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0Granit Xhaka - TOTS Honourable Mentions: Player review
Dick van Dyke
In the fast-paced and dynamic world of FC 25 Ultimate Team, every season brings with it a slew of exciting new cards and upgrades. Among these, Granit Xhaka’s TOTS Honourable Mentions card has managed to carve out a unique niche for itself. Though the Swiss midfielder may not have always been the first name on the tip of everyone's tongue in FIFA, his recent inclusion in the TOTS Honourable Mentions category speaks volumes about his steady rise in FC 25. Known for his solid performances in real-life football, Xhaka’s card in Ultimate Team presents a refreshing mix of grit, leadership, and surprising finesse that can elevate any squad.
Despite not being a headline-grabber in terms of speed or flashy skills, Xhaka’s versatility, physicality, and passing range make him an intriguing choice for a variety of roles, particularly in the midfield. If you’ve been looking for a midfielder who can do the dirty work while also creating chances and stepping up when necessary, this card could be exactly what you need. With a decent price tag of 121,800 coins, he’s not the cheapest option out there, but for what he brings to the table, many players will find him a worthwhile investment. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Xhaka’s key stats, evaluate his strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately determine whether this TOTS Honourable Mentions card is worth the price tag.
Pace
In FIFA, pace is often regarded as a make-or-break attribute, especially when it comes to midfielders. Many players gravitate toward speedy, agile midfielders who can burst forward at a moment’s notice, while