Reviews

I generally play in Elite Divison and get 14-16 W in WL while not playing a sweaty game. Maldini PIM plays at the centre of the back 3 in a 3-5-2 formation, flanked by 2 more speedy CBs. I have used Anchor Chem style on him which is the best one for him as CBs must have high defending and physical stats and Anchor is required for boosting his Physical stats. He is the most effective in 1v1 situations where he can go shoulder to shoulder vs 99 Ronaldo also. He won't be the most effective in a formation with 2 CBs plus high defensive line. I play him in the way a CB should play, win the ball and no overdoing anything.

So just over a week or so ago I completed Paulo Maldini's PIM SBC as I was in need of a centre-back, so I partnered him with FB Varane and they were a brick wall in rivals and champs. But they were a brick wall that could be pushed over. His tackling and interceptions were great, but his headers and agility weren't so. He lost many headers to smaller players like Rodrygo and Lucas Paqueta, not to mention that I conceded several goals from my opponent doing a simple skill move such as a fake shot and because of his low agility he just couldn't turn quick enough to make a recovery tackle.

He was still great, but I 100% recommend partnering him with a stronger, taller, more agile centre half. I can imagine he would work great next to someone like Militao or Marquinhos, however I did enjoy his partnership with Varane.

Pace: 8/10 - Quick, but isn't as fast as Varane, Militao or any of the 90+ pace centre-backs available to us nowadays

Shooting N/A - ?

Passing 7/10 - Good passing ability, messed up some passes into my strikers, how his passing ability is more the passable

Dribbling 7/10 - Didn't feel to agile, and his agility cost me a few times, however his reactions were great

Defending 10/10 - Wins every tackle, whatever it takes: I remember miss timing a slide tackle once or twice, and without my controlling him or using second man press he recovered and made a tackle by himself

Physicals 8/10 - I didnt test his physical ability too much, however in my opinion his 87 strength and 80 aggression felt like fake stats, but he still was no wear near as physically present as Varane.

In terms of value for money, I don't recommend buying him off the market but if you can do the sbc with fodda to reduce the price to 300k or lower I think it's worth it.

Right, where to begin.... If you're like me, and you've always dreamed of having the best possible version of Maldini and have never been able to afford him, this is your year. However, in my opinion, it's been a big mistake. Try his loan, and you'll see where 1.6m of my coins were flushed away on what is a very poor card given the current defenders available.

Now, I needed a CB that could provide green links for Cheilini (absolute unit btw.) and my TOTY Jorginiho. Baresi? Nah. Cannavaro? Too short and too slow. Maldini? Insane defensive stats, fast, 4* weak foot... what could be bad?

The Physicals absolutely destroy this card.

I'm an elite division player and was previously using FUT Birthday Ramos and this looked to be the upgrade and the links I was looking for but the man is literally at fault for every goal I concede and I'm not exaggerating. Because of the 80 Aggression and other fairly subpar physicals at this stage of the game, he just isn't the one. Even with anchor, he looses most areal duels. Catalyst? Pace is there but there's no muscle behind his challenges and I have no confidence in his ability to take the ball.

The Agility and Balance are also a big issue. He cannot turn and be nimble. After trying Catalyst (as every one says) and then Anchor, I thought I'd try engine to see if this would improve the situation and it simply doesn't. Due to those low physicals, the guy just isn't in the game. Cheilini looks like Godzilla in comparison and he's a 250k SBC card...

I'm 57 games in with Maldini at this stage and too broke to replace him and I've gotten to the point where I'm clipping every goal I concede just to laugh and how hilariously bad this 95 rated defender can be. I'd go as far to say Moments Moore is genuinely a better CB. I've never been so disappointed in a card.

Positives? He does pass exceptionally well for a CB with the Catalyst/Engine chem styles and the 4* weakfoot certainly helps with this as you don't need something like a Shadow.

In Summary, I want to LOVE this card. The aura and confidence Maldini should bring to your starting XI should be there but the card just wholeheartedly falls short in most areas and I hate to say it :( 95 rated 1.6m sbc fodder card.