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0Bukayo Saka Thunderstruck - SBC Player Review and Ratings
Dick van Dyke
The Thunderstruck SBC (Squad Building Challenge) card of Bulayo Saka in EA FC 25 has stirred significant excitement among Ultimate Team players. With a hefty price tag of 753,700 coins, this card promises to be a dynamic and skillful addition to any team. Saka is known for his explosive pace, dazzling dribbling, and versatility in attack, making him an appealing choice for those looking to bolster their attacking lineup. However, is the card worth the steep investment, or does it fall short in certain areas?
While Saka’s card certainly packs some impressive stats, the question remains whether it justifies the considerable cost. With the current meta in mind, Saka offers an exciting option for players who value pace and technical ability, but his flaws in physicality and aerial skills may leave some wondering if this card is truly worth the price. In this analysis, we’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of Saka’s SBC card to determine if he lives up to his price and hype.
Pace
One of the standout features of Saka’s Thunderstruck SBC card is his blistering pace, a crucial attribute in today’s EA FC 25 gameplay. With an acceleration rating of 92 and sprint speed of 87, Saka can easily outrun most defenders, making him a constant threat on the counterattack. His acceleration enables quick bursts of speed, which is particularly useful when breaking past defensive lines or exploiting spaces in transition. Whether playing as a winger or an inside forward, his pace is an asset that gives him the ability to stretch defenses and create opportunities.
Despite his impressive acceleration, his sprint speed of 87 might feel slightly less impactful in long-distance sprints compared to other speedsters in the game. However, for most in-game situations, this combination of acceleration and sprint speed makes him more than capable of challenging defenders in one-on-one situations. This high pace also gives him a crucial advantage when playing in more advanced attacking roles, such as a Winger+ or Inside Forward++, where speed is essential for cutting inside or getting behind defensive lines.
Physicality
Saka’s physicality is one of the areas where his card shows some weaknesses. With an overall physicality rating of 76, he is not as strong or durable as some other wide players in the game. His strength of 70 makes it difficult for him to hold off more physical defenders in shoulder-to-shoulder situations. This can be a significant limitation when trying to protect the ball or win duels in tight spaces. Players who rely on using their physicality to dominate the opposition may find Saka lacking in this area.
On the positive side, Saka’s stamina of 90 allows him to maintain his pace and intensity throughout the match. His ability to keep running and contributing to attacks in the latter stages of the game ensures that he can be a constant threat across the full 90 minutes. Although his physicality might not be a standout feature, his stamina helps offset this by ensuring his effectiveness doesn't drop as the game progresses. However, against more robust defenders, Saka’s lack of strength could be exposed.
Shooting Prowess
Saka’s shooting stats are solid, with an overall shooting rating of 87. He has an impressive shot power of 84 and long shots rated at 87, making him a danger from distance. His attacking positioning of 86 ensures that he frequently finds himself in the right place at the right time, able to pounce on crosses or pull off precise shots. Saka’s Finesse Shot playstyle is a highlight of his shooting abilities, allowing him to curl the ball around defenders and place it with accuracy, especially when cutting inside from the wing. This makes him a serious threat from outside the box, where he can bend shots beyond the goalkeeper.
However, one of Saka’s weaknesses in shooting lies in his heading accuracy, which is a mere 54. Given his role as a wide player, he may often find himself in positions where aerial duels are possible, and this low heading accuracy means he is ineffective in scoring headers or challenging for crosses. For players who rely on a winger’s ability to get on the end of crosses, this is a significant downside. His shooting is largely confined to his ability to strike with finesse or power from range, and he’s not likely to be a consistent aerial threat.
Playmaking Abilities
When it comes to playmaking, Saka’s passing stats are impressive, with a passing rating of 85. His crossing ability of 88 makes him an excellent option for delivering balls into the box, especially when operating as a right winger. Additionally, his dribbling and ball control make him a key player in building up play. With 91 ball control and 91 balance, Saka is able to glide past defenders with ease, often drawing defenders to create space for others. His passing range is accurate, and he’s capable of threading through balls or delivering precise crosses to teammates.
Saka’s playmaking abilities are enhanced by his role versatility. Whether he’s deployed as a Winger+ or Inside Forward++, his ability to dribble and provide key passes gives him multiple ways to contribute offensively. His skill moves (4-star) allow him to easily beat defenders, while his 4-star weak foot gives him the option to deliver passes and shots from either foot. With Saka’s balance of pace, dribbling, and passing, he can excel in any situation where quick, incisive play is needed to unlock an opponent’s defense.
