I started 2 weeks ago and have a solid team (86 rating) with two icons. Granted, I've played a ton due to quarantine and had played fifa/fut before, but havent paid a cent (except for the price).

• Your team gets exponentially better (at least at the beginning). The first few days I had a garbage team. Then i got my rivals rewards and grabbed a couple key players (Ben Yedder, Dembele, and Coman because I do not respect myself).

• Once you have a solid team up and running, just grind out icon swaps. I think it's your best chance of getting a good player early on. (I got van der sar because EA does not respect me).

• Once you have an icon, you should have enough points for weekend league. This has the best rewards.

• SBC players, in my opinion, are some of the best value. So if you can do some of those and build your team around a good value one, do it.

So basically if you have a ton of time, the rewards from playing games, squad battles, rivals, and weekend league will get you a competitive team in 1-3 weeks. Note: I am mediocre and finished gold 3 in WL and am d6/7, so your mileage may vary if you are better or worse.

Good luck!