• Pace
• Physicality
• Shooting Prowess
• Playmaking Abilities
• Aerial Attributes
• Dribbling Attribute
• Roles and Playstyles
• Cons
• Conclusion

He is one of the most highly anticipated additions to the game, drawing attention for his vast array of stats and versatility on the pitch. With a wide range of positions he can play, from winger to striker, Bale offers flexibility to any squad, making him a valuable asset for players who want a dynamic, multi-purpose forward. His impressive stats, especially in shooting and pace, position him as a potent attacking threat. However, with a hefty price tag of 2.6M coins, is he truly worth the investment for the average player?

This article will break down Bale's attributes, evaluate his strengths and weaknesses, and analyze how his playstyles and multiple positions contribute to his overall value in the game. By examining his performance in different roles and considering his price point, we can determine whether this card is a worthwhile acquisition for your Ultimate Team.

Pace

When it comes to pace, Gareth Bale is nothing short of electrifying. With a blistering acceleration of 97 and sprint speed of 98, he’s one of the fastest players in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team. His pace makes him an absolute nightmare for defenders, as he can easily burst past opponents in open spaces or exploit the gaps left by high defensive lines. Whether you're using him as a winger or a forward, Bale’s speed ensures that he can get into dangerous positions with ease.

On the flip side, while Bale’s pace is undoubtedly a major strength, it can also lead to some frustration when trying to control his run, particularly in tight spaces or when faced with a compact defense. His agility rating of 90 and ball control at 92 help mitigate this to some extent, but his primary strength is unquestionably his sheer acceleration and sprint speed, which makes him a terror on the counterattack and in one-on-one situations.

Physicality

Bale’s physicality is another area where he shines, with a solid physical rating of 83, supported by strength and stamina both sitting at 83 and 90, respectively. This gives him a sturdy presence on the field, allowing him to hold off challenges and compete in physical duels. His stamina ensures he can maintain his intensity throughout the game, which is particularly beneficial when playing a high-press or counter-attacking style.

Shooting Prowess

Bale’s shooting attributes are among the best in the game, with a shooting rating of 93. His shot power stands out at 96, which means his shots pack a serious punch and can beat goalkeepers from long distances or in tight angles. Additionally, his long shot rating of 95 makes him a dangerous threat outside the box, capable of scoring stunning goals with ease. His attacking positioning of 90 ensures that he’s always in the right place at the right time, making him a clinical finisher in front of goal.

One potential weakness, however, lies in his weak foot. While Bale’s 4-star weak foot rating is still solid, it’s not as reliable as a 5-star weak foot, which could hinder him in certain shooting situations where he needs to use his non-dominant foot. While not a massive issue, it’s something to be aware of when using him in high-pressure scenarios.

Playmaking Abilities

Bale’s playmaking skills are another notable aspect of his game. With a passing rating of 90, he’s more than capable of linking up with teammates and creating chances. His crossing of 90 makes him a threat on the wings, able to deliver accurate balls into the box for strikers. His 5-star skill moves also allow him to perform quick tricks to get past defenders, making him a versatile creator. 

However, while Bale’s passing is solid, he doesn’t quite excel in terms of vision or creating complex, intricate through balls like some other playmakers in the game. His passing is functional and reliable but not on the same level as some of the elite central midfielders or CAMs. Still, in a fast-paced counter-attacking team, his ability to whip in dangerous crosses and release quick through balls to attackers makes him a valuable creator.

Aerial Attributes

In terms of aerial abilities, Bale’s heading accuracy of 91 is impressive, allowing him to finish crosses and aerial through balls with precision. His jumping of 87 further complements his aerial presence, making him a viable target on crosses or set pieces. That said, compared to some taller or more physically dominant players, Bale doesn’t quite dominate the air. His physicality rating of 83 and stamina of 90 help him compete in aerial duels, but his real strength comes from his pace and dribbling rather than his heading.

While Bale can certainly score headers when given the chance, he’s not the go-to choice for aerial dominance in your squad. He’s more of a threat in open play, where his pace and shooting ability come to the forefront. So, if you’re looking for a more dominant aerial presence, you might want to consider other players in your squad.

Dribbling Attribute

One of the standout features of Bale’s ICON SBC card is his dribbling. With a dribbling rating of 93, including ball control at 92, balance at 88, and agility at 90, he’s a player who can glide past defenders with ease. His 5-star skill moves also make him a nightmare for opponents trying to tackle him, as he can perform a wide array of tricks and flicks to break down defensive lines.

His dribbling abilities, combined with his pace, make him lethal in one-on-one situations, where he can use a quick burst of acceleration to get past defenders or cut inside for a shot. His balance of 88 ensures that he stays stable during tricky maneuvers, allowing him to maintain control even in tight spaces. This makes him incredibly effective in wide positions, where he can take on full-backs or cut inside to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Roles and Playstyles

Bale is an incredibly versatile player, capable of filling various attacking roles on the field. As a striker, he can function as a False 9+ or Advanced Forward++, both of which suit his pace, dribbling, and shooting abilities. As a winger, he can operate on the right or left flank as a Winger+ or Inside Forward++, providing a constant threat with his pace and dribbling. His adaptability means that he can seamlessly fit into a variety of tactical setups, whether you need him to stay wide and deliver crosses or cut inside and score goals.

Additionally, his Rapid Playstyle+ and Acrobatic Playstyle+ are huge advantages. The Rapid Playstyle+ increases his speed and agility further, making him even more lethal in transition. Meanwhile, the Acrobatic Playstyle+ enhances his ability to score with finesse and acrobatics, allowing him to execute bicycle kicks, volleys, and other spectacular finishes that few players in the game can replicate.

Cons

While Bale is a standout player in many areas, he is not without his drawbacks. One of the main downsides is his hefty price tag, coming in at 2.6m coins. For many players, this price is prohibitively high, especially when considering that there are other high-end attackers with similar abilities at a lower cost. Furthermore, his 4-star weak foot can sometimes let him down in key moments, especially when shooting from difficult angles or under pressure.

Another concern is his lack of a truly dominant aerial game. While he’s capable in the air, he doesn’t quite match the physicality and heading accuracy of some other high-end players, which could be a dealbreaker for those who rely heavily on aerial dominance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gareth Bale’s ICON SBC card in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team is undoubtedly a top-tier player, with impressive stats in pace, shooting, dribbling, and passing. His versatility in attack allows him to excel in multiple positions, whether as a striker, winger, or inside forward, making him a valuable asset to any squad. His Rapid and Acrobatic playstyles give him additional advantages over many players in the game, making him an exciting option for players who want a dynamic, all-around attacker.

However, his high price point of 2.6m coins and his 4-star weak foot may deter some players from investing in him. His aerial abilities, while decent, are not as exceptional as some other players in the game. Ultimately, for players who have the coins and want a versatile, explosive forward, Bale is a great option. However, due to its price and some minor drawbacks, I would give this card a rating of 8 out of 10. The card is totally worth it.

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