Player Review
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I originally recruited Rui Costa for a chemistry link to POTM Felix and as a replacement for RTTF Griezman, with whom I was not happy at all.
His main job is to drive long passes behind the defense, create width in attack in a mainly 4-2-2-2 system and occasionally man the box and score a lay off by Felix or Nedved.
Defensively, I was looking for a player with sufficient strength to push opponents on the side on the pitch and create pressure early during opposition attacks.
I must say that he excels at most of the tasks. His passing is brilliant, he is very strong physically and he is always in a good position on the pitch. The one thing that I had to adept to compared with Griezman RTTF, is that you need to give him more time for finishing to find the right composure. If you do that, he will score nicely for you as well. Even though I don't need him anymore chemistry wise, he will definitely stay in the squad for another couple of weeks, as I really enjoy his presence and oversight in my attacking midfield. Whereas Messi likes to drive into the box with beautiful curved finishes, I know that Rui Costa is waiting just outside the box and will play a clinical pass to either Felix or Nedved, which they will convert.
Disclaimer: I am a Gold2/1 - Div2 Player, not awesome, but a bit above average.
- Great presence in attack, especially if you are looking for a player who will play the clinical last pass to your attackers
- Excellent strength and physically to fend off those CDMs and LB/RB that will try to prevent that
- Defensively present to prevent (counter-)attacks early
- Pace and Stamina are no issues (I use Hunter Chem Style)
- Not a big con but you have to get used to his finishing if you are switching from a 90+ shooting player