Player Review
91 - UCL LIVE
This is one of the first defenders I've actually noticed in the game. Usually they just have to do the job. You need very high defending and physicals stats, decent passing and pace. I've used many high rated defenders like Bonucci, Umtiti, Thiago Silva, Manolas... they all did the job and they were all replaceable if I was making a new squad. The only defender that stood out until now is Juan Jesus, just because for a lower rated card he really performs and has a crazy ability to score headers on corners.
But Pique, soon to be 90 rated, I wouldn't change him for any other center-back, that I can afford. His job is to defend and that falls into 2 categories: Marking and Clearing.
Marking:
Pique is always in the right place. Even though his pace is decent, he doesn't need it. I can't remember Pique being out of position and a player running through on goal (I do play a deep line, obviously if I was pressing high a lot this would be different). Next to Pique I have Umtiti with a pace boost, thinking I would need a pacey back to cover for Pique's high attacking work rates and low pace. But Umtiti has the easiest job on the squad watching Pique clean up. Once the attacker has the ball Pique closes in, and with Sentinel 99 marking/tackling/strength he is going to win the ball.
Clearing:
This is how he really stands out. Crossing is a big part of this game, and Pique is the antidote. Every ball whipped into the box is headed out by Mr. Shakira.
Other stuff:
His long passing is better than normal.
Stamina is low but doesn't matter with my tactics
AERIAL ABILITY
POSITIONING
MARKING