Player Review
93 - TOTS
TOTS Gerard Pique was a card that I had my eye on for a while, but I could never quite fit him into the squad while keeping everyone on 10 chem. Once the La Liga TOTS released, I found my opportunity! In a back line with 90 DDG in goal, TOTS Filipe Luis at LB, TOTS Sergi Roberto at RB, and 90 Ramos as his CB partner, Pique is an absolute wall. I would suggest pairing him with a more athletic CB and outside back, as he takes a little while to reach top speed which can allow faster strikers to get by him. However, if an opposing player comes within ~5 feet of him, it's game over. This man doesn't miss a tackle, standing or sliding. HIs 6'4" frame allows him to reach around the attacker and poke the ball away cleanly every time. He's a beast in the air, especially clearing corners. The most surprising aspect is his passing and dribbling. The man is a maestro on the ball, especially for someone his size, and can win the ball, control it, and find a pass, short or 30 yards downfield no problem.
Individual Stats w/ Shadow Chem Style
Pace: 72 (83 with Shadow) His top speed is excellent, can get back and make huge tackles without hesitation, the only problem is going from standing to full speed takes time, his acceleration is not the greatest. 7/10
Shooting: 74 Honestly I haven't taken a shot with Pique that wasn't a header but in terms of his finishing on corners he is very dangerous and reliable on corners. If you can find his head he will at least force a good save from the keeper. 6/10
Passing: 85 Second best stat on this card after defending, Pique is the perfect ball-playing CB. Can make short or long passes without difficulty, and if you're looking for a defender that can tackle opponents and immediately start a counter with a splitting 15-20 yard pass, Pique is your man. 10/10
Dribbling: 80 His dribbling is excellent for a CB, can keep his composure under pressure. He's made the occasional foray forward and can keep the ball close while sprinting, but I wouldn't suggest going too far with it. At the very least he won't ruin a great defensive play by taking a 20 yard touch and allowing the attacker to tackle it right back. 8/10
Defending: 94 (99 with Shadow) His defending is exquisite, won't miss a tackle. He's also very accurate with his tackling, which is good because some of the other massive CBs like Sule seem to be so clunky and uncoordinated and give away a ton of fouls. Pique feels more like a larger Azpi in terms of his tackling. His heading is incredible, able to win almost every ball in the air, interceptions are very good. Overall incredible out-and-out defender. 9/10
Physical: 86 This stat seems about right, he won't manhandle attackers like Boateng will but with his size and ability he can push all but the strongest attackers off the ball. Decent stamina that will last 90 minutes as long as you don't send him forward on every attack. 8/10
His biggest pros have to be his passing and defending, he just feels so easy to control in-game.
The only cons of this wonderful card are his acceleration and maybe his balance, he's tripped over the grass monsters a few times