What If Gomez Review

The What If promo has finally arrived amid all the speculation and predictions with an interesting concept, bright and shiny new design, and another live card category to add into the mix.  Upon release, there were a few cards that immediately grabbed my attention… but in the end, it just had to be Alejandro Gomez didn’t it.  Just one quick glance through the player build, work rates, players statistics and traits was a good indication that this card was going to produce in a big big way throughout this Weekend League… but looks can be deceiving and during the 20 matches, there was one surprise I was not expecting.  On the other hand, one aspect that was relatively clear was the benefits that a DEADEYE chemistry style would have on this card.  However, it was not before an area of concern arrived when choosing a position.  If you follow me on Twitter: @MaeNine_ (update Twitter name) or recently read my 4-2-2-2 Review you will know that I am starting to use this formation more and more this FIFA.  However, with Alejandro Gomez, there was not an out and out position that I really wanted him in with the 4-2-3-1 as a central CAM being the best option in my mind.  However, a small adjustment in the 4-2-2-2 ST Instructions to a FALSE 9 allowed Gomez space and freedom to operate to his full potential all weekend in the following squad:    


Starting Formation:

Overall

Rating: 9/10
Pace Rating: 9/10
Dribbling Rating: 10/10
Shooting Rating: 9.5/10
Passing Rating: 9/10
Physical Rating: 7/10
Defending Rating: N/A

From a strictly attacking technique perspective, this card is a wonderful option.  In smooth gameplay, you are getting a quick, agile, responsive, and clinical option to set loose on your opponents.  The card was made for FIFA 21 and fits the meta to a tee.  In the central CAM role I have only come across one or two options who could challenge Gomez… with his countryman Moments Dybala still wearing the crown for me.  However, Gomez was not far off of Dybala’s abilities and production and that is honestly saying something in itself.  Gomez was the linchpin for my attack this Weekend League and getting him on the ball proved key to creating and finishing goals throughout what was a challenging weekend.       

Main Attribute – Dribbling

Dribbling Rating: 10/10
Height: 167cm | 5’6

It isn’t hard to pick out where Alejandro Gomez is on the pitch during a match… the bright blonde hair and miniature frame make him an easy to spot option.  With a smaller body type, 97 AGILITY & 98 BALANCE it is no surprise that Gomez can slingshot around the pitch in the dribble.  The perfect 90+ across the dribbling board is a lethal combination and makes simple movements such as fake shot turns/accelerations feel different from just about any other player.  The injection of pace coming from the 98 ACCELERATION is incredible and proved difficult to handle… yet the 90 SPRINT SPEED was not quite as superior… and at times was frustration as opponent's defenders seemed to reel Gomez back in when through on goal or dangerous areas.  Beyond that, this card is a weapon in possession and was key to my success throughout the weekend.

Main Attribute – Four */Four *

Shooting Rating: 9.5/10
Weak Foot: * * * *
Trait: Outside Foot Shot

Surprise! This card does not have a 4 STAR WEAK FOOT; maybe on paper that is what it says… but in reality, this card hits them with both feet just as pure and in fact at times I preferred his left foot.  97 FINISHING, 98 SHOT POWER & 94 LONG SHOTS feel fantastic with this card as the DEADEYE chemistry style certainly jives well with the base statistics and produces some clean, clinical & creative finishing.  The 21 goal return is a little lower than what I would have wanted to see, but it was not due to a lack of finishing ability, in fact it was his ability to consistently finish that made me say “What If” myself with this card and the lack of physical presence (which I will discuss shortly).    

Value/Coins & Good vs. Bad 

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

I don’t want to get into a habit of comparing a card on the market to SBC cards completed.  When completing an SBC it makes sense to do this… but when dealing with a market card there are a lot of variables to consider.  However, in this case, I simply can not look at Alejandro Gomez without thinking about and comparing him to Moments Paulo Dybala.  While Dybala was a ridiculously low 220k… Gomez is currently sitting at a relatively stable 1.2 million coins.  In general, Dybala is currently the better card… both feel like their weak foot is stronger than advertised, and overall Dybala edges Gomez in every statistical category. However, we shouldn’t overlook that the What If cards are almost all guaranteed those +2 upgrades and would definitely take Gomez to similar levels for a million coins more.  

In the end, I still went with a 4.5/5 rating for Value for Coins due to the fact that Gomez is a fantastic operator in the center of the pitch.  The 13 assists in 20 matches is an indicator of just how well the responsive dribbling, quick acceleration & phenomenal passing statistics blend together.  99 VISION, 99 SHORT PASSING & 82 LONG PASSING with an incredibly reliable weak foot meant that every passing option was on the table.  Realistically there is only really one complaint with this card, but it is a big one.  As a smaller card with 53 STRENGTH, we all knew this was coming… but I just didn’t think it would impact my weekend so drastically.  Yes, Gomez does a LOT right across 90 minutes and was a big part of my success. However, the more wins I tallied equaled stronger opponents… which equaled more suffocating pressing and deeper and deeper drop back… then mix in some slower gameplay at points throughout the weekend… and Gomez honestly turned into a shell of himself.  Without the ability to wriggle through tight areas it meant more and more defenders laying a glove on the Argentine, which meant more and more frustrating possession loss.  While I don’t 100% just blame the card, it was clear that Gomez could not handle those physical encounters and led to struggles in those must-win matches late in Weekend League. 

Closing Words

While Barcelona kept Sevilla at bay, it is highly unlikely that they will fall short of the 6 goals needed to see this card become a 92 rated wizard.  This card truly is wizardly on the ball and you can bamboozle would-be tacklers with the slightest shift of his body and injection of pace.  But in the end, it was the Shooting that was so unexpected and if you watch some of the video it is abundantly clear just how pure you can strike them on both feet when given the space.  I realize the strength was a big negative and it is why a card with so much upside is still only a 9/10 overall and you have to accept this downfall when purchasing.  In the end, this card is a brilliant CAM or FALSE 9 striker and not much else for me. While I see some suggesting he is a decent winger, I just feel like the physical battles and defensive responsibilities are beyond this card… which is a luxury item in the end that can create pure sorcery on the ball, but not always willing to fight for the badge.  Hoping you are safe and well.  Cheers for reading.    

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