Roberto Carlos

You voted, and here it is.  If you have no idea what I am talking about; a week ago FUTBIN posted a question on Twitter asking which of the available ICONS (12 or less ICON Swap cards) you wanted to be reviewed.  An overwhelming 50% wanted to see Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha and we aim to please.  So much so that this review will act as a two in one look at the Brazilian.  After 10 games as a LB in the 4-1-2-1-2, I felt I had a solid understanding of what Roberto Carlos offers in defensive positions, and I just had to set him loose in the middle of the park for a few matches.  A few matches turned into an additional 10 and leaves me with small questions about how I will utilize my early swap going forward.  As a quick side note: I used Ndombele as my make shift LB while Roberto Carlos was gallivanting in the center of the park … and he was actually flawless, just proving how well-rounded this card can be.  But back to business, Roberto Carlos was the “Bullet Man” in the following squad:
 

Overall

Rating: 9/10
Pace Rating: 9.5/10
Dribbling Rating: 9/10
Shooting Rating: 8/10
Passing Rating: 9/10
Physical Rating: 9/10
Defending Rating: N/A

The highest rating I have given out for this FIFA and I feel it is completely justified.  Roberto Carlos is one of those cards that in FIFA 19 would have been so good, but unusable due to his lack of height.  In FIFA 20 he is incredibly dominate and I have my LB sorted for a solid period of time.  As I previously stated I also gave Carlos a run out in the midfield and primarily as a CAM in a 4-1-2-1-2 formation.  Here is a breakdown of both positions and why I believe this card is value for time, and yes this does take time; playing stacked teams while using First Owner Serie A squads, followed by trying to get a somewhat useable CSL GK and backline does lead to serious frustration… but this guy is so worth it.  

LB Position

Rating: 9/10

If you do not utilize instructions, or want this guy to get forward, then you are in luck.  He marauds up and down the touchline all game long, he can defend but will get out of position.  I used the BACKBONE chemistry style for these 10 games and the 91 CROSSING and 90 PASSING were pinpoint and fizzed into feet.  On the defensive side of the ball, 85 AGILITY and 89 BALANCE are perfect for jockeying opponents and he played countless strikers off of the pitch in that short spell.  Since my review, I have continued to utilize the Brazilian in LB and he is just so solid.  

CAM Position

Rating: 8/10

In the first 10 LB games, I won’t lie, I let about five 25-30 yard hammer blows fly from distance without a goal.  He did produce eight corners and the excitement led me to wanting a small debut in the middle of the pitch.  94 ACCELERATION and 91 SPRINT SPEED is no joke and this guy flies past opponents.  In the LB it was incredibly useful, but as a CAM it was even more noticeable as I simply pulled away from trailing midfielders; opening up space for passes or attempts at goal.  With DEADEYE or FINISHER, you can turn his rocket of a left foot into a homing missile for the top corner of the net.  The 8/10 rating as a CAM does come down to two things: 2 STAR WEAK FOOT & 3 STAR SKILLS.  Otherwise, he would be useable in just about every position on the pitch.  

Good vs. Bad & Closing Words

Good vs. Bad Rating: 5/5

Truthfully, there are not many negatives that go along with this card.  I have sold my Andy Robertson and plan on using Roberto Carlos for at least the next few months as my LB.  Roberto Carlos might actually be the perfect ICON Swap choice and not just because of his quality, or his versatility on the pitch.  If you are like me and hate spending a ton of coins on your defenders (says the guy with VVD), but you know it is important so you do it anyway, Roberto Carlos is the perfect choice.  The defending is solid and I have not used a better option yet, and if you want to add some quality going forward he has that in spades as well.  Finally, if your squad will go through a lot of changes within the span of a month, it will normally be in forward positions, new and shiny cards like Ben Yedder and Griezmann will take the place of your frontline ICON Swaps and condemn them to the bench.  I honestly see Roberto Carlos as a big part of my squad in the future, until they bring back El Tornado crossing and I need a 6’7 left back. Cheers for reading.

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