When I first saw the Rodrigo SBC, my first response was WOW a new Premier League Striker, that could be fun, glad to see Leeds United in the Premier League. Then when I came back to reality and realized that Leeds is still considered a Championship level squad for FIFA 20, I was a bit reluctant to complete the SBC, ESPECIALLY when it costs an 85 rated Squad to complete.
But hey, it's September, we've got to make our own fun in the game at this point, so I rolled up my sleeves with my zero fodder and had a bit of luck with a few 82-88 rated packs and was able to get him complete. It also gave me the opportunity to craft a completely new team which is my main fun left in the game. This finally gave me the opportunity to try out the TOTS Kalvin Phililps card and it is nice that such a high powered card is a strong link for the new Rodrigo. It definitely makes the link options a little bit more manageable.
Before we go further, let me tell you a little bit about my skill level since I think that is important to know where a review is coming from. I am a Division 1 player who is an Elite weekend league player when I can find the time or desire to play the games. (It's been hard to find that desire in FIFA 20) - Also, shameless plug, but I would love if anyone would check out my YouTube channel petedaddy as I work to grow that. A video review of Rodrigo will be there soon.
Back to the review...I decided to use an Engine chemistry style, because it makes his pace a perfect 99, and it helps to boost his dribbling stats. This appears to be the consensus chem style according to futbin.
I am playing Rodrigo in a 4-2-3-1, and tested him out as Striker, central CAM and RAM.
I truly enjoyed playing Rodrigo as a Striker. He had 2 goals in his debut match, and seemed to finish whatever I gave him. He was a strong presence in the box and his movement seemed nice once he had the ball in a scoring position inside the box.
The second game with Rodrigo, I tested him out as central CAM as I wanted to see what he would do as I asked more of him, and I will say I did not really enjoy Rodrigo as a central CAM. His passing was a little off even with the boosts from the Engine chem style and he felt a little stiff even though he has the lean body type. The game play wasn't the best so that could be the culprit, or it could just be where he is a little taller and it takes taller players a little longer to get going in FIFA 20 unfortunately. He did score a goal as CAM, but it was basically a tap in, but you still have to credit him for getting in the right position.
The third game with Rodrigo, I tested him out as RAM, and I feel this may be his best position if you are trying to work him into more of a high level team. I can't say that Rodrigo would replace any of the high level strikers that we see all of the time, but his pace and strength make him suited for running down the wing.
With that said, I wouldn't rate him over some of the other options such as Dembele or Saint-Maximin, but I would say RAM is Rodrigo's ideal position in a high level team, and Striker is his ideal position in a fun team.
Overall, I would give him 10/10 for fun. It was great to create a new team and try out some new players, however I would give him an 8.5/10 for actual pure ability in game.
- BURIES HIS CHANCES
- GETS INTO GOOD POSITIONS IN ATTACK
- MOVED WELL INSIDE BOX
- STRONG
- FUN
- FELT A LITTLE STIFF IN POOR GAME PLAY
- PASSING FELT OFF
- NOT QUITE GOD TIER
- HEIGHT MAKES HIS ACCELERATION NOT FEEL LIKE 99
- 85 RATED SQUAD COST