Aerial Attributes
Saka’s aerial attributes leave much to be desired. With a heading accuracy of just 54 and a jumping rating of 75, Saka is not likely to pose much of a threat in aerial duels. For a winger, heading ability is often essential, especially when attacking crosses from the flanks. Saka’s low heading accuracy means that he is unlikely to win many headers in the box, which limits his effectiveness when playing against teams that deliver a lot of crosses or long balls into the box.
Additionally, his jumping rating of 75 does not allow him to compete effectively with taller defenders in the air. While he can still contribute defensively and offensively in other ways, his lack of aerial prowess is a significant disadvantage. If you plan to rely on your winger to challenge aerial balls or get on the end of high crosses, Saka may not be the best choice for that role. His strength lies in his ability to attack the ground game, not the air.
Dribbling Attribute
Saka’s dribbling attributes are one of the strongest aspects of his Thunderstruck SBC card. With a dribbling rating of 91, he is a magician with the ball at his feet. His agility of 88, ball control of 91, and balance of 91 allow him to maneuver in tight spaces and glide past defenders with ease. Whether it’s a quick turn, a delicate touch, or a sudden burst of pace, Saka’s dribbling makes him one of the most elusive players on the field. He can create chances for himself or others by weaving through opposition defenses without losing control of the ball.
His 4-star skill moves provide him with a versatile set of tricks to beat defenders, and his balance ensures that he can maintain possession even in crowded areas. This makes him a constant threat in one-on-one situations, as he can change direction at will and keep defenders guessing. His dribbling is a key asset when operating in wide areas, allowing him to take on full-backs and deliver dangerous crosses or cut inside for shots. If you enjoy a player who can take on defenders with flair, Saka’s dribbling abilities are sure to impress.
Roles and Playstyles
Saka is a versatile player who can operate in multiple roles. As a right-winger (RW), he can function as a Winger+ or Inside Forward++, providing flexibility in how he approaches attacking situations. As a Winger+, he can stretch the defense, using his pace to get behind the opposition and deliver dangerous crosses. As an Inside Forward++, he cuts inside onto his stronger foot, where he becomes a more direct goal-scoring threat, capable of unleashing powerful or curved shots with his Finesse Shot playstyle. This versatility is useful in adapting to different formations and strategies, making Saka a valuable asset in any team.
His playstyle abilities also enhance his effectiveness on the field. The Finesse Shot playstyle is particularly valuable, allowing him to place accurate, curved shots that can find the corners of the net with precision. This is especially useful when cutting inside from the wing, as Saka can easily take advantage of defensive gaps and create shooting opportunities from the edge of the box. The combination of his roles and playstyles makes Saka a dynamic attacking player who can influence the game in various ways, depending on how you choose to use him.
Cons
Despite his many strengths, there are some notable drawbacks to Saka’s card. His physicality, with a strength of 70 and a jumping rating of 75, makes him vulnerable to being pushed off the ball by stronger defenders. While his stamina of 90 allows him to maintain his effectiveness throughout the match, his lack of physical presence means he may struggle against more robust opponents in certain situations. Additionally, his aerial attributes—specifically his heading accuracy—are subpar, which limits his ability to contribute in aerial duels or score headers from crosses.
Another significant downside to Saka’s card is his price. At 753,700 coins, he is priced considerably high for a player who has noticeable weaknesses in physicality and aerial abilities. While he offers great dribbling, pace, and playmaking, the price may feel too steep for many players, especially when there are other cards on the market that offer similar attributes at a lower cost. The price tag could be a major deterrent for those on a budget or those seeking more well-rounded players at the same cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bulayo Saka’s Thunderstruck SBC card in EA FC 25 is an exciting player with plenty of strengths, particularly in terms of pace, dribbling, and playmaking. His agility, ball control, and passing make him a dynamic attacking presence, especially when used as a winger or inside forward. However, his physical limitations, particularly his strength and heading accuracy, leave him vulnerable in certain situations, especially against stronger defenders or in aerial duels. His high price of 753,700 coins further complicates the decision, as it may be hard to justify such an investment for a player with these drawbacks.
Rating: 5/10
While Saka’s dribbling and attacking versatility make him an appealing option for certain playstyles, his physical and aerial shortcomings, coupled with an overpriced SBC, make this card difficult to recommend for most players. There are alternatives in the market that provide better value for money, and unless you are specifically looking for a pacey, technical winger who excels in dribbling, Saka may not be the most efficient use of your coins.
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