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0Andrea Pirlo Icon in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team Review
Dick van Dyke
- Pace
- Physicality
- Shooting Prowess
- Playmaking Abilities
- Aerial Attributes
- Dribbling Attribute
- Defensive Abilities
- Roles and Playstyles
- Cons
- Conclusion
Andrea Pirlo’s Icon card in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team stands as a representation of the legendary Italian midfielder’s vision, elegance, and technical mastery of the ball. Known for his exceptional passing, precise free-kicks, and calming influence in midfield, Pirlo was one of the most distinguished players of his generation. In the digital world of EA FC 25, his Icon card is priced at a hefty 427k coins, making it a significant investment for any Ultimate Team player. However, while his stats certainly showcase his qualities, the value of this card in the current game meta and its overall performance are still subjects of debate.
While Pirlo offers a great blend of attributes, there are areas where he could have been stronger, and some feel that his skillset doesn't fully translate into the high-demand attributes that many players prioritize in-game. In this article, we’ll analyze his key attributes, strengths, weaknesses, and the overall viability of investing in this Icon card for your squad.
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Pace
Pace is often one of the most crucial attributes in EA FC 25, with faster players having a significant advantage on the field. Pirlo’s pace stats are decent, with an acceleration rating of 86 and a sprint speed of 84. These values allow him to move efficiently around the pitch, but he isn’t exactly the fastest player in the game. He won’t break away from defenders with blistering speed, but his ability to make well-timed runs and receive the ball in advanced positions still makes him effective in the right tactical setups.
While his pace is adequate for a midfielder, it doesn’t stand out in comparison to other Icons or top-tier players who are often better suited to take on high-speed counters or quick transitions. For players looking for a more dynamic, pace-driven presence in the middle of the park, Pirlo might feel a bit too slow. However, his ability to operate at a more cerebral pace compensates for the lack of raw speed, as his positioning and awareness make him a reliable option in controlled environments.
Physicality
Pirlo's physicality rating stands at 86, with his strength being a noteworthy 84. He is not the most imposing midfielder on the field but is capable of holding his own in battles for possession. His stamina is especially impressive at 96, allowing him to cover ground throughout the match without losing energy, which is critical for a central midfielder. This ensures that Pirlo can maintain his effectiveness in both defensive and attacking phases over the course of a full match.
However, his other physical attributes such as jumping (80) and heading accuracy (67) are somewhat underwhelming for an Icon card. In aerial duels, Pirlo struggles to make an impact, and his overall presence in physical confrontations is more about finesse and positioning rather than brute strength. As a result, players who prefer a more robust defensive midfielder might find Pirlo lacking in this area.
Shooting Prowess
Pirlo’s shooting stats are one of the highlights of his card. With an overall shooting rating of 87, he offers deadly accuracy and power, especially from long distances. His shot power is 87, while his long shot rating is an outstanding 91, making him a dangerous threat from outside the box. His ability to curl free-kicks into the top corner is a standout feature, and his crossing (90) also allows him to deliver precise balls into the box for teammates.
Although his positioning (94) is excellent, allowing him to get into dangerous shooting areas, his heading accuracy (67) limits his ability to capitalize on aerial crosses. He’s not a poacher in the box, but when given the chance from a distance or from a set-piece, Pirlo can be lethal. His weak foot (4-star) also gives him some flexibility when finishing, but his real strength lies in his long-range shooting ability.
Playmaking Abilities
When it comes to playmaking, Andrea Pirlo is one of the best in the game. With an outstanding passing rating of 94, he can dictate the tempo of a match and create scoring opportunities with ease. His ball control (96), agility (86), and balance (85) allow him to move smoothly in tight spaces, and his passing range is exceptional. He can deliver both short and long passes with precision, making him ideal for both building play from deep and executing quick passes in advanced positions.
In EA FC 25, Pirlo’s passing range is a game-changer, especially with his Dead Ball and Long Ball playstyle plus. These abilities elevate his vision and ability to execute pinpoint passes, making him an ideal deep-lying playmaker or holding midfielder. His passing range can unlock defenses, while his creativity allows him to be a central hub in any attack.
