Summer Heat Firmino

Lockdown restarting?  I think it is official; the Summer Heat promo has eclipsed every promotion from the past, delivering content, players, objectives and a consistent grind that is keeping the game alive.  I would be lying if I didn’t say that I was praying for a Bobby Firmino upgrade, and man was it worth the wait.  I realize that staying impartial when using an in real life favorite is important and so I was focused on letting the results do the talking this weekend.  In the end, 36 goals and 8 assists in 20 matches speak volumes for the quality and potency of this card.  The 21 matches in the picture are because for the fourth weekend in a row I was dealt a D/C, and if you follow me on Twitter @IVIaeday you will know that it actually cost me a devastating first match loss this time around.  But, the fact that Firmino turned out to be a fantastic card was able to mask the pain and I actually quite enjoyed the WL grind overall.  To get the full Bobby Firmino effect I went for the ENGINE chemistry style and played Firmino as the Right ST in the 4-4-2 formation.  It was no doubt that Bobby brought the Brazilian flair all weekend in the following squad:
 

Overall

Rating: 9.7/10  
Pace Rating: 9.5/10
Dribbling Rating: 9.9/10
Shooting Rating: 9.9/10
Passing Rating: 9.5/10
Physical Rating: 9.9/10
Defending Rating: 9.5/10

Bobby “Goal Machine” Firmino.  If you have been following these reviews or my Twitter you will know that FUT Bday Griezmann has been a favorite of mine since the start.  He was incredibly clinical and one of the few true 5 STAR WEAK FOOT players I have used.  Lately, I have been using player after player who is effective in front of goal, but none have really matched the confidence I felt with Griezmann… until now.  I won’t lie that I was originally a bit underwhelmed by Firmino’s statistics, but I started to realize early on in the weekend that looks can be deceiving.  For starters, 94 ACCELERATION & 93 SPRINT SPEED has become the norm for recent card releases, in fact they are even a bit low.  However, if you have ever used Scream Firmino you would know that that card has some hidden pace boosts, especially in acceleration.  Immediately it was clear that Summer Heat Firmino also benefits from this boost as he accelerates at the pace of smaller and more agile options; a huge benefit.  

But most importantly with this card, is the shooting… much like Griezmann, the 5 STAR WEAK FOOT feels just as strong with both feet.  On first look over the shooting statistics I was tempted to use HAWK to bump them up, but I can say now without hesitation that it is not needed.  95 FINISHING, 90 SHOT POWER, 90 VOLLEYS & 85 LONG SHOTS all feel maxed out and I benefitted from his power all weekend.  One final note, I was also on the receiving end of Bobby’s scoring ability this weekend as I had two big losses at the hands of this card.  On one hand, I was poisoned to see an opponent use a card so much better than I could… but on the other I felt assured that I was not overstating the quality of this card, witnessing the punishment Bobby can inflict first hand. 

Linkability 

Linkability Rating: 4.5/5

There, I finally went for it, a 4.5/5 for a non-ICON option.  Reason being, there is currently a meta Liverpool option at every position… quality Brazilian options in every league… the EPL options are endless… and finally, the numerous Brazilian ICONs are also an advantage for getting Firmino into any squad.

End Game Strength

End Game Strength Rating: 5/5

I think it is obvious that I am sold with Firmino as a ST … but, it was not until after my review that I started to get the full depth of this card.  I have decided to torture myself in trying to get the Mendy and Bruno objectives completed… and in need of an attacking CM, I have used Firmino for about 10 matches in that roll.  I am so glad that I did and next weekend I hope I have found another piece to my end game puzzle with Firmino bossing the midfield.  At the very least, I know I have an easy to link, reliable, high scoring strike partner for whoever I review next.
 

Good vs. Bad 

Good vs Bad Rating: 5/5

Mix in 92 AGILITY, 98 BALANCE, 99 BALL CONTROL & 99 DRIBBLING … on a high/high 81 STRENGTH striker and you have yourself a recipe for never losing the ball in tight spaces … add in the 98 REACTIONs and 5 STAR SKILLS and you start to remember why you started playing FIFA in the first place… you’re having fun.  So after everything, what doesn’t this card not have?  As a ST I honestly feel like this card has everything, and the proof is in the statistics after 20 matches and throughout the weekend.  However, as a CM I am concerned about the defensive abilities Firmino has… or doesn’t have in this case.  While the other areas of concern turned up roses, the 66 INTERCEPTIONS & 73 STANDING TACKLE do seem a long way off of adequate.  

Closing Words

Earlier in the year, I used Scream Firmino for a long stretch of time… and I can see the same happening with the Summer Heat version, especially if he performs as a CM this weekend as he has so far in Rivals matches.  FIFA 20 was made for a card like this and Firmino checks every box a meta player requires.  This promo truly is revitalizing my enjoyment in FIFA and long may the summer days continue.  In the end, if you are looking for an entertaining option… or need a workhorse CM… or maybe you just need that ST you can rely on to finish your hard-earned chances, then Firmino is that card.  If you just want the answer to the question… should I complete this SBC?  ♪♪Si Señor, Give the ball to Bobby and he will score! ♪♪  Cheers for reading.

Game Stats:
 

Game Highlights: