Player Review
90 - Icon
The best compliment I could give to this card is that I don't notice Keane much when I'm using him, but I do notice when he's not there. I had used the loan card for 20 games and was quite underwhelmed, but once I went back to my old teams I noticed how much less I was winning back possession. I tried a variety of different CDMs but could not get the same result. I then gave in and completed his SBC, and everything felt right again.
I play Keane as a lone CDM in a 4-1-2-1-2(2), and he fits that mould almost perfectly. His interceptions are exceptional (99 with Guardian), and there are so many occasions where he will cut out a pass and control it perfectly (Ball control is 97 with Guardian). This is where Keane shines - winning the ball back quickly, and recycling possession. As you'd expect if you ever saw Keane play, his tackling stats are also superb. His passing is also a pleasant surprise, with him being able to launch counter-attacks fairly effectively.
The question this raises though, is whether that's enough? From a prime icon, you might be expecting more than simply winning the ball back and passing it to a team mate, but sadly this is pretty much the only area where Keane feels like an icon. His attacking stats are pretty mediocre unless boosted, and his height simply isn't enough to be an aerial presence at set-pieces.
My team was missing solidity in the midfield before I had prime Keane, and he has undoubtedly addressed this issue. However, once the option comes to replace him with Prime Vieira or a suitable TOTS player, I will certainly do it.
- Superb interceptions and ball control
- High composure
- Perfect CDM workrates (M/H)
- Good value SBC (You can always trade him in for another prime icon SBC later on)
- Height
- Mediocre attacking stats
- 3* weak foot