Player Review

PIM Ronaldo Review

Intro:

I hit the jackpot last week and got PIM Ronaldo in my Icon attacker pack. This card has completely reshaped the way I play. I have always been an average player and I placed Silver 3 the weekend prior to obtaining Ronaldo. I rose to Gold 2 this past WL simply because of this card. I will admit that I leaned hard into the meta (ran 5-3-2) but I am trying to see how high this card can take me.

Pace: 10

At 98 pace, you couldn’t ask for a faster player on the ball. I’ve heard a complaint the Baby Ronaldo is he is too big and too slow. In the case of PIM Ronaldo, he has the same strong frame yet amazing pace. Ronaldo is a tanky striker who somehow still moves like the agile dribblers (more on the dribbling later.) He has the straight-line speed that if he gets one the same plane as the defender no one will catch him. His runs off the ball are prolific and he is just always in the right spot.

Shooting: 10

My god. Left foot, Right foot. It does not matter. I am still trying to adapt and understand the angles that this man can score from. The inherent curve to his shot has led to near and far post goals that I never thought possible and the powerful rip of the net on each strike creates a feeling of satisfaction that I just can not describe. His finesse shot is lethal from both sides, which is something I have never experienced. I have curled in longshots that would be wasteful with lesser players.

Passing: 10

I was conflicted on what to put here. His overall passing is an 83 here but honestly what more could you want from this guy? In 81 games played thus far I have 4 assists with Ronaldo…and I am completely fine with that. I put the architect chemistry style on him, which essentially maxes his passing. Yet, when I give up the ball with Ronaldo, it is really in the hope that he will eventually receive it back and smash in yet another banger. His passes are exactly where they need to be but I also have not tried many risky passes. He also usually has quite a bit of space to make a comfortable pass because defenses tend to back off him.

Defending: 7

Perhaps this is based on a recency thing but I actually wont a game this weekend league after Ronaldo make a clutch tackle up field (kind of b.s of we are being honest.) Regardless, his stout frame makes him formidable enough when pressing.

Dribbling: 10

Silky smooth. Ronaldo is so quick and agile even with his stocky frame. He has 5 star skills which I honestly have even begun to utilize. I’m sure that in the hands of an adept skiller he would be an absolute nightmare. I use the cheesy directional nutmeg and his speed burst is sublime. Like a hot knife through butter, Ronaldo weaves through defenses, even if he is just using the ball roll with an amateur like me at the helm.

Physical: 9.5

This may just come down to my lack of ability to be honest. Ronaldo gets thrown off the ball from time to time (as all players do) but perhaps in the hands of a pro he would never concede possession. There are some occasions where Ronaldo’s large frame causes problems and he gets caught into animations smaller players may otherwise weave through (he draws contact.) I’m far from an expert header but from the opportunities I had he is as consistent of a finisher as I have used.

Overall: 10

The biggest shock of the century. I have been playing FUT since 2014 and I have never used a card that felt so overpowered. I know I am still just scratching the surface of what the card is capable of. I was fatigued of playing FIFA until I packed this card which has understandably renewed my interest in the game. I have been hoarding coins all cycle and after this crazy pull I plan to go all in on a team this coming weekend and start trying to climb to Elite. If I do ever make the jump I know it will simply be because of this ridiculous card.