Aerial Attributes
Despite his excellent passing and playmaking skills, Pirlo’s aerial attributes leave much to be desired. With jumping at 80 and heading accuracy at just 67, he is not a significant aerial threat. Midfielders often need to win headers during set-pieces or when trying to recover balls in the air, and Pirlo’s lack of height and heading ability limits his impact in these situations.
Players who rely on midfielders to win aerial duels might find Pirlo’s shortcomings in this department problematic. While his exceptional passing and vision can make up for his lack of aerial prowess in many situations, his inability to compete in the air might be a hindrance when facing teams that rely on set-pieces or crosses into the box.
Dribbling Attribute
Pirlo’s dribbling is one of his strongest assets in EA FC 25. With a dribbling rating of 93, he is able to glide past opponents with ease. His ball control (96) and skill moves (5-star) make him a smooth operator in tight spaces, and his agility (86) ensures that he can change direction quickly. Pirlo’s dribbling ability is more about finesse and creativity than raw speed, making him a joy to control in tight areas where he can outmaneuver defenders and create space for himself or his teammates.
His dribbling abilities are especially useful when operating as a deep-lying playmaker or central midfielder, where he can glide through the opposition’s midfield to maintain possession or launch an attack. However, his dribbling is not suited to explosive runs or dribbling past multiple defenders in high-pressure situations. While he excels at precise and controlled movements, he isn’t as effective in breaking away from defenders at top speed.
Defensive Abilities
Defensively, Pirlo is more about positioning and intelligence than tackling and interceptions. His defensive attributes are not his primary strength, with tackling and interceptions being underwhelming in comparison to other top-tier midfielders. However, his vision and positioning (94) allow him to anticipate opposition movements and intercept passes effectively from a more strategic standpoint. His ability to read the game and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm makes him a valuable asset in defensive transitions.
While Pirlo’s defensive capabilities are respectable, he isn’t the kind of player who will dominate in 50-50 challenges or block countless shots. He relies more on his positioning and awareness to protect his defense. As such, players who need a midfield general to break up attacks and win tackles might find Pirlo lacking in comparison to more aggressive defensive midfielders.
Roles and Playstyles
Pirlo can be used in multiple roles, most notably as a central midfielder (CM) or central defensive midfielder (CDM). In a CM role, he shines as a Holding+, Deep-Lying Playmaker++, or Playmaker++, allowing him to sit deep and orchestrate play with his excellent passing and vision. In a CDM role, he can serve as a Holding+ or Deep-Lying Playmaker, using his exceptional passing and positioning to break up play and distribute the ball efficiently.
His Dead Ball and Long Ball playstyle plus add another layer to his playmaking abilities, especially from set-pieces and long passes. Pirlo’s skill set makes him an ideal choice for players looking to control the tempo of a match and distribute passes from deep in the midfield. However, his lack of pace and physicality can make him vulnerable in more aggressive or fast-paced midfield battles.
Cons
While Pirlo offers plenty of quality in terms of playmaking and shooting, his card has its drawbacks. His pace, although decent, is not sufficient for players who prioritize speed in midfield. His defensive capabilities are also limited, with his tackling and physicality falling short compared to other midfielders. Additionally, his aerial ability is weak, meaning he won't win headers or make an impact in the air.
The card’s price of 427,900 coins might seem a bit high given these shortcomings.
Conclusion
Andrea Pirlo’s Icon card in EA FC 25 offers a wealth of playmaking ability, technical finesse, and deadly long-range shooting. However, his lack of pace, physicality, and aerial prowess hold him back, but overall he is a very solid card that feels amazing to use in-game. While he is a strong choice for players who favor a deep-lying playmaker, he doesn’t quite offer the all-around dominance that many expect. Given its cost and the current meta, I would rate this card an 8 out of 10. which means Pirlo is a great option in Ultimate Team.
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