Player Review
88 - Icon
Used as a CDM, functioning as a deep-lying playmaker, he makes for a quality all-round midfielder with very few weaknesses for the price.
Pace
Pace on shadow is perfectly fine; He's certainly not fast but it's not a weakness either. Good enough for a CM/CDM.
Shooting
Shooting feels like it's at least 90, without a boost at all. Was pretty surprised by this since I bought him to play a more defensive role, but his shots in and out of the box have ridiculous power and never miss
Dribbling
Pretty clunky and rigid feeling, but not unusable. Personally don't really find this a problem as his passing and ball winning is so good, but it may bother some.
Passing
Top notch passing- never misplaces a pass, making him very effective in any midfield role.
Defending
Surprisingly really good. You're never going to get Maldini-like tackles off a player with 84 defending (on Shadow), but he wins most 1-on-1s and his interceptions are top notch. His heading is pretty poor, though.
Physical
Strength feels a lot higher than 80 which I think is a real asset in this game, and his 89 aggression really helps contribute to his defensive ability and tenacity when winning the ball back. Although 84 stamina is far from ideal for a CM, I usually find it enough to see the whole game out due to his Med/Med workrates.
Overall
Overall, if you need the links of an icon like I do, then he's definitely the best Icon CM/CDM available for the price (100k & under). While he's not a flashy player who'll singlehandedly win you games, he'll never feel bad to use no matter what team he's in. A real all-rounder, he can defend well, distribute the ball like Pirlo and his shooting is absolutely lethal. Only real downside to him is his dribbling is very clunky, though I've not actually found this to be a problem since you just learn to use him differently. Overall, I'd definitely recommend giving him a shot- literally.
Very good for the price
Shooting is sublime
Passes never miss
Great at winning the ball back
Good positional player both offensively and defensively
Very physical
Dribbling is clunky, though not unusable
84 stamina