Player Review
88 - Headliners
I'm no FIFA pro, and when I committed to building a Serie A squad a while ago, I struggled for weeks to win games. I had essentially been punting the ball to Mandzukic as a holdup man, and I would rely on Douglas Costa & Cuadrado's pace and skill to run in behind and score. I bought Zapata yesterday, and the impact was instantaneous. He scored on his debut as I got thrashed 6-1 (call it a learning experience), before hitting a brace and a hat trick as I won four of my next five. Deadly finisher in the box, awesome shot power, and he doesn't miss tap-ins (Douglas Costa used to shank open volleys out for throw-ins). Pace isn't his strong suit but he's certainly not slow, and as someone used to Mandzukic it was a serious upgrade. His strength is also lovely, as I find him winning rebounds and 50/50 balls as he barges around creating mahyem in the opponent's 18. I sold my future star Lafont to fund Zapata because the keeper was letting in easy shots regardless of his rating, and it has been a fantastic tradeoff so far. If this guy can make me of all people look like a decent player, he'll definitely help you out.
- Strength lets him bully defenders and recover the ball even when he loses it
- Great shooting makes him a deadly finisher (especially at close range)
- Pace and dribbling are respectable if not incredible, and he rewards deliberate, measured buildup
- Passing could be improved, if this is a big part of your striker game maybe consider a passing chem style (hasn't been an issue for me)