4.5
Tavernier, the poor man's Cancelo
Byps2831018-01-2023
0 user liked this review

In past FIFA editions I've frequently used IF Tavernier as a cheap reserve RB or CM in 4312 or CDM or RM in 352, so I decided to get this card. Getting ratty Kent as part of this SBC was icing on the cake (but Kent ended up becoming fodder with so many other cheap and less volatile attacking options available).


The stats on this card play like they should, so I’ll focus this review on the in-game feel of this card. When I compare Tavernier to Cancelo, here are the similarities and differences:


Similarities: body type and how they move in-game. Both have a tall/lean build and they are both fast, agile, and are well-rounded overall with no glaring weaknesses.


Differences: Tavernier feels like a less stable/reliable version of Cancelo. Whereas Cancelo’s mechanics feel clean, Tavernier feels a bit more herky jerky - I feel like Cancelo makes more key tackles that Tavernier might miss.  Tavernier’s 3*WF also makes a noticeable difference in-game - his passing feels less tight than Cancelo.


On my current team (which is relatively poor due to it being 1 month old), Tavernier is starting and playing R CDM in a 352 in-game formation and R CM in 4312. He isn’t as fine as Machisio who plays L CDM on my team, so I take advantage of Tavernier’s 91 stamina and have him run around on Agressive Interceptions. I use him with Shadow on 2 Chemistry, using a heavily English team.



  • As part of the SBC, you get ratty Kent as a hyperlink which makes it super easy to start both of them with full chemistry: cheap way to fill out a new team
  • Can play RB, RM, CDM, CM. Can fill in as CB or CAM in a pinch (red card/subbing situation)
  • Beastly midfielder to defend with: w/ Shadow, 99 Acceleration, 98 Sprint Speed, 85 Agility, 90 Balance, 89 Interceptions, 89 Standing Tackle, 96 Sliding Tackle, 83 Jumping w/ 182cm height, 86 Strength, 84 Aggression
  • If you don’t have a FK/Penalty specialist on the team, can play that role respectably


  • Better Reactions rating and High defensive workrate would make this card even better
  • Ball control is iffy: main reason why I wouldn’t play him at CAM
  • Does NOT have Outside Foot Shot as shown on FUTBIN


Formation352PositionCDMGames56GPG0.12APG0.00
4.5
Overall
5.0
Value
3.5
GC
4.5
Stamina
Pace (9/10)
Shooting (8/10)
Passing (8/10)
Dribbling (8/10)
Defending (8/10)
Physicality (9/10)