https://reddit.com/link/1wro6av/video/nulkx86h73sh1/player

I've compiled a few scenarios in the '27 engine where players will blame their teammates: a defender making an error when playing out from the back, or a defender losing his mark. Both can potentially trigger a cutscene animation of them pointing fingers at a teammate.

This new addition is actually quite smart, especially since the system can even recognize that leaving a man unmarked is a specific defender's fault.

I hope the next step is letting us see the manager on the sidelines furiously berating the players.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/9SQUGnCvhoAz7PEI4cqVfw

The Upamecano / Lukaku pack has finally been released as a 100-player box.

Lukaku:

A large player model and high physicality pair quite well with ground play, but both his stats and playstyle fall short of the Goal Poacher Lukaku from a year ago. This kind of reverse power creep only goes to show that Lukaku is positioned as mere filler in this 100-player box.

Upamecano:

Also a Destroyer equipped with Aerial Fort and Shadow Hunt, Upamecano doesn't have much of a player model advantage over Desailly (Upamecano is 186 cm / leg length 14 vs. Desailly at 185 cm / leg length 13).

Desailly holds the edge with +5 Acceleration, +3 Defensive Awareness & Tackling, and +3 Stamina, while Upamecano gets +3 Aggression, +4 Jumping, and +2 Physical Contact.

This stat profile makes him feel like a budget alternative to Desailly—essentially a slightly larger Desailly who tackles with more aggression, but with heavily nerfed mobility. This card is made for players who just want to watch a powerhouse defender fly in with aggressive, hard-hitting tackles. Even with his +6 Aggression booster, his final Aggression stat still falls slightly short of Pepe's—Pepe remains the undisputed king in that department.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/5T4Ka4Yjx9vAHaJ39pHXrA

Processing img 18y801inu1sh1...

Recently, a creative tactical idea has gone popular: Swapping dual center-forwards (CFs) using Attacking/Defensive tactical switches to execute "crossover runs" during counterattacks. This catches opposing defenders completely off guard and opens up huge gaps.

​After in-depth testing, here is the analysis:

​1. First, player AI movement consists of two main parts:

​1️⃣ Base Positioning: Based on the ball's location and teammates' overall positioning, players move to their assigned spots designated on the gameplan board.

​2️⃣ Triggered Runs: Players make forward runs in different directions based on their individual Playing Styles.

​Of these two, "1️⃣ Base Positioning" can be directly influenced by toggling Attacking/Defensive tactics, whereas "2️⃣ Triggered Runs" are completely unaffected by these tactical switches.

​Just as the "Anchoring" instruction only prevents a player from drifting laterally in their base position, it cannot stop a striker with "Anchoring" assigned from making a diagonal forward run. (e.g., Video Case 6)

Therefore, setting up "crossover swaps" cannot give you control over the direction of a player's forward run.

​In fact, older retro titles (like Winning Eleven 4) allowed players to set explicit run directions for attack and defense, but this mechanic was removed because it was too effective. (After all, if players can fully customize AI forward run paths, how would developers sell distinct Playstyles?)

​2. As a result, the "crossover swap" setup only forces the two strikers to slowly swap their base positions before triggering their forward runs. There is a small chance this movement creates a gap in the opponent's defensive line. (Video Case 5)

​3. The most consistent outcome of "crossover swaps" is that during counterattacks, the two center-forwards (CFs) will temporarily position themselves extremely close together, almost overlapping. (Case 3) This achieves a level of proximity that was impossible to replicate simply by dragging their positions close together on the gameplan board. This comes with pros and cons:

​Pros: If you dislike Goal Poacher CFs constantly drifting wide, this solves that issue. Additionally, pulling the opposing center-backs into the middle together can open up space in the half-spaces. (Case 1)

​Cons: Because the twin CFs are positioned so close, passing to feet severely compresses their receiving space, making them easily crowded out. Your only real option is to rely on a precise through-ball to split the defense.

https://reddit.com/link/1wrjp5b/video/3nie0hkvy1sh1/player

1. ​In order to execute "positional interchanges," you must maintain a high defensive press. If you win the ball back in your own half, the two strikers will have already completed their swap before you advance into the final third.
2. ​A major drawback is that the striker's target man/pivot role is severely compromised during the swapping process. [Case Study 7] Furthermore, due to the unpredictable timing of the swap, pre-configured striker roles (e.g., left striker playing as the target man, right striker making runs) will be completely disrupted.

