Player Review
81 - IF
Starting it off, I decided to pick this guy from my finals red pick rewards. Coming from previously using Traore as my first choice RB, Atal fit in effortlessly.
Kicking off with his pace, he's as clear as day THEE budget Hakimi, don't believe me? If you compare the two stat for stat you definitely will, in fact, this further builds one of the edges he has over good old Hakimi being his 86/86 agility/balance where he can deliver the balls into attacking spaces consistently from the most complex of angles ofc coupled with his impressive passing abilities.
In addition, playing him right back on a 442 would probably mean I wouldn't see much of him in the opponent's half, however, him on an attacking role is a whole other beast in his own right. (and left, with him being 5* wf, yet another dub for this legend) Be it shooting (outside foot shot trait as well being a factor), silky L stick dribbling (good paper and in-game dribbling stats), plain tiki-taka or them silky runs down the wing, Atal has it all. You might think he may fall short at defensive capabilities, think again, for a right back, or rather wing back, he is a perfect fit as he really wins back the ball when you need him to. He is also quite the super sub as a forward up front!
However, I will sure point out that being not as impressive physical stats, on occasion, he will be bullied off the ball and fail to win back balls from stronger players.
Overall, I would call Atal the second best RB in Ligue 1 of course after Hakimi (though not that big of a difference, links playing a part ofc), as he is better than Traore in my opinion especially going forward and catching up to the pacier attackers. He is a must have for Ligue 1 hybrid teams! Pocket friendly as well! (Silently hopes he rises lol)
Pace: clear as day one of the quickest in the game currently
Shooting: his outside foot shot trait really comes in handy when you need him to squeeze on at the back of the net
Dribbling: 86/86 AGI/BAL makes him feel great on the ball, and does not easily make poor touches and handles pressure really well
Passing: I personally love his lobs behind the opponent backline and his crosses are really consistent!
His 5* Weakfoot is amazing as it is for all ambidextrous players
Physical: He is not as strong as you'd expect and may easily be overpowered by players stronger than he is
If you prefer fullbacks who play more passive, he may not be your cup of tea as he has a knack for making runs in behind the opponent defence hence if you lose the ball when he's upfront you'll be vulnerable to a counterattack down his wing.
He is not as tall as you'd want him to be for winning aerial duels consistently.