Showdown
StevenThe Rating Reloads are live with the updated Statistics, PlayStyles, and Weak Foot/Skills on display, adding a new batch of squad improving options into circulation. Certainly a wide list of intriguing players with this promo and potential improvements to face the return of the Weekend League grind (with “form” matchmatching coming back).
With the aforementioned options it was difficult to decide who should warrant our focus this weekend. The growing tradition of the most sought after cards being under-priced and therefore extinct was also an issue. In the end we looked at the recent POTM SBCs as inspiration and dove into the Bayern deep-end with a look at Michael Olise.
At least a +1 in every Base Statistic along with a heavy focus on Pace, Passing, Shooting and Physical boosts has seen this card take a giant leap. The upgrade to a TECHNICAL PlayStyle+ is a welcome addition, as is silver RAPID. You immediately look to the 3 STAR WEAK FOOT & 4 STAR SKILLS with this upgrade as well, but they remain unchanged. What did change this weekend was a new and improved (hopefully) formation upgrade to the 4-4-2(2), leaving Olise as my RM with an INSIDE FORWARD Role. While the HUNTER Chemistry Style offered the extra Pace and Shooting needed to benefit his position. All was set for Olise to provide the weapon on the wing all weekend long in the following squad:
Rating: 9/10
If the goal was for EA to capture the real life magic that Olise has been producing recently, then I would have to say that the “rating was properly reloaded” in this case. Olise was a key to my offense this weekend, providing the outlet to get the attack further up the pitch and then contributing with goals and assists… 8 goals and 5 assists in 5 matches to be exact… Totals that would be low from a winger in the 4-2-1-3, but unbelievable for a RM in a 4-4-2.
Main Statistic - Pace & Dribbling
Pace Rating: 9/10
Dribbling Rating: 9/10
PlayStyles: Technical Plus, Rapid
It was the primary focus of the Rating Reload that stole the show this weekend as Olise benefits significantly from the Pace upgrade. The 89 SPRINT SPEED & RAPID combination gave my opponents headaches throughout the weekend… Leading to a fair few fouls and even a red card against. The slightest disappointment comes from the lack of acceleration in certain situations, despite the 97 ACCELERATION looking lethal, it was where Olise could come off sluggish. The Dribbling also connected well to the Pace and the TECHNICAL Plus feels so effective in FC26. The 91 AGILITY & 89 DRIBBLING combined well and felt responsive in the turns, with the odd acceleration out of the dribble causing the main issues.
Value/Coins
Value/Coins: 4/5
The Statistics, Playstyles and general performance feel like they about match a near 500k card (which of course should slowly drop). However, it really is the 3 STAR WEAK FOOT that holds me back from a perfect rating. In five matches there were two situations where I am near positive that even a 4 STAR WEAK FOOT would have finished those chances and that is where you have to ask if the price is just a tad bit high.
Good vs. Bad
Good vs Bad Rating: 4/5
The other benefits of the Rating Reload were felt during this review
+ The 5 assists are not so much the result of solid passing as much as rapid running… Olise simply sprints his way into channels and then you just need to lay the ball off. However, there were a could nice crosses along the way and despite always coming from Olise’s 3 STAR WEAK FOOT, it did not seem to affect the WHIPPED PASS much.
+ Just one of those cards that protects the ball better than they should for 61 STRENGTH. Olise does look bigger on the pitch and certainly held his own against opponents wing backs. The 88 STAMINA seemed plenty for getting up and down the pitch, with Olise only tiring slightly across 90 minutes.
This one writes itself…
- The 3 STAR WEAK FOOT would have been a nice addition to the Rating Reload and likely would have cost 200k more for this card. Despite my feelings that the 3 STAR WEAK FOOT cost me at least a couple of goals, the rest of the Shooting was quite nice. The FINESSE SHOTS were flying after cutting in from the right side and the 91 FINISHING and 86 SHOT POWER felt solid. The absolute need to cut in for quality was again the biggest issue.
Closing Words
Certainly a card that has vaulted into the usable category with this promo and one that would be even more lethal as a RW with less room needed to cut in and curl them into the back of the net. The downside would certainly be the increase of right footed shots from the side of the box that would likely cause frustration. I do think that Olise is best served as a RM and contributed a fair amount of defending along the way. The Pace and power caused enough disruption to win the ball back despite a lack of Defending statistics or PlayStyles. It will be interesting to see how much of the Bayern winger will be in squads, especially those who have completed Kane… My advice, just show him to his right… The issue being he has all of the dribbling quality and Pace to find his spots regardless. Hoping you are well. Cheers for reading.