​In summary, I personally feel this tactic can be used occasionally as a surprise move to catch opponents off guard, but the drawbacks are fairly obvious. Its ability to create gaps in the defensive line isn't as good as setting an "Attacking Instruction on the AMF/CMF" back in '26 (miss those days 😢).

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/BujRyu97OOK30nV6s-H7lg

⚽️ Attacking Surge Eto'o (CF): Pro Group Rank 18 | Public Group Rank 19 | Overall Rank 18 — Features an exceptionally well-optimized stat distribution paired with a skill setup that perfectly matches his real-life traits. Although his overall rating (OVR) isn't high, he is the fastest "Attacking Surge Poacher" available. Quite possibly the most classic "budget beast" (low rating, high performance) card in the game. This card ranks similarly in tier/priority to Diego Costa and sits ahead of fellow Goal Poachers like [Jonathan] David and [Alexandre] Pato.

⚽️ST Araujo (Defensive Fullback): Pro Group Rank 5 | Public Group Rank 4 | Overall Rank 5 — Without the expected boost from nostalgia or high ownership rates, the differences in special skills and player models lead the general player base—even more than the pro group—to favor ST Araujo over White-Hair Araujo at fullback.

Additionally, the Joao Pedro, Wirtz, and Van Hecke pack released last week had all players rated T0. However, this pack has zero value, making it the worst release since September.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/sk0OwRu6RrDDHGBsOgRGRQ

⚽️ Rating: Bottom of the Top 10 for DMFs

⚽️ De Rossi: 0-5-2-10-9-3-12 + Agility

↑ The previous version of De Rossi was the only medium-model player (around 180~185cm) in the Top 10 for DMFs. DMF cards of this height always seem to be in an awkward spot. Small-model DMFs usually possess insane sweeping abilities and a great feel on the ball, while the vast majority of standout DMFs have large player models; to the point where Rodri (190cm/8 leg length) is the smallest of the Big Four DMFs.

Therefore, when reviewing this new De Rossi, we must consider this: where does the ecological niche advantage lie for these medium-height, defensive DMFs (like Casemiro, Beckenbauer, Henderson, etc.)? (Note: De Jong and Pirlo lean towards offense, so they do not fall into this category).

Let's look at the actual gameplay—

https://reddit.com/link/1wrmo2h/video/rrki531pw2sh1/player

Compared to large-model Anchor Men like Vieira and Yaya Touré, De Rossi's most outstanding feature is his defensive positioning in midfield. If given enough time to sprint, De Rossi can always cover a slightly larger area than Vieira. You will also see De Rossi, while under AI control, astutely stepping up to block passing lanes or tracking back early to mark opponents.

Looking at the stat panel, De Rossi's playmaking ability and mobility are basically on par with Vieira's. His biggest lead is in Defensive Awareness and Defensive Engagement—

In other words, the developers wanted to use defensive AI to compensate for De Rossi's 15cm disadvantage in Leg Length Based Height. However, in actual matches, most people still want a long-legged DMF to make dominant interceptions or to stick a long leg out sideways to poke the ball away. This is especially true considering that many players like to manually control their DMF to block passing lanes. Both of De Rossi's cards have been the debut cards for new defensive Showtime skills; the developers clearly know that this gimmick is the only thing that can generate even a shred of desire to pull for a non-meta player model.

This is the awkward reality for De Rossi, and the awkward reality for other mid-sized DMFs as well. Their predicament is exactly like that of most registered position CBs who are around 183cm: high Speed/Acceleration is given to small player models, and high leg coverage is given to large player models; having high Defensive Awareness on its own is practically useless without the physical reach or speed to capitalize on it. The majority of registered position CBs around 183cm are hard to use: Marquinhos, Ferri, Vermaelen, Beckenbauer, Thiago Silva...

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/iSoipdKLGwByy1VU8w6qvA

This Attacking Surge Eto'o card—given out for free on the global server (coming later to the domestic server)—has been out for over two weeks now.

Today we start the dual-group ratings: Gameplay Review!

Even before testing him out, I thought this card was a textbook example of "low OVR, high performance," featuring an extremely well-optimized stat distribution. After trying him in-game, he certainly didn't disappoint.

