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Award Winner Thiago

By IVIae
31-Aug-20 08:31

 

Lockdown: It feels like only yesterday that I was reviewing TOTSSF Thiago; the lockdowns had started and the TOTSSF promo had arrived to help kill the copious amount of time on my hands.  TOTSSF Thiago was one of my favorite midfielders at the time and remained at the top of my list until Summer Heat Wijnaldum dethroned the Spanish magician.  However, the winds may be changing back in Thiago’s favor yet again after his fantastic display this weekend.  This card is something special on the ball and really mirrors the master class that Thiago put on in the Champions League Final.  A smooth operator and one of my favorite midfielders on the ball in FIFA 20.  Even with some abysmal gameplay this weekend I still felt like Thiago was able to influence matches with his incredible agility and quick acceleration.  In the end, I decided that the HAWK chemistry style would be the best fit for Thiago’s already impressive list of stats, and then deployed him in the attacking CM role of my 4-4-2 formation.  Thiago was the metronome all weekend in the following squad:
 

 

 

Overall

Rating: 9.6/10
Pace Rating: 9.8/10
Dribbling Rating: 9.9/10
Shooting Rating: 9.5/10
Passing Rating: 9.9/10
Physical Rating: 9/10
Defending Rating: 9.5/10

They were not messing around when they boosted this card!  Thiago has some impressive statistics before you start playing around with chemistry styles, and it only gets more impressive from there.  When you complete a card like Thiago you are expecting the dribbling and passing… or at least I was.  So I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Thiago had also been gifted a massive influx of pace and a much needed shooting upgrade;  Both of which were massive in the impact Thiago had all weekend.  The pace is self-explanatory... Thiago has it and it is an effective weapon both offensively and defensively… but the shooting needs a few words.  The upgrade to a 4 STAR WEAK FOOT has really added a whole new level to this card, while the shooting statistics are all sitting at 99, except for 97 LONG SHOTS and 89 FINISHING.  The finishing is still a bit of an issue but the results were vastly improved from the TOTSSF who scored 7 goals and 5 assist in 20 matches, while if you follow me on Twitter @IVIaeNine you will know that AWARD WINNER Thiago scored 11 goals and added 8 assist in his 20 match test drive (the 22 game image includes two disconnects from this weekend).  An excellent return, but really only scratches the surface of what this card brings to the table.  
    

Linkability 

Linkability Rating: 4/5

LOTS of Bayern options at your disposal and unlike Alaba you can find numerous Spanish options if you want Thiago in some hybrids.  Additionally, the central positioning offers a wider variety of options and really makes Thiago an easier fit with your plans.

 

End Game Strength

End Game Strength Rating: 5/5

Unlike the TOTSSF this card is a bang on 5/5 and really has the trifecta of FIFA 20 must haves: Pace, Agility and a 4+ WEAK FOOT.  It is obvious from one glance at this card that the highlight of these three is going to be the dribbling.  Thiago has the weird instance of a 99 dribbling base rating despite having 96 BALANCE, 94 REACTIONS and 95 COMPOSURE; but I can tell you from the 20 matches that I played this card is nothing short of perfect on the ball.  I really enjoyed the left stick dribbling with TOTSSF Thiago and this card is just like it...  but on steroids.

 

Value/Coins & Good vs. Bad 

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

The long list of cards being released at the end of FIFA 20 has been just about perfectly priced, and Thiago is really no different.  140k for a card that rivals the statistics of some of the best out there and has a weak foot boost feels more than fair.   

Even if you read my TOTSSF Thiago review, it was a long time ago and so a refresher is probably in order.  At that time I went with a 4.5/5 rating in this category due to the abysmal shooting and poor physical statistics (especially his stamina).   But now, I am happy to say that Thiago 2.0 passed both tests this time around and really proved to be one of the most well-rounded cards I have used this FIFA.  The combination of 99 STAMINA, 84 STRENGTH, 85 AGGRESSION and the 99 INTERCEPTIONS really did turn this card into a workhorse in the center of the pitch.  Thiago always seemed to be in the right place to break up my opponent's attacks and then had enough defensive statistics to win his fair share of 50/50 encounters.  Finally, after winning the ball Thiago moves it on in style and to say his passing is on point is an understatement; I put a small clip from one of his half time summaries to really demonstrate the quality you are getting with this card. 

 

Closing Words

The second clip of my video is a perfect representation of what you are getting with Thiago if you pull the trigger on this SBC.  Strong tackle, brilliant acceleration, intelligent run and a pinpoint pass for the easy tap-in finish.  Perhaps the word I have been missing with this review is BALANCED!… This card strikes the absolute perfect balance for those attacking midfield positions, whether it be a CM or CAM I think Thiago is just about the perfect option.  The Med/Med work rates keep Thiago in the right position for the majority of the match, but he can still make those last ditch tackles in your box, or put the finishing touches on the marvelous passing moves you complete at the other end of the pitch.  In the end, this is a brilliant card, matching the real life magician who earned it, and I can’t wait to see the Liverpool man in red next season… hey, a man can dream right! Cheers for reading. 
 

 

 

Game Stats:
 

 

 

 

Game Highlights:

 

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