StevenCertainly not FUTMAS levels of hype but the Winter Wildcard promo has certainly dropped with a wide range of cards, SBCs, objectives and just generally a lot of content to consume over the holiday season. Definitely some solid options mixed in with some, let's say, “unique” options as well. Perhaps the fact that numerous Winter Wildcard ICONs are already discard price speaks to a need for further boosted options as opposed to the “Shapeshifter-esque” decision. Regardless, there was one SBC of note that stood out above the rest and the decision on whether to grind Wildcard Gullit or Centurions Eusebio needs to be made sooner rather than later. I am interested in hearing from those that have tried both… who should we be going with?
The addition of a grindable Gullit was always going to be a popular choice given the Dutchman’s pixelated aurora since the start of ICONs in the game. Since then the lure of Gullit Gang midfielders has been impossible to deny and certainly created a standard for fantastic cards in the game.
While it is clear that the defensive qualities Gullit possesses would certainly create a solid CDM or even CB (given his alternative position), I am not paying 2.6 million coins for a one way player and certainly wanted to see if all Gullit Gang statistics were going to be effective in game. The box to box midfielder in my 4-3-2-1 formation would be the perfect test and one that the likes of Zidane have passed in recent reviews.
Gullit offered a lot to think about, providing the driving force in the engine room of the following squad:
Overall
Rating: 9/10
Thankfully all of my opponents cooperated with the five game loan spell and outside of a couple rage quits I was able to get a true test of what to expect from the big man in game. The general feel was solid and extremely well-rounded, as you would expect. However… And I get this is more of a “baby” version of the card… But the lack of a real stand out factor and a general PlayStyle disparity for key areas of performance kept Gullit from reaching the game breaking performances you would attach to a card with his namesake.
Main Statistics – Dribbling
Dribbling Rating: 8/10
Pace Rating: 8/10
Skills: ★★★★
PlayStyles: Press Proven Plus
These two categories were always going to make or break this review and I hate to lead off with the negatives on a card that did perform well in the end… However, it must be said that the Pace and Dribbling with this version of Gullit simply don’t match the current power curve and are the “main statistic” for all the wrong reasons.
I mentioned the PlayStyles problem with this card and the 87 ACCELERATION is certainly one of the key areas. The QUICKSTEP or even FIRST TOUCH PlayStyles to launch Gullit into action were desperately missed and really impacted the Dribbling performance as well. Given the large frame and running style the 87 SPRINT SPEED performed considerably better and while PlayStyles wouldn’t have hurt, they weren’t needed as desperately and a big part of what saved this card overall.
Similarly, the Dribbling was just in need of something more and while the PRESS PROVEN PLUS did come in clutch in and around the box in tight spaces, the general movement was not always the best with this card. The 4 STAR SKILLS, 84 AGILITY & 85 BALANCE all lacked that little big extra to cause opponents further issues and generally didn’t feel as dangerous as someone like Zidane on the ball.
Value/Coins - Fodder
Value/Coins - Fodder: 3/5
In the end I would echo the 70% downvote on this card and simply say that your time, effort, and fodder/coins would be better served elsewhere. It is a shame considering the connection Gullit has to the franchise and the general want for him to be dominant in the game, but I will not be pursuing this one moving forward and that would be my suggestion for those on the fence as well.
Good vs. Bad
Good vs Bad Rating: 4/5
While it has been a general Gullit slander up until now, it is worth pointing out that the 9/10 overall is still accurate in my mind… While I said I would never craft Gullit for a one way defensive player (and I won’t), it is still worth pointing out how dominant this card is as an out and out ball winner/mover on the pitch.
+ The ANCHOR helped with the Pace to some degree and was certainly needed in the end… But the real magic came on the defensive side of the ball. 89 INTERCEPTIONS & 93 STANDING TACKLE on a card of this size with the ANTICIPATE & RELENTLESS PlayStyles is a fantastic combination and resulted in consistent recovery of the ball on that side of the pitch. The 88 STRENGTH feels insane and again the PRESS PROVEN ensures that no one is immediately winning the ball back in any sort of physical battle either.
+ Possession won can immediately turn into a lethal counterattack given the 87 VISION, 87 SHORT PASSING & 89 LONG PASSING… All combining with the INCISIVE PASS & LONG BALL PASS Playstyles. Again, I would trade this quality for a QUICK STEP etc., but they were extremely effective in putting the ball from Point A to Point B in extremely accurate fashion.
Unfortunately, one more gripe before it is over…
- The Shooting with this card was a serious let down and again fell just short of what you would expect from a version of Gullit. The 5 STAR WEAK FOOT could not paper over the 80 FINISHING crack and in general it didn’t really feel like a true 5 STAR at all. The lack of PlayStyles is again not the best and even with the AERIAL & POWER HEADER I wasn’t able to convert any headers, despite some solid corner deliveries across the review.
Closing Words
PlayStyles are one of my favorite additions to this edition in the franchise in the fact that they have taken traditionally disappointing cards (like Zidane) and turned them into powerhouse options. In this case it really was the reverse and the areas that Gullit really needed a boost to compete with the current power curve were left untouched. Defensively Gullit is right up there with the likes of Hero Ramires and would deliver a solid 9/10 performance match in and match out. But I can only speak for myself in saying that 2.6 million for a defensive specialist is just out of the question… especially when my 450k Ramires is doing exactly that already. When the price was released there were some grumbles, but I held out hope that this fan (and personal) favorite would still have the Winter magic to blow down the doors and demand a spot in my squad… But that was one miracle that just wasn’t meant to be… An extremely solemn pass on this SBC from me.
Hoping you are well. Cheers for reading