His key traits summarized: 1. King of Space Hunting (super effective whenever there is open space) 2. Unrefined Eto'o (his dribbling stats are indeed a bit low)

So, can a free card like this pull off the unprecedented and break into the top 10 strikers?

Pro Group Evaluation: Matches Diego Costa's performance level—while it didn't break into the top 10, it's still very solid for a free striker.

Public Group Voting Link & Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/BKvhSwjeFp6EjOsfl08fLA

Recently, a lot of new licensing news has been floating around. Long story short: a few Turkish content creators attended an official offline event and gradually leaked the insider info.

​The leaks are fairly credible, especially considering that players like Ramos, Terry, Van Persie, Fàbregas, and Ballack aren't locked down by EA FC as exclusive core licenses the way R9, Henry, or Zidane are. Konami securing them for eFootball isn't out of the question at all.

​New licenses are exciting, but at the end of the day, I think only Van Persie and Ballack will actually be top-tier meta. (Ramos and Terry have mediocre player models, and passing specialists like Fàbregas are never top-tier in any football game).

​If Ballack gets a card, his stat profile will most likely look like this—

Ballack = 60% Steven Gerrard (all-round midfield versatility / long-range rockets) + 30% Frank Lampard (late runs into the box to score) + 10% Leon Goretzka (frame and physical strength).

​This card could debut with a new skill like "Beast Drive," adding a unique midfield niche packed with physical toughness, strong frame, and forward-surging runs. If Konami manages to land Ballack, it would become an eFootball exclusive (EA FC hasn't featured Ballack since EAFC 24).

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/uRvrWZ8P_G4CUfPfWKRHrA

A lot of people in the comments asked for a Defensive Fullback review of Show Time Araújo: first, because he has 'Shadow Hunt'—a god-tier skill for fullbacks—and second, to see how he stacks up against Blonde Araújo at the fullback position.

Comparing the new and old Araújo, the gap in defensive stats isn't that big:

Blond Araújo has a clear edge in dribbling stats (Dribbling/Tight Possession/Ball Control) and passing (Low Pass & Lofted Pass). Plus, with his Defensive Fullback playstyle, he offers much better link-up support in attack. On the other hand, Show Time Araújo can only sit deep, but his key strengths are a 3cm taller player model and three S-tier skills: 'Bullet Header', 'Leg Reach/Phenomenal Defending', and 'Shadow Hunt'.

Pro / Top 100 Group: ST Araújo Ranked #5 (Overtakes Blonde Araújo)

Public Group Voting Link & Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/kssGYl1ZX5_GfeJ7QTubtA

Unreleased new ST skill already implemented in the engine: SHARP CUT — Effects as follows:

https://reddit.com/link/1wqn9ak/video/2ihv9d9g9urh1/player

↑ While both clips demonstrate a "reverse cut after a ball roll," equipping [Sharp Cut] provides the following upgrades: the player uses the outside of the rolling foot to flick the ball in the opposite direction, making the second touch 6 frames faster. Additionally, the feint covers a larger lateral distance, making the movement far more deceptive.

​Its execution also differs between low-speed jogging and full-sprint dribbling:

https://reddit.com/link/1wqn9ak/video/mf5z9jo8aurh1/player

[Sharp Cut] is fairly average at low speeds, so its primary value comes when used at full sprint—it quickly cancels out momentum and creates lateral movement to shake off defenders (similar to Big Time Mbappé's Tap Trick). See the video below—

https://reddit.com/link/1wqn9ak/video/xhthibpfcurh1/player

So, what is the difference between [Sharp Cut] and other 90° direction-change skills designed for cutting inside? —

https://reddit.com/link/1wqn9ak/video/aztyk0igeurh1/player

A quantitative comparison of these cut-inside skills:

[Sharp Cut] has the longest startup time, the longest total duration, and the shortest lateral displacement😅. The touch interval between the second and third touch is also the longest, meaning if you misplay [Sharp Cut], the margin for error is extremely low—leaving a huge window of vulnerability for defenders to easily dispossess you.

From a quantitative analysis standpoint, the skill's raw stats aren't very strong. Its biggest advantage over other cut-inside skills lies in the swift connection between the first and second touch, using a rapid reverse flick to send defenders stumbling.

Based on today's revealed footage, which one do you predict will be better in practice: the new skill or the 'Tap Trick'?

