Player Review

As soon as I saw this SBC I knew I wanted to do it. Not because I'm a Lazio fan or anything -l just love big, tall midfielders like him in this game and it's the first Europa League live card you can obtain, and a reasonable upgrade. Additionally, Lazio seem to be doing well in the group stages, so he's almost guaranteed an upgrade, which makes it even better. And that for 150K - if he would get a 87 rated in form, it would be much more expensive, and you get 100K back in value of packs, which is great. Throughout all the games I've used him in (all in Weekend League, as a RCM in the 4312 formation), I've used the Shadow chemistry style.

Pace (7/10) - It's only 70 if we have to believe what the card suggests, but he doesn't feel slow at all. I've got a chemistry style that boosts this so that is most likely why, but he's got long legs and can cover distance at solid pace. I'm not going to say he feels like he has 90 pace, but around 75-80 for sure.

Shooting (9/10) - For a center midfielder his shooting is fantastic. I was most impressed by his shot power and long distance shooting; 85 & 82 respectively isn't even THAT amazing, but he's scored some absolute wondergoals for me. But inside the box he is good as well, find yourself one on one against the goal keeper and he most likely will put them away. His finesse shots are also surprisingly good, despite having (only) 79 curve.

Passing (10/10) - In my personal opinion the most relevant card stat for a midfielder. His passing is great, even though the overall is only 82, he's got the 3 most relevant stats all up at 87, which makes him a brilliant passer of the game with either foot. He plays throughballs like a champ and lifts sublime passes over defences for my attackers to get towards.

Dribbling (8/10) - His actual ball control and dribbling is really good, but that's pretty much it. His reactions could be a little bit better, I'm not saying they're not good enough but they could be higher. His agility and balance is lacking because he is such a tall guy and you notice that, he doesn't feel agile at all and is really slow on the turn. Agility and Balance are hard to boost through chemistry styles, which is why I view it as a bit of a problem.

Defending (8/10) - Obviously boosted by the chemistry style, but his defending is really good. He will intercept the ball for you with his tall body whenever you need it and his tackling is really great. I could even recommend you playing him as a central defender, although that would be a waste of his offensive capabilities.

Physical (10/10) - 6''3 inches tall, 86 stamina, and 89 strength. Could you wish for much more? I don't think so. He can run all game, only really gets tired in extra time and is incredibly strong, you will not ever push him off the ball. He's fantastic at heading too, scoring quite a few headers from corners with his great jumping and heading accuracy. His agression isn't really notable, but definitely acceptable.

Other pro's of this card include his combination of 4 star skills and 4 star weak foot, although pulling off skills is a little bit more difficult due to his low agility/balance combination. His weak foot actually feels like a 5 star, I don't think I've misplayed a pass or missed a big chance with his weak foot. And if I haven't mentioned it enough, his height, a big tall player which is going to be great for your midfield.

I'm really happy I've finished this SBC and I recommend anyone this card. It's going to get upgraded and thus it will become even better than it is now. A cheap Ruud Gullit, essentially.