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Headliners Nkunku Review

 

Welcome to yet another promo… The Headliners entered packs this weekend (well, except for Ramsdale) with a new Team based on an old idea celebrating the early achievements of players from around the world.  For me, Headliners have always been one of my favorite cards.  I love the gamble and speculation on the 4 matches win streak, the gamble of picking up a player before a match… and it is these gambles that have lost me so many coins on Headliners but certainly raised anticipation and focus on leagues and matches I would otherwise overlook.  Christopher Nkunku is definitely not a player I have overlooked this year and even if I didn’t follow the Bundesliga, the massive influx of FUT cards bearing this man's name and face would have made his early achievements inescapable anyway.  Yet, for me, these real life performances have not transferred over to pixelated versions of previous Nkunku cards I have used.  While I see the Frenchman in some opponent’s squads I just haven’t found the same spark in my own test drives.  I was hoping this weekend would be different and decided to really focus on the attacking abilities that the Red Bull man can bring to the table.  With that in mind, only a HUNTER would do as I played Nkunku as the False 9 ST in my 4-2-2-2 formation.  Nkunku finally rose to the occasion all weekend long in the following squad:   

Starting Formation:


 
In-game Formation:
 


 

Overall

Rating: 9.5/10
Pace Rating: 9.5/10
Dribbling Rating: 9.5/10
Shooting Rating: 9/10
Passing Rating: 9.5/10
Physical Rating: 8/10
Defending Rating: N/A

While my choice saw Nkunku in a very advanced position I actually think it worked perfectly given a lot of this card's assets. While I know playing Nkunku as the central CAM in my 4-2-3-1 would have also led to success, it was uncanny how well this card suited the False 9 role.  The link up play was quick, accurate and lethal… while at the same time offering overlapping runs that you would expect from your strikers creating a lot of problems for my opponents.  While I mentioned not enjoying previous versions of this card, this review completely changed how I view the possibilities of future Nkunku cards as he continues to have a fantastic season. 

 

Main Statistic - Pace/Dribbling

Pace Rating: 9.5/10
Dribbling Rating: 9.5/10
Height: 179cm | 5’10

I have always felt that previous Nkunku versions felt clunky and were a key contributor to why I disliked the cards.  He was never slow in terms of top speed, but certainly never felt quick either.  Now, with the 99 ACCELERATION, 96 SPRINT SPEED, 92 AGILITY, 90 BALANCE, 93 BALL CONTROL & 93 DRIBBLING I can say without hesitation that this card flies around the pitch.  I can see why people would be playing Nkunku as a CAM and maybe even as a CM but for me, the 89 STAMINA was enough of an issue as a False 9, never mind with more defensive responsibilities.  Even as it was there are a few clips (especially the last one before the end credits) where you will see the False 9 instructions mixed with the Med | Med work rates causing Nkunku to track back and win the ball… before using all of his quickness to rocket up the pitch and eventually finish off the well-earned chance.   

 

Main Attribute - 3 STAR WEAK FOOT

Passing Rating: 9.5/10
Shooting Rating: 9/10
Weak Foot: ★★★
Traits: Outside Foot, Finesse Shot

It is bad to say, considering I was running the review, but it wasn’t until 5 matches in that I realized Nkunku only had a 3 STAR WEAK FOOT.  I am not sure why I was so sure it was 4 but truthfully he gave me no reason to question it.  The 94 FINISHING, 95 SHOT POWER, 86 LONG SHOTS, 82 VOLLEYS and even 3 STAR WEAK FOOT all had one thing in common… they all outperformed the labelled statistics by quite some bit.  The 18 goals and 5 assists from a deeper role paint the picture of how lethal of an operator this card can be.  For me, one of the biggest differences to the past few reviews was how accurate the 92 SHORT PASSING & 89 LONG PASSING felt in game and drastically helped in connecting the play together in confined spaces.      

 

Value/Coins & Good vs. Bad

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

Lots going on with this price tag but I would go ahead and say that it is good value just as it is at 446k.  However, you have to consider all of the free packs that will be coming the way of those that opened at the start of Headliners promo which is sure to bring the price of this card down.  Additionally, if you are looking down the line at a potential upgrade then I am afraid it will likely have to come in the shape of informs as Red Bull face Bayern within their 4 game window… even more unfortunately, is the placement right at the end, which is already into February.  Lots to consider in terms of coin loss, but not much in terms of value… it is definitely there.  

Two small concerns… 1. I already mentioned the abysmal stamina that I experienced in a more forward role and can only imagine this being compounded by the stress of midfield positions 2. For a slightly bigger card, I would have expected a more solid performance on the ball… which also raises questions about just how efficient a midfielder Nkunku could be. 

 

Closing Words

Entertaining review.  Entertaining cards to watch.  Leaving more questions about the direction I want to take my squad in the end.  Nkunku was a nice addition and a good reminder that you can’t expect every card to just feel the same as those in the past.  I truly believe that this Nkunku card has entered the conversion as a serious performer moving forward and when you can link with the likes of Signature Coman there are a lot of options to give Nkunku a chance in your own squads.  It is a must try for me.  Hoping you are safe and well.  Cheers for reading.   
 

 

Game Stats:
 

 

 

Game Highlights:

 

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