the 2-star weak-foot, might make him slightly more desirable. However, there are better options out there for less. For example, just 15 minutes after being released, Bergwijn has settled at around 23,000 coins and you could jump on the market and pick up IF Gakpo (85 rated) for 18,000 coins.
If you made the smart move of saving the Guaranteed Ones to Watch Pre-Order pack and didn't succumb to the temptation of opening it on Friday, did you manage to pack any of the mini-release players?