Player Review

91 - Icon Moment

5.0

The Bison

By fightingcacti, 03-05-2021

Full disclosure, Michael Essien is my favorite player of all time, however I am determined to prevent that from affecting this review. Lets begin:

The greatest attribute this card has in it's favor is it's versatility. Fully embodying the Gullit Gang life style, the 4* WF, High/High work rates, and in game size allow him to play basically wherever you want him to. Simply slap a new chem style on him, and he's a whole new player. Many pros play him at CB, which I have experimented with and I think that may be the position he plays best. Being my favorite player, I like him on the ball a bit more so I play him box to box and he's fantastic. He also can play stay back CDM really well too, but I think for his price you are better off utilizing him as B2B or CB.

Offensively: His athleticism and work rate means he is always present for my build up, and can break loose if left unchecked. On ball he is more than adequate, but if skill moves are a big deal for you then he may not be you guy (at least as B2B). His passing is overall pretty solid, but miss-hits the occasional through ball. The best part of his offensive game is shots from outside of the box that will absolutely bring the house down. He has forced me to leap from my seat more times than I can count. Coincidentally he is underwhelming, I'd give him a 7/10 there. I'd say maybe the biggest concern for him offensively are his volleys. For whatever reason (not sure if this is due to his low finishing, or his mediocre volley number) he has really bungled some volley chances. He is not a poacher in that sense.

Defensively: There really isn't nearly as much to say here. Insane positioning, he is insane on ball, never gets out ran or out hustled. He'll strip the ball without even instructing him to do so. Terrific with auto-blocks. There is a reason pros play him at CB. Literally no flaws.

Conclusion: If you have any holes in your lineup that aren't ST/CF/LW/RW he can fill it. This card is expensive, so you may not think the price justifies an off-chem CB, but I would still encourage you to acquire him because he is so much more. Long live the Bison!

-Position versatility

-Pace/Physicality

-High/High Work rate

-Defending

-Long shots

-Dribbling and 3* SM

-Close range finishing/Volleys

Formation: 4312

Position: CM

Games: 200

GPG: 0.27

APG: 0.32

5.0

Overall

5.0

Value

5.0

Stamina

Pace (9/10)

Shooting (8/10)

Passing (9/10)

Dribbling (6/10)

Defending (10/10)

Physicality (10/10)

See All reviews...

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