Player Review

Everyone knows that Alex Sandro has been one of the best fullbacks in the game for a year or two. This year, he's got a 86 rated card again. I have bought and sold him a few times, as his price was continously dropping and rising, but I think it's settled now at around 120K. I have used all relevant good left backs in the game (apart from Icons), including Marcelo, Alba, Alaba. I must say, Alex Sandro is my favourite. I'll discuss his attributes down below (keep in mind that I used the Shadow chemstyle).

Pace - The card says 86, and with the shadow, he feels really quick. I must say, he isn't quite as fast as Jordi Alba, but he's definitely fast enough to catch up with every attacker as long as they're on the ball.

Shooting - Not really the most relevant for a left back, but his shooting hasn't let me down. I've had him in the enemy box few times, sometimes when I'm on balanced attack or during the Fake Shot FK technique, but he really hasn't missed much. I'd even go to say that 55 finishing is a lie. Maybe it comes down to his decent shot power that he usually finds the back of the net from close in. Regardless, quite good.

Passing - He's got the good stats in the right area. His vision is a little low, but it really doesn't bother me at all. His passes (short and long) are top-quality and his crossing is very good as well, although I must admit I don't cross a lot.

Dribbling - Quite a good dribbler if I'm being totally honest - I can't compare him to Marcelo in this aspect however. Same goes for his passing, actually. Offensively Sandro is worse than Marcelo. But, his reactions (very important) are really nice and the combination of his ball controll and dribbling isn't bad either. His first touch rarely lets me down, and with the combination of his pace with the actual dribbling stat, he's good at running down the flank and can beat opposing players. His agility and balance aren't exceptional, but he still turns quickly and feels agile, it's perfectly fine.

Defending - In terms of actual gold cards, Sandro has the highest defending stat of them all. His interceptions, despite not being the highest stat, are the best in my opinion. So often my opponent wants to play the ball into the feet of his attacker and Sandro is just there to get in front of them and steal the ball. He is rarely out of position defensively and his tackling is top-notch.

Physical - Also the best stat-wise in terms of gold leftbacks. His stamina is fantastic, and can run all 90 minutes, even when on balanced attack. His jumping is good and with his reasonable height for a left back, he usually wins the headers against wingers. His strength is solid enough and the high agression helps him even better recovering the ball.

In terms of skills, and weak foot, 3 star 3 star is fine. I've been able to do certain tricks to get into the enemy territory and then pass the ball for him to get an assist. You won't be using his right foot that much, but again, you won't notice it's a weak foot.

All in all Sandro is a fantastic left back and in my opinion the best in the game. Not in all aspects, offensively Marcelo is better, but Alex Sandro is defensively ahead of Marcelo because of his higher pace, defending, and physical, which makes him a little bit more suited than Marcelo in FIFA for the position. He is expensive, but if you've got the coins, he is 100 percent worth it. I will soon be looking to pick up his in form card, and see whether that one is much better than this one or not. Can't imagine that, to be fair.