TOTS Thiago Mendes

Last but not least the Ligue 1 TOTS dropped last Friday with a wide array of interesting options, and the entire Lille squad.  Originally I was dead set on testing out the latest version of Super-Nicolas Pépé and pictured the Ivorian (oh wait was I supposed to make an Ireland joke here) cutting in on his left and slamming home goals all Weekend League.  However, the ridiculous price that Pépé started at and continues to maintain just led me towards other options.  Sitting amidst the various possibilities was a very intriguing Thiago Mendes as the links, price tag, and statistics just seemed right.  

Given the super squads you inevitably face at this time of year I was hoping he would be able to contribute to the latest Weekend League grind, here is what I found:

Final Score

Final Rating: 9/10

I guess by putting the final rating first it kind of takes the suspense out of the “would he be good enough” question.  Similar to Ousmane Dembélé, Mendes was a more than adequate addition for the weekend and contributed in a wide variety of ways.  The best part about Mendes is the various options, positions, tactics, and play styles that he allows.  It seems like the main position FUT Managers are using the Brazilian is at CDM and with the application of SHADOW, ANCHOR, and especially BACKBONE … it is easy to see why.  However, I required a more attacking option given the squad I would be using, and the application of DEADEYE to Mendes turns him into an equally impressive CAM.  Given his versatility, a 9.1-9.2 is almost on the cards, but the 3 STAR WEAK FOOT really holds him back.  

Link-ability

Rating: 4/5

I could really just copy and paste my De Jong response for this category.  The large selection of Lille players in the Ligue 1 TOTS makes adding Mendes all the more easy.  Brazilian options are also in high supply in both the Ligue 1 TOTS and useable options across FUT.  If you want to buy this card, fitting him into a squad is a small worry.

End Game Strength & Value/Coins

EGS Rating: 4/5
V/C Rating: 5/5

On the FUTBIN website/app, you have the “popular” player option to see who everyone is searching for information on. The fact that Marco Verrati has already surpassed this card is not a good sign for the longevity in the game.  Seriously … Marco Verrati?  I find the lack of consistent hype around this card interesting and perhaps has to do with the current state of the game?  In terms of quality, I think this card can definitely survive, but I just don’t see Mendes ending up in many teams moving forward. 

Given my previous words on the end game potential, I can only see the value for coins category getting stronger in the next week or two.  340k already is good value for coins and if this number continues to fall he is a no brainer for anyone looking to try out this well-rounded option.

Uniqueness

Rating: 3.5/5

There are not many cards in FUT that can boast Gullit Gang stats with 90+ Pace and 90+ Defending as base stats.  The DEADEYE application I went with brings both Shooting and Passing into the 90+ categories as well.  This card is truly an all-action option and can improve a lot of squads in a variety of areas.  However, the same points that make this card linkable, also take away from how unique he is.  

Good vs. Bad & Closing Words

G/B Rating: 4.5/5

Much like De Jong, the problem with Mendes is where to play him?  At 5’9 (176cm) I steered clear of a CDM role, but alongside a bigger option like Fabinho in my own squad, I think he would have been more than fine.  In fact, a large majority of the reviews I have read on Thiago Mendes are from FUT Managers raving about the ball winning ability this card possess. But a quick look at the Weekend League stats shows that this card is a capable creator and scorer as well.  In a 4-2-3-1 formation, I played Mendes as a CAM all weekend and he truly facilitated everything I did.  The 12 assists were not cross goal tap ins, crosses into the box, or playing the ball to strikers who did it all; in almost every case these assists came from pinpoint passes, perfectly weighted through balls, or dribbling into areas to then set up teammates.  The goals were also a welcome contribution, but the 3 STAR WEAK FOOT probably denied a good 5-10 more.  In the end, Thiago Mendes lived up to the crazy statistics that he possess, and the only real dilemma is not in buying this monster, but again… where to play him? Cheers for reading.

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