Showdown
DeanWeek two of the Ratings Reload is here with a brand new team of upgraded players, led by none other than Leo Messi. This promo has been quite refreshing with all these players getting an early lease of life, and I am absolutely here for it.
The SBC for today is Chelsea’s Joao Pedro. Yet again, an SBC without a playstyle plus, so it’s fair to say EA are really sticking to this slowed-down power curve. But so long as he performs in-game, who cares?
Overall, this Joao Pedro card comes with a +7 overall boost from his base item. +6s to 8s across the board on his base stats too. On paper he doesn’t scream elite striker but similarly to the Mateta SBC, I have a feeling this guy could be something of a hidden gem. He has had some additional playstyles, though, with Finesse Shot, Power Shot and Press Proven.
He can play both Striker and CAM but honestly, he suits the striker role better. So, for Chemstyle, here the clear option for me is the Hunter Chemstyle.
Here are the following segments to unlock the Ratings Reload Joao Pedro SBC:
Brazil
# of players from Brazil: Min 1
Squad Rating: Min 84
# of players in squad: 11
Premier League
# of players from Premier League: Min 1
Squad Rating: Min 85
# of players in squad: 11
86-Rated Squad
Squad Rating: Min 86
# of players in squad: 11
Only 3 segments in total are required to complete this SBC, however, the requirements are a little heightened here. But in fairness, this is a Brazilian in the Premier League, so you could expect a higher price to pay. The cost of this SBC, coming in at just over 100k, is a bit tough to sell. He’ll have to really perform well to make this one worth it.
How did he perform in-game?
+ The dribbling on this card was impressive. He makes quick, snappy movements and handles pressure well. He isn’t the most agile, but his ball control is where he shines most.
+ Shooting also impressed, thanks to the overhaul on shooting playstyles. High shot power and finishing blended with finesse lead to easy goals.
+ Positionally, he’s solid. Constantly rotating into space to pick up the ball in open space to press into the box.
/ His pace has had a healthy boost and the Rapid playstyle certainly helps, but he still struggles to outrun the opposition when making those long runs toward goal.
/ Passing, similar to pace was okay but nothing impressive. He makes great short passes between attackers but outside of that he didn’t make much work. More of a reason that he is suited better as a Striker rather than a CAM.
- Strength let this card down more than I would have expected, but he really struggled against the tougher defenders, making it a real challenge to break through the backline.
Joao Pedro- Cop or Flop?
This card was okay, but he’s just that.. Okay. It’s a fairly mid-card overall but massively due to the price tag attached to it. This should have been a 50-60k SBC at most. We’ve talked enough about SBCs releasing without playstyle pluses, and whilst i’m all for the power curve being slowed down, it really felt like this card needed it just to give him that extra something.
I really wanted to enjoy this card but he just didn’t possess that flair that some of these strikers have had recently. Take Mateta as an example. He came in at a quarter of the price of the SBC yet had much more of a presence on the field. Personally, if you haven’t done so already, I would go for Mateta while you still have time. This card for me, wasn’t it.
Verdict = FLOP
