FIFA 23 Nabil Fekir Rulebreakers Player Review

The return of our Weekend League grind was one for the ages… a 4 from 4 finish to squeak out 16 wins will go down in club history… The contributions from our two review cards playing a massive part in this success.

There are popular cards in FIFA… There are cult classic cards in FIFA… and then there are God-like cards that are worshiped by the masses, a category fit for the genius that is Nabil Fekir.  

Last years Europa SBC was the stuff of legends and immortalized the Frenchman in FIFA folklore. I can only imagine the amount of matches that were logged with that card… I was a big fan of having him in my own squad, and always cautious when coming up against him.

I have to admit that I was happy to see Fekir win the popular vote from our Twitter poll (which we will continue to run for future promos), but it was always likely that the Real Betis man was joining my squad this weekend regardless.

There was a small issue of where to play Fekir in my squad… with the striker position in my 4-2-2-2 calling his name, but the looming consideration that some FUT Managers would want the Frenchman in attacking midfield roles.

The result was a compromise where I started Fekir as my striker across the 15 match review, and then transitioned him out to the LAM position at or around half time.

Regardless of position the HUNTER chemistry style offered the pop of pace and strength of shooting that would be required to fill the back of the net.

All was set as the HUNTER chemistry style provided the pace and shooting prowess required to create an added threat to my squad.

Fekir was a touch of class all weekend long in the following squad:

 

Starting Formation

 

In-Game Formation

 

 

Overall 

Rating: 9/10

Pace Rating: 9/10

Dribbling Rating: 9/10

Shooting Rating: 9.5/10

Passing Rating: 9/10

Physical Rating: 8.5/10

Defending Rating: N/A

 

There is just something about left-footed cards in FIFA that feels different. This is almost certainly fabricated in my mind, but I swear they hit the ball that little bit differently.

My FUT conspiracies aside, Fekir was undeniably a key to my squad this weekend and an ever present contributor to everything that went well.

The versatility of positions on the pitch just about makes up for the lack of alternate positions in squad building… The 16 goal and 7 assist contributions provide proof of the constant threat Fekir provided regardless of position.

 

 

Main Statistics – Shooting

Shooting Rating: 9.5/10

Weak Foot: ★★★★

Traits: Outside Foot, Finesse Shot

 

If we set aside my left-footed bias, the 94 FINISHING, 91 SHOT POWER & 96 LONG SHOTS suggest that this card would pack precision and power regardless of foot preference.

The 4 STAR WEAK FOOT proved to be top quality in almost all situations and really only let me down on rare occasions. Finesse shots and tight windows that were nailed on goals for Fekir on his left, were sometimes wanting when addressed from the right.

Speaking of finesse shots… Fekir also harnesses the power of the FINESSE SHOT and OUTSIDE FOOT traits which amplify the weapons at your disposal in attack.

I will note that after my POTM Gakpo review I was starting to feel some real confidence in the free kick department, only for Fekir to come up empty after a handful of chances. Disappointing given the 85 FREE KICK ACCURACY & 89 CURVE… but perhaps this boils down to user error.

 

 

 

Value/Coins

Value/Coins Rating: 5/5

 

300k is a lot of coins to spill for one card, especially this early in the cycle. But it is those early stages and the gap between quality cards and the rest of the pack that makes this card such great value for coins.

Entering a quick FUTBIN search with the minimum statistics that Fekir possesses, produces a very short list… 3 to be exact… with 90 Gullit & 90 Cantona the only two for company.

There is a serious quality in everything Fekir does and it speaks to the versatility and quality in any area you deploy this card.

 

 

Good vs. Bad 

Good vs Bad Rating: 5/5

 

Playing Fekir in multiple positions offered a different perspective for this section and amplified the good, while shining some light on the bad.

+ Playing as a striker it was clear that Fekir has an abundance of passing statistics. 93 VISION & 89 SHORT PASSING created the zip and accuracy behind how he plays a ball.

+ Playing as a LAM, the wand of a left foot on this card was clear and the 83 LONG PASSING & 87 CROSSING did the trick.

+ 88 BALANCE & 82 AGILITY with 86 DRIBBLING were just about enough to work this card into shooting positions… and from there it was lights out.

But even on the best of cards, there is room for improvement.

- Perhaps it is the CONTROLLED AcceleRATE causing problems, but the 98 ACCELERATION and most certainly the 89 SPRINT SPEED feel literally off the pace. He is not slow… but those numbers were not my experience.

- Playing as a LAM the 83 STAMINA was put to the test and didn’t exactly pass. Injury time matches left Fekir feeling sluggish and noticeably struggling.

 

Closing Words

Just over one goal per game and a handful of assists during the Weekend League grind should be enough to sell anyone on this card.

The fact that Fekir spent 30-45 minutes per match tirelessly working the touchline only amplifies the production numbers overall.

The word that I keep coming back to is quality. Fekir takes chances when they fall, conjures key opportunities for teammates, and generally produces the goods when called upon.

Price tag alone means that this card will not quite reach the levels of the FIFA 22 Europa League following… but the card doesn’t disappoint and has all the makings of a fan favourite.

Let me know if you have used Fekir… What positions are you getting the most out of him? 

 

Thanks for reading, and be sure to follow @FUTBIN on socials and keep an eye out for our polls to vote on which players you want to see reviewed next!