FIFA 23 FANTASY FUT MEMPHIS DEPAY SBC - COP OR FLOP?

Today marks the start of the Fantasy FUT promo within Fifa and with it, brings the excitement of more live cards! Amongst which we have seen for the first time, are Live Fantasy FUT Hero items. Among these cards are some incredible items that can only potentially get better with some real-life performances from their respective clubs.

However, again it seems that in typical EA fashion, the selection of players is quite uninspiring for our squads as it seems like the options are either some insane level players that will most likely be way out of the average player's price range or a good handful of what is essentially “fodder” items.

But with a new promo comes a new SBC. This time what looks to be one of the most exciting parts of the kick-off to this promo is none other than Memphis Depay, who has been given a juicy 89-rated card. A +3 from his previous card which is a fantastic start to what could then go on to a potential +4 upgrade with added traits. But more on that later…

You can view the card for yourself here! 

Fantasy FUT Memphis Depay SBC Requirements

This SBC comes with a group of 3 SBCs to complete for the card, of which require as follows:

Squad 1 – Netherlands
# of players from the Netherlands: Min 1
Squad Rating: Min 84

Squad 2 – La Liga
# of players from La Liga Santander: Min 1
Squad Rating: Min 85

Squad 3 – 87 Rated Squad
Squad Rating: Min 87

Total Cost of completion - 340K

When looking at the value of the card it’s important to consider the possibilities behind it. The card looks fantastic off face value and might just be what your La Liga squad needs. Especially when you consider links to this card such as Correa that could present a lethal attack in your team. But as I mentioned, there are more possibilities behind this card. As part of this promo. Every card has four chances at upgrades based on real-life performance. So it’s important to understand the chances behind this card going the full length.

In order for Depay to get the first possible upgrade, Atletico Madrid need to win just 1 of their next 6 domestic league games. Which seems very likely. Atletico will face; Valencia, Real Betis, Rayo Vallecano, Ameria, Barcelona & Real Mallorca in their next 6 games. Which you would think would nearly guarantee at least 1 win for Athletico who currently sit in 4th of the league table. The next is the 3 appearances in the next 6 games which again should prove to be another guaranteed upgrade but there is always a chance this could go missed. But then there is the 3rd and 4th options which are the more unlikely options. These are; 2 goals or assists within the next 6 games and then avoiding defeat within the next 6 games (Starting March 17th). Currently Depay has scored 2 goals and 0 assists for Atletico. There is a chance he could play a blinder but not guaranteed of course.

So all things considered, this card is sure enough going to become a 91 rated item which for 340k, is not a terrible value considering he is also a desirable player with that slight chance of getting to 93 rating.

Fantasy FUT Memphis Depay In-Game Analysis

We are presented with a couple of alternate positions for this card. In addition to the CF position, Depay can also be changed to ST and LW. For this review, I have opted to play him at ST and with the engine chemistry style. 

This card has all the makings to be a decent striking option for your team but is also just as good an option for wide-wing play due to his stand-out stat being his dribbling. He was incredibly agile on the ball and with 5* skills he is able to make light work of the opponent's defense. This also matched in well with 85 strength which allowed him to stick to the ball and work his magic.

Pace was alright but in-game didn’t feel like anything special with there being a lot of faster options out there but this was quickly made up for with his passing ability and attack positioning which meant that team play was the key to getting up the field quickly.

Shooting-wise again was nothing to scream about. It is a shame that we didn’t see an upgrade to his weak foot as having just 3* weak foot lets the card down ever so slightly as often his left foot just didn’t hit the mark. But generally, on goal, this card can deliver. Specifically, if you go with either finesse or an outside-the-foot shot as his curve stat and outside-the-foot trait served this well.

How does he compare?

It’s difficult to compare this card to others without considering the upgrade aspect of it. But in the La Liga, the close options would be Griezmann’s World Cup PTG card or Joao Felix’s Winter Wildcard. Both of these come at a much higher price range, but are of course tradeable. Angel Correa would of course be another very similar option but in my opinion, with both cards coming from nations that aren’t great to link within their league, you’ll definitely want to use both of them.

The upgrading aspect though is something that is hard to look past. With the next Atletico game fast approaching it could be very likely that we could see this card upgraded very soon with an ever so slight chance of more to come behind it.

Fantasy FUT Memphis Depay - Cop or Flop?

This SBC currently has 73% in upvotes. Feedback within the community seems to be really positive. I believe this comes down to the high probability in upgrades for this card.

For me this card is a massive COP IF you are running a La Liga setup. I don’t believe this is a team-changing card. But if he slots into your team then Memphis Depay is most definitely worth the pickup in my opinion. The SBC itself could certainly be cheaper, but I believe once some sort of upgrade packs/ picks gets released, this is a very grindable card with plenty of time to it.

SBC Rating 8/10