Haaland Review

We are back for the second set of FIFA 22 player reviews and it can only go up from here now that we have a baseline for what to expect from different types of players.  With that in mind, I couldn’t wait to get started on this review as it appears that small, pacey players are not the only option in this year's version of the game.  Erling Haaland was borderline unusable in FIFA 21, which is ridiculous considering how amazing the Norwegian has performed in recent years.  But in FIFA 22 it has felt different and based on Haaland’s constant place in the popular players list I was sure this review would produce some magic in the end.  It was 15 matches again (with one early rage quit and one free win) and this time the challenge took us into Division Rivals and the FUT Champions Playoffs.  It was clear that the ENGINE chemistry style would do the trick and even more clear that Haaland would line up as the left striker in my 4-2-2-2 formation across the weekend.  Haaland was the clutch performer all weekend long in the following squad:

Starting Formation:

Overall

Rating: 8/10
Pace Rating: 8/10
Dribbling Rating: 7/10
Shooting Rating: 8.5/10
Passing Rating: 8/10
Physical Rating: 8.5/10
Defending Rating: N/A

This card is very similar in terms of quality to Dembélé who we reviewed last weekend … except the two OP options get to those ratings in many different ways.  While Dembélé is an all-action two footed quick-strike weapon… Haaland was more of a broad-chested barreling cannon that could mix it up with some of the most physical defenders in the game.  Regardless of how they got there, the results were the same… and the goal contribution totals eerily similar. 

Main Statistic – Shooting

Shooting Rating: 8.5/10
Weak Foot: ★★★

Haaland has some absolutely mouth watering base shooting statistics and is certainly a big reason for his FIFA popularity. Much like the man himself in real life, this card managed some classy goals when set up on his favorite left foot.  The 89 POSITIONING helped the big man find space in those highly congested areas in and around the box… while the 94 FINISHING & 94 SHOT POWER combined beautifully to create the venom required to beat the demons in between the sticks so far this year.  Again, it was 14 goals in “15” matches and I just feel that until keepers are patched… a goal a game will be the benchmark for separating the good from the bad strikers.  The 5 assists were a nice added bonus and overall I couldn’t have been happier with how Haaland operated in attacking positions.  Honestly, this would have been closer to a 9.5/10 or even perfect if it were not for the 3 STAR WEAK FOOT that ultimately put a damper on this card's quality in the box.

Main Attribute - Height

Physical Rating: 8.5/10
Height: 194cm | 6’4
Body Type: Unique

There is currently zero space in and around the box in FIFA 22 and it got even worse as I entered into the FUT Champions Playoffs.  Honestly, it was a sweatfest that I was expecting, but didn’t truly think it would get to the levels I witnessed. However, I was quite happy to have the unique body type of Haaland that allowed him to reach his 88 ACCELERATION & 99 SPRINT SPEED.. while also still allowing his 93 STRENGTH to impose his will on would be challengers.  All I can say is that I hope the usefulness of these types of players remains throughout the game and truly makes it an “Ultimate Team” experience.

Value/Coins & Good vs. Bad 

Value/Coins Rating: 4/5
Good vs Bad Rating: 5/5

For 50k I don’t know that you can go wrong with this card… the 80 AGILITY & 82 BALANCE combined with the 88 DRIBBLING was certainly enough to make the big man dance on the ball… and I think a few of the goals in the video do a lot of justice to just how smooth the movement can be with this card.  The 82 SHORT PASSING felt sharp and accurate allowing for some intricate link up play as we tried to break down the walls of defence built before us.

Truthfully the main issue remains the 3 STAR WEAK FOOT here.  Yes, Haaland can make up for some of this with how potent that left foot can be… the 87 LONG SHOTS was certainly enough to score some of those extremely effective long distance finesse shots.  But in the end, the lack of results on the right was disappointing and it has to be said that EA really sold Haaland short with that rating.  The other major issue is the 3 STAR SKILLS which will certainly leave a lot to be desired for those that can pull off some of the more difficult moves in the game.

Closing Words

With the Bundesliga currently feeling like the OP playground for cheap beasts, it is no wonder that a card like Haaland has been so popular.  Add that to the already growing real life fan base of this goal machine and you have a recipe for seeing this card a lot over the coming weeks.  For me, I would just add that it is certainly not just hype that is seeing this card skyrocket in popularity… There is a lot of substance to back that up as well.  The connection with an OP option like Emre Can is not hurting matters either (what a card that is).  So with that, I would chalk this card up to the “definitely should try” list and if you need a link, Emre Can is a fantastic budget connection as well.  The two Dortmund men played a big part in the push through Champions Playoffs, with Haaland scoring some crucial goals along the way… a must try.  Hoping you are all safe and well. Cheers for reading.
 

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