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Player Review

91 - Icon
5.0
Box to Box Monster
By rayjordang, 17-04-2020

I was looking for an Icon midfielder under the 1 million price range who could both score goals and be an asset in defence.


Let's break things down a little..


First off, I realise that his Medium-High work rate pairs well with a midfield partner of with a High-High as he generally provides cover on Balanced instructions when playing Ballack as a CM. His high stamina will ensure that he will stay through the whole game and he has the characteristics to effectively link between offence and defence. You would find that he will seat comfortably in the middle of the park with more emphasis on defending, but has the ability to link up with your forwards when pushing for a goal. In short, excellent movement off the ball while not being overly aggressive in finding empty spaces in the opposition's half.


He is not the kind of midfielder that you would want to dribble with pace against other opposition, having a 4* skill move would enable him to do scoop turns and the 'La Croqueta' but it will not have the smoothest execution due to his body type. However, his AMAZING passing stats will give you options to switch play with either foot that does offset his clunky movement. You will find him enjoyable for link-up plays and very accurate long or short passing. To note, left-stick dribbling still feels responsive to get you out of a sticky situation.


His bulk and aggression will make it more likely to win your 50/50's and has the physical presence to make sure you look big in that midfield half. His stand-tackling style is not 'meta' but is still very good when competing for loose balls or going toe-to-toe with your opponent. In long ball situations, he would win most of my challenges in the air. That being said, he is not the quickest even with a shadow chemistry style and you would not want to use him to be the last man in any situation.


The only downside to his shooting is his 'curve' attribute which makes him an ineffective finesse shot candidate. That aside, he is a lethal finisher of the ball with either foot coupled with INCREDIBLE shot power in and outside the box. If you see a clear angle, go for it and it would most likely end in the back of net. His 4* weak foot honestly feels like a 5* in both passing and shooting because of the high attributes he has in both of these departments.


In short, I think this card is highly enjoyable to use as a box-to-box midfield due to his high stamina, very good finishing with either foot, excellent defending with a good body type and capable of being the central point of reference for your team. He does not feel fast in-game and takes heavy touches when sprinting (but then again it is okay if you are playing him in Midfield). But overall, this card provides everything you need for a complete performance.


Passing

Shooting

Overall physique is very good

Intelligent player

Pace

Can be caught in the counter attack under the wrong instructions

Formation: 442
Position: CM
Games: 5
GPG: 1.60
APG: 2.00
5.0
Overall
5.0
Value
4.0
GC
5.0
Stamina
Pace (7/10)
Shooting (8/10)
Passing (10/10)
Dribbling (7/10)
Defending (9/10)
Physicality (9/10)
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Other Michael Ballack Reviews

big boi

i got this ballack from an any icon player pack. at first i was kinda disappointed coz of 68 agility and 70 balance. but , after slapping an engine on him , his left stick dribbling is actually all right ,combined with the 4 * sm and 4* wf . i use him as a left cdm in 4231 and hes actually amazing . his 81 defending stat is just a lie. he probably...
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