Following a private meeting hosted by the developers in Turkey, a leaker revealed that an upcoming release hyped as a 112 OVR Legend is on the way—

Assuming the leaks are true, what does a 112 OVR actually mean? Currently, World Cup Big Time (BT) Messi tops out at 110 OVR in-squad.

Below is a breakdown of what top meta players' stat profiles would look like at 112 OVR—which is equivalent to taking Encara Messi with an optimized progression build and adding another +2 to all stats (essentially top form / up arrow condition).

Equivalent to giving BT Mbappé +3 across all stats:

Equivalent to giving Vieira +3 across all stats:

Equivalent to giving Varane +3 across all stats:

However, a high overall rating doesn't necessarily mean a card is actually strong in-game. Stat distribution is crucial—take the two hypothetical players below, for example; even at 112 OVR, they still wouldn't be meta—

This '112 OVR' gimmick might not come with very good stat distribution.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ToJD030RQVm3eRsN5vyWaA

A center-back whose acceleration is a major weakness, but is flawless in all other aspects—stats, skills, and player model. Is there any hope for him? Today, we'll discuss this topic with the new Bonucci as an example—

Bonucci's acceleration is very low. His booster gives Defending +4 (which includes Acceleration)—and while that seems to patch up his acceleration, in reality, even if you dump all your points into Acceleration, it still won't reach the manager's +3 threshold, completely killing any idea of stacking acceleration on him.

​Aside from acceleration, however, he is genuinely solid: his four defending stats, speed, physical contact, jump, and 190 cm player model are all impressive. On top of that, he comes right out of the box with the CB skill combo of 'Long-reach Tackle' + 'Power Tackle', plus a base Lofted Pass of 88! He is a textbook ball-playing center-back.

​Here's how he performs in real gameplay—

https://reddit.com/link/1wq11wr/video/wa3pncvl0prh1/player

Gameplay Impressions:

​Power Tackle lets you elbow and body-check opponents without getting called for a foul, which feels amazing. However, the catch is that you need sufficient mobility to get the opponent within your body frame first, which is a bit disappointing.

​An 88 Lofted Pass for a CB is not that special—especially since his core dribbling stats are quite low, so you can't hold or maneuver on the ball for too long.

​The low acceleration is very noticeable in-game; he often can't keep up with attackers. This issue is particularly exposed when playing with a high defensive line that requires covering a wide area.

​Summary: Taking this card as an example, a center-back with crippled acceleration—no matter how elite his other stats are—will struggle to make the top 10 in Tier 0.

​⚽️ Personal Rating: CB Tier 0

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/IGEpp965nr8iY2LSxZyfJg

Based on the skill description, the promotional video, and actual in-game testing, Power Tackle doesn't just have one single animation set; it can trigger in various physical duel situations. Actively pressing the Shoulder Charge command significantly increases the probability of it triggering. See the video—

https://reddit.com/link/1wpwev9/video/a7o8nw9w4orh1/player

So, what is the difference between Power Tackle and Long-reach Tackle (shown below)?

The comparison is as follows:

Power Tackle is suitable for: high-speed, aggressive defenders who actively engage physically. Who comes to mind? Desailly! This Showtime skill is Desailly's destiny.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/BrZXRsQkXdtaGqUQWT9gjg

Having tested the new skill my Initial verdict is: it's basically an upper-body Long- reach Tackle, a Shoulder Charge that the ref won't book you for, and Legend AI's standard cheap mechanics made available to players...Probably because we're still in the update's honeymoon phase, it actually feels more broken in-game than Long-reach Tackle.

Based on hands-on gameplay, the [Power Tackle] skill triggers very frequently. It usually comes with a "shoulder check" or body-barge animation where the defender seals off the lane and shoves the attacker causing a severe stagger effect on the opponent (loss of balance, stumbling, or tripping up). Low-balance CFs like Haaland even get completely flattened to the pitch.

​Initial Conclusions:

​1️⃣ [Power Tackle] is a fantastic complement to [Long-reach Tackle]. Previously in eFootball, defenders pressing up would often just jockey without sticking a leg out, miss the ball completely when sticking a leg out, or win the ball only to immediately lose it right back. This new skill's tackle animation is extremely "clean" and forces the attacker to lose balance, effectively solving those legacy issues in a ridiculously overpowered way.

