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TOTSSF Thiago

 

Day 1015 of lockdown: Round #2 of the TOTSSF Community Vote and we are dropping back a little deeper this time with a look at the Midfield Maestro Thiago Alcântara.  If you follow me on Twitter: @IVIaeday you will know that I have been struggling to replace Headliner Gini Wijnaldum in my squad.  Struggling is maybe not the word, but I have not been able to find a replacement that offers more box to box than the Liverpool man.  In Thiago, I was hoping I had found the solution to my problem; hoping he could both unlock opponents -1 depth backline, while providing defensive cover for my own defenders… a huge task!  I played Thiago in the CM role of the 4-4-2 with Balanced Player Instructions, while a SHADOW chemistry style would hopefully at the pace and defensive attributes required for the position.  Thiago was the Spanish mastermind in the following squad:
 

 

Overall

Rating: 9.2/10
Pace Rating: 9.5/10
Dribbling Rating: 9.9/10
Shooting Rating: 8.5/10
Passing Rating: 9.8/10
Physical Rating: 8.5/10
Defending Rating: 9/10

I don’t want to turn this review into a comparison between Headliner Wijnaldum and TOTSSF Thiago as many have not used Gini and would therefore be pointless.  But I do want to point out that Wijnaldum has transformed my midfield and is so key to my 4-4-2 success.  The goals and assists are one thing, but the defensive cover is also top tier.  I bring this up because I did not notice his absence in the 20 games I used Thiago, which is a huge compliment to this card.  If I am 100% honest I did notice a slight drop off in the attacking contributions from the middle of the park, but at the same time noted an improvement in both build-up play and defending.  Thiago caught my attention immediately with his pace; you can feel the 99 ACCELERATION coursing through this card as he takes off like a jet aircraft off of the flight deck.  Unfortunately, his cruising speed can feel slightly low, 84 SPRINT SPEED just not to the level of other players you come up against.  However, you can avoid the would be tackles of pace merchants with the absolutely ridiculous dribbling Thiago possess.  Never mind the 5 STAR SKILLS, just the left-stick dribbling alone can turn defenders inside out and leave them grasping at thin air. Loved, loved, loved the dribbling, cannot say it enough!
    

Linkability 

Linkability Rating: 4/5

I mean, at this point you can just use your entire special card Bayern squad to link Thiago in with ease.  Seriously, it just doesn’t end and we have not even had the Bundesliga TOTSSF, which will be littered with more options to fit Thiago in. Additionally, there is also a nice set of Spanish options available if you are looking for a different avenue… Butragueño and Raúl continue to be two of my most hated opponents.

 

End Game Strength

End Game Strength Rating: 4/5

I wanted to go with the 5/5 here if I am honest, but FUT Managers continue to tell me Gini is not quite good enough at this stage in FIFA (and they are probably right), and Thiago is at the exact same level, so he doesn’t quite make the cut either. However, I will say he is right on the line and definitely a useable option.  In the middle of the park, you can utilize the dribbling of Thiago to make a ton of space, utilize the explosive acceleration to abuse that space pulling defenders out of position, followed by pinpoint passing (97 SHORT PASSING & 94 LONG PASSING) to dismantle your opponent's backline. With all of these positives, I would say the only reason Thiago was a drop off in attacking presence was his Med/Med work rates left him less inclined to really press forward with my attacks.

 

Value/Coins & Good vs. Bad

Value/Coins Rating: 5/5
Good vs Bad Rating: 4.5/5

110k for this card! Are you joking, this is incredible value for coins.  The level of player you are getting has to be one of the best values going at this point.  So far I have pointed out the build-up success with this card, but he defends as well; 99 INTERCEPTIONS was noticeable and crucial in the success I had this weekend.  Thiago can break up play and immediately put you on the front foot with the assortment of tools in his locker.  I will say it again, insane value here. 

Really, only two negatives to discuss, but they do bring Thiago back down to Earth.  The shooting on this card is not great, and borderline dreadful on his left foot.  I would be lying if I didn’t say he cost me a few would-be goals had I been using a card with more offensive upside.  Even the goals he did score (as per the video) show the GK getting a hand to shots I would normally expect to fly into the back of the goal.  The second issue came in the form of Thiago’s strength, or lack thereof in the centre of the pitch.  Normally, the acceleration and dribbling kept opponents from getting close, but when they did, it was game over.  Finally, the 90 STAMINA can be challenged by the end of the match as a box to box all-action option.  If you are using him as an out and out CAM or CDM this would not be an issue.

 

Closing Words

In the end, I don’t think my Headliner Wijnaldum will be replaced just yet.  Thiago is the closest option I have used, but the hunt continues.  Sure, TOTY De Bruyne and cards of this nature could change my team completely, but I don’t have 2.5 million to be placed into my box to box CM.  I would love to hear what others are using as a decent value option for this position, I am always open to trying different things… before immediately reverting back to what I know (sad, but true).  In the end, I still give Thiago a huge recommendation for any FUT Managers using Bundesliga squads, looking for a fresh face in the midfield, or in need of improved build-up play … he is a wizard.  Cheers for reading.
 

 

 

Game Stats:
 

 

 

Game Highlights:

 

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