Objectives
Squad Battles
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So prior to the review, I completed the SBC with the hopes of reaching Elite 2 (Currently Elite 3) by a strong midfield on stay back instruction. I do not support the meta of this game, and review the cards as best compared to other players I've used.
My expectations from such CDMs are high in terms of their defensive positioning and the strength in tackling (Best has been TOTY Kimmich so far). I personally don't require much agility of my CDMs as long as the player does not feel like they are lagging behind. Martinez felt rather smooth to use, especially with L2 tracking. His defensive positioning is on point, tracking the opponent attackers runs to actually 'cut passing lanes' as instructed. But his outstanding ability in my opinion, is his tackling animations. He is 6.4", so his reach combined with his 92 acceleration and 99 sprint speed with shadow is so far that he gives you an extra 0.5 - 1 seconds to attempt tackling the opponent, almost always preventing cheap bridges or runs by the likes of Mbappe. His 99 strength and aggression also ensure that he will keep possession after the tackle, giving your team the needed space and time to get into position. If you play long ball, you will find this is very helpful.
However, I found that his limits are tested when he faces PIM Cruyff, Prime Pele, and TOTS Neymar or others alike EA's superhero fanboy style cards that seem to defy logic (As a TOTS CR7 user, I have never seen such bs as the three names I mentioned earlier). So in all honesty and with due respect, if you are not very confident in your tackling and physical game and wish to rely on the card's ability to lift you in competitive divisions or WL games, I would not recommend this card. But if you are confident, and you just need robust power and a card that will allow you to play out your style on the pitch, he will do a great job and that much I can guarantee. In 2 games, he made 18 successful tackles out of 22 of which some saved me the games, and he made it almost until the 80th minute mark in both. Read the caution tab
Caution: His 85 stamina feels like 70 -75 and if you play with 2 CMs, he will burnout like crazy and you will have to sub him to keep up with Renato Sanchez or Essien.
- Physical Strength +++
- Tackling Animations +++
- Sprint Speed +
- Height (Reach in tackles) ++
- Defensive Positioning +++
- Acceleration !
- Agility (In case you expect very silky gameplay from CDMs) !!
- Stamina !!!
I really have nothing bad to say about this card. He is an absolute unit. His pace is the thing that surprised me the most as he does not feel as clunky as I thought he might. His shooting is nothing special (like Messi etc) but gets the job done. The passing on this card is a lie. I saw a comment that said he does not miss a pass and I have to say that is the absolute truth. His through balls are insanely good. He always seems to pop up at the right time and place for a lot of situations. If he goes in for a tackle, good luck to whoever it is trying to get around him because it isn't going to happen.
If I had to pick one bad thing about this card it would probably be his positioning. On the RAREST of occasions he tends to float a little higher than I like but I attribute that to my tactics more than likely.
Bottom line, I think this is an endgame card for sure and really only have positive things to say about him. I feel that getting rid of some of my fodder (Flashback Kroos and POTM Haaland) was totally worth it.
Pace
Passing (extraordinary)
Defensive qualities
What cons?
I was really unsure, if I should do the SBC. I watched a lot of reviews. The option to use him as a CB wasnt too good for me, I have really good CBs. So CDM or nothing. I used FutBirthday Can, who was really good and TOTY Kimmich, TOTS Sabitzer and other good CDMs.
In the actual meta the working rates counts a lot, so I didnt expect too much from Javi, but I wanted to try him after seeing some videos. And... WOW! This guy is crazy as "stay back" CDM! :D
He is quite fast, has insane reach with tackles and has a great positioning... Because of his low Attacking WR hes always(!), where I want a defensive CDM to be... That did suprise me a lot!
He is a Game Changer for me. Did test him in some Division 3 games against Division 3 and Division 2 players.
- Agility / Pace
- Height / Strenght / Agression
- Tackles!!!
- Positioning
- Passing
- Stamina (but its ok for "stay back")
Good choice for CB position so far he's good at interceptions, tackling but he will need to play in a good connection and someone fast beside him and if you're FC Bayern fan surely do him as he will be a last special card for him i used him in many formations and only could be good as a CB
Tackling
Interceptions
Strength
Defensive Awareness
Price
r
Stamina is okay specially when using balanced instructions
Not very agile to use in CDM position also in CB should have fast player beside him
Work rate would be better if High in defense but not too much affected
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