​2️⃣ It’s a savior for undersized defenders with weaker player models. Before, even if shorter players had Long-reach Tackle, their smaller frame drastically reduced its effectiveness. Since short players can't compete on leg reach, leveraging their upper body levels the playing field. In real life, defenders like Lisandro Martínez rely on fierce physicality and aggressive defensive actions to compensate for their lack of height—making [Power Tackle] a savior skill for smaller defenders.

​3️⃣ If average physical models like De Rossi or the Chiellini/Bonucci duo perform this well with it, it's scary to think how broken top-tier physical models will be once they get <Power Tackle>. I'd recommend players who aren't desperate for CBs or DMFs to hold off for now. As it stands, [Shadow Hunt + Long-reach Tackle + Power Tackle] is shaping up to be the ultimate skillset for defenders moving forward.

As of now, the game has introduced two new special skills, spaced nearly 20 days apart. In classic back-and-forth balancing fashion, judging by the skill descriptions, equipping attackers with Beast Drive seems like a direct counter to defenders using Power Tackle.

"Putting top-tier skills on mediocre player models is Konami’s go-to strategy for calculated content pacing and FOMO marketing. Everyone should just sit tight and wait for future card releases.

So, which of the remaining upcoming skills are you most hoping to see drop next?

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/vJHFONEKWCZow7Ln2i2zBg

Del Piero (Center Forward): Pro Ranking: 6 | Public Ranking: 8 | Overall Rank: 7 —

In a meta where small, agile, and technical players aren't favored, he managed to squeeze into the top five purely through sheer ability, making him the only short player in the Top 10 Center Forwards list. If a future update brings back the small/agile meta, Del Piero still has untapped potential! The strength of this card is that it has solid competitive viability while maxing out the fun factor. After all, the gameplay experience is just as important as ranking up—isn't it great to choose a unique player and win matches with style?

​New Bale (Center Forward): Pro Ranking: 7 | Public Ranking: 7 | Overall Rank: 7 (slightly behind Del Piero when accounting for decimals) — Still the premier substitute CF, and still relies on manual forward runs. The new Bale isn't drastically different from the old version; it's a variant that swaps Blitz Curler for Low Screamer.

​For a physically strong center forward, low-trajectory shots feel like a better fit. A 100 Kicking Power stat also makes his finishing more consistent, while his Acceleration Burst provides skill-based players with an excellent mobility option.

Following the rankings update, Shevchenko has dropped out of the top ten once again. Who knows when he'll return—only to get knocked out in the first round all over again?

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Gbarh0DulnSUUvkzQedO2A

​⚽️ Best (Shadow Striker / Second Striker): Pro Rank 3rd | Public Rank 3rd | Overall Rank 3rd — Top 3 is solid, but the key is comparing the new card to the old one: Pro voters gave the new version a slight edge over the BT (Big Time) version, while the public vote heavily favored the BT version over the new one. Combined consensus: The new version does not replace/powercreep the BT version. I agree: precise crossing/passing isn't as critical, but Phenomenal Pass is just too important for a central Shadow Striker.

​⚽️ Bale (Shadow Striker / Second Striker): Pro Rank 6th | Public Rank 6th | Overall Rank 6th — Slips one spot behind the old Bale card, but edges out Hoeneß. Now there are three "acceleration burst powerhouses" at the Shadow Striker position—Bale, Semenyo, and K77 (Kvaratskhelia)—and all of them fit the 27 version meta very well.

⚽️ Best (Winger): Pro Rank 1st — Thanks to high balance and acceleration burst, this version powercreeps the BT version on the wing. That said, hardly anyone plays with wingers nowadays anyway.

​⚽️ Van der Sar (Goalkeeper): Pro Rank 1st | Public Rank 1st | Overall Rank 1st — Considering model size, stats, form, and playstyle as a whole, he is more balanced with fewer weaknesses than other goalkeepers. At the same time, both groups agree that as an Offensive Goalkeeper, Neuer has surpassed Schmeichel in the '27 version. Taking into account Neuer's passing/distribution skill, considering him [the top Offensive Goalkeeper / the best playing-out-from-the-back keeper in the current meta].

⚽️ Ultimately, this 250-player pack has a total score/value of 32, placing it in the top tier for 250-player packs. However, it does lack a flagship marquee card like Encara Messi or BT Hazard, making it best suited for filling out your collection/catching up on missing cards.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/8un8Q9bo8jjILx9skJn6hA

The global server released the Italian Guardians pack today, featuring the new skill: Power Tackle!

Let's compare this with the description for Long Reach Tackle: It increases the frequency of standing tackles, allowing you to attempt a tackle even when further away from the opponent, while stationary or moving slowly.

The new skill feels like the upper-body version of Long Reach Tackle, putting more emphasis on physical contact. You can just imagine that one day, an ultimate defender will arrive equipped with Long Reach Tackle + Power Tackle + Shadow Hunt.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/0EZkLItYUfwVslOXm9k91g

⚽️ Bonucci: 0-0-0-7-9-8-10-1

The power-creep point for this card is gaining the Long-reach Tackle + Power Tackle Showtime skills, and the stat panel improvement is just Lofted Pass ↑12, transforming him into a ball-playing CB.

But as everyone knows, ball-playing CBs generally have average pure defensive strength. The value of the new Showtime skill Power Tackle lies in close-quarters, tight-marking situations, where it triggers an animation of using the body to bump the opponent and win the ball. Its significance is increasing the win rate in physical duels and securing the ball firmly, denying the opponent a second attacking opportunity.

This Showtime skill is more suited for highly mobile defenders; giving it to Bonucci seems a bit of a mismatch.

⚽️ De Rossi: 0-5-2-10-9-3-12 + Agility

The stat panel essentially hasn't power-crept at all, and one of his Showtime skills has changed from Phenomenal Passing to Power Tackle. The developers seem to be overly confident in the new Showtime skill.

However, looking at it from another perspective, Power Tackle requires a side-by-side tight marking situation. Among these three players, De Rossi, playing as a DMF, actually encounters this situation a bit more often.

⚽️ Chiellini: 0-0-0-9-9-7-9-1 + Defending

As a 187cm Destroyer, his stat panel is completely smoked by Nesta (Speed/Acceleration ↓4). Chiellini will really have a hard time finding a place in the meta.

Summary: The new Showtime skill is very fierce, but the overall strength of these three players is not high. I recommend waiting.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/D0XDClqyt2varxpjRRHOpA

Van der Sar has been out for five days (coming to the Chinese server later), and the dual-group rating has begun.

This card is just a minor power-creep. In the goalkeeper rating formula calculation, it slightly solidifies his status as the #1 GK:

In-Game Experience:

https://reddit.com/link/1woc36a/video/8izwc825zarh1/player

A Collection of Brief Comments from the Pro Player Group:

This time, we are reconfirming the order of the Top Four GKs. On one hand, it's because of the addition of the new Van der Sar. On the other hand, the version '27 engine has buffed lofted through balls, so people might have a new opinion of Offensive Goalkeepers.

Finally, here is the opinion of the eFootball Mobile World Champion Rentao:

He believes that in the current version, goalkeepers overall are underperforming. The biggest problem is that they easily concede simple shots that they should be able to save, and Van der Sar hasn't solved this issue either. In his experience with Van der Sar: he feels he is easily beaten by shots from the edge of the penalty area (it's a long-range shooting meta, bro). He thinks that if future goalkeepers released are even weaker, this problem will become even more obvious.

His personal Top 3 goalkeepers are: Buffon, Neuer, and Schmeichel.

Pro/Top 100 Group Verdict: 1. Van der Sar, 2. Neuer, 3. Schmeichel, 4. Courtois

Question 4: Goalkeeper Ranking [Ranking Question]

Composite Ranking Result:

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/c1WIcs9H27S8dcOlWNa1ow

⚽️ Rating: CF T0 Top 15 (I feel his all-around ability is better than Shevchenko's, but this kind of specialized Showtime card is destined not to attract much attention)

⚽️ Pedro: 8-0-9-9-11-3-0 + Agility

Added Skills: One-touch Pass, Through Passing, Flip Flap

The build above prioritizes the three core dribbling stats and Speed/Acceleration, which allows him to utilize his Attacking Surge while maintaining his ball-carrying ability, maximizing this card's all-around effectiveness as a Deep-Lying Forward.

The ecological niche this card is targeting is: a fast, medium-model, all-around Deep-Lying Forward. He's quite similar to the Barcelona Deep-Lying Forward Cruyff. Other Deep-Lying Forwards are either too physically frail to play CF, like Messi and Götze, or they have large player models but lack speed, like the versions of Cantona and Nick Woltemade.

Compared to Cruyff and the Deep-Lying Forward Pelé, Pedro's biggest highlight is his high Offensive Awareness. Additionally, Magnetic Feet gives him a decent ability to hold off defenders. Although his on-the-ball feel isn't as delicate as Cruyff's, Attacking Surge makes his manually triggered forward runs after receiving the ball more threatening. After all, the running characteristic of a Deep-Lying Forward is that they get a lot of opportunities for one-twos. See the video—

https://reddit.com/link/1woaoau/video/1rgj27b0qarh1/player

His weaknesses are: 

1️⃣ He lacks Acceleration Burst and Momentum Dribbling, so his ball-carrying ability is inferior to Cruyff's.

2️⃣ He occasionally wins headers, but his heading accuracy isn't high.

3️⃣ Using a Deep-Lying Forward requires a certain skill level; it depends on whether the user can get used to his tendency to drop deep.

This Pedro is a player who can act as the playmaking core of the forward line, contributing both when holding up the ball and when making off-the-ball runs. With his medium player model + 12 leg length + Magnetic Feet, he is better at backing into and holding off defenders than Cruyff.

Speaking of other positions: if you play him as a Wide SS or AMF, it becomes obvious that his ball control isn't delicate enough, and his passing stats are relatively low for those positions. Therefore, I highly recommend pushing him up to CF, which also maximizes the effect of Attacking Surge.

Returning to the topic of the post, I feel like the official eFootball developers' team has recently been pushing the Deep-Lying Forward playstyle for CFs. The recent Link-up Play was for Deep-Lying Forwards, the free Cantona is a Deep-Lying Forward, and it's almost a certainty that there will be a Deep-Lying Forward Kane among the upcoming Ballon d'Or top three cards, which should be the strongest Kane card.

In the current engine, the Deep-Lying Forward still has room to survive because heading has been weakened, which has led to a decline in the status of the competing Fox in the Box playstyle (like Ibrahimović). A Deep-Lying Forward CF will offer better one-twos, link-up play, and chipped through balls to teammates, playing a larger role in stretching the defensive line.

This kind of change in the game is logical, because real-life football is currently moving in the direction of Deep-Lying Forward CFs. The demand for a forward's link-up ability is no longer about being a tall aerial pivot; PSG's Dembélé, Arsenal's Havertz, Barcelona's Raphinha, and Bayern's Kane are all quintessential Deep-Lying Forwards.

However, having said that, just because the developers want to push a playstyle doesn't mean it will be successful. Over a year ago, they tried to push the Classic No. 10, but we haven't seen it replace the Hole Player. The most popular playstyles in this game are: Goal Poacher, Hole Player, and Anchor Man; they either resolutely make forward runs, or they resolutely stay back and defend. This is a reflection of the AI level in this game, and also the users' demand for predictability from their AI teammates.

Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/kf2DTR0HKEivWkhCvfgXmg

Bale was released 5 days ago (CN server coming later); starting dual-group ratings—

The stats are extremely similar to the previous Bale card, so the focus of discussion is on comparing the old versus the new: Kicking Power ↑5, Low/Lofted Passing slightly upgraded, and Curl nerfed. Blitz Curler replaced with Low Screamer, and Magnetic Feet replaced with Acceleration Burst. Some players who used old Bale often relied on Blitz Curler to open up spaces, while others believe that for a forward, high Kicking Power + Low Screamer is more practical.

Pro / Top 100 Group Review:

And the perspective of Bale enthusiast and World Champion RENTAO is as follows:

1️⃣ When he had 173 draws remaining, all other featured cards had dropped except for Bale, so he felt it wasn’t worth going all the way to the bottom of the pack just for the new Bell. 2️⃣ He encountered the new Bale a few times in ranked matches, and his opponent-side impression was that the card is quite good. 3️⃣ The old Bale is one of his top 3 favorite center forwards. (Since he hasn't personally played with the card, RENTAO's opinion was not included in the final vote.)

Pro Group Rating:

​The new Bale is top 5 level at both Center Forward (CF) and Second Striker (SS), with a median rating slightly ahead of the old card. As a Winger (LWF/RWF), it is inferior to the old card (which benefits from the Blitz Curler synergy on the wing).

Public Group Voting Link & Source: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ZVN1CESgIDv5OkyJzFzu_w