Showdown
DeanAs the first weekend of Cornerstones comes to a close, we’re in a position now to prepare ourselves for next weekend, where the first champs games begin for FC 26. Outside of Cornerstones, though, we already have our second Flashback item in the game as EA has dropped a Flashback Goretzka SBC. I can’t wait to get my hands on this card.
In previous years, Goretzka has been an absolute staple for starter teams with his low rating but very well-rounded stats. So a flashback SBC to kick off this year's game cycle is simply perfect. But will this card come with a premium price? I’m seeing 6 segments in total so it is quite possible.
This flashback item comes with a boost of a +3 overall with a +5 in passing, +4 in pace, as well as +3s for his Dribbling, Defending, and Physicals. Some really nice boosts overall, but notably a +11 boost to his Stamina attribute. EA has taken this slowed power curve quite seriously because they’ve even flashbacked to a time when players did not have Playstyle pluses, as this is yet another SBC without one. But honestly, if he performs well in-game, I don’t hate it. No additional playstyles in general, either, just a simple swap from Aerial Fortress to Relentless.
This Goretzka card can play anywhere in the central midfield role as he has the CAM/CM/CDM positions under his belt. Personally, I think he looks to be a great Box-to-box CM so putting an Anchor chemstyle on his is the clear choice here to round those stats and almost welcome him into the Gullit Gang.
Here are the following segments to unlock the Flashback Goretzka SBC:
# of players from FC Bayern Munchen: Min 1
Squad Rating: Min 82
# of players in squad: 11
# of players from Germany: Min 1
Squad Rating: Min 82
# of players in squad: 11
# of players from Bundesliga: Min 1
Squad Rating: Min 83
# of players in squad: 11
Squad Rating: Min 84
# of players in squad: 11
Squad Rating: Min 84
# of players in squad: 11
Squad Rating: Min 85
# of players in squad: 11
A grand total of 6 segments is required to complete in order to unlock this Flashback Goretzka SBC. On first glance, with the number of segments, I was expecting to see a hefty price tag for this card. But with the low squad ratings, the price is coming in at around 70k to complete. To be honest, if he performs well in-game, this might be a well-valued SBC.
How did he perform in-game?
+ Let’s start with the Physicality of this card, he’s an absolute machine when it comes to charging down the opposition. He plays aggressively and often shuts down attacking plays with a little thanks to the Bruiser playstyle.
+ His dribbling, despite feeling a little bulky on the ball, actually impressed. He controls the ball quite well and is more agile than you would think. He keeps composed in high-pressure situations and does well to keep possession.
+ His passing, by far the standout feature. He set up a lot more goals than I was expecting and contributed a lot to build up play between the midfield and attackers.
+ His pace boost is quite noticeable. This could have been the make or break for the card and whilst he isn’t the quickest, he does well to keep up.
/ Shooting isn’t fantastic but he isn’t an all out goal scorer. His finishing isn’t much but he makes up for it with power.
Goretzka - Cop or Flop?
I was certainly a lot more impressed with this card than I was expecting to be. That’s not to say I didn’t have high hopes; using cards without Playstyle Pluses is taking some getting used to but it’s certainly growing on me. Being only 85-rated will allow him to suit an evolution at some point in the near future as well.
This was a great card and with gaunlets coming up, we should all be looking to stock our clubs up with a variety of stars, and Leon Goretzka is certainly one of them.
Verdict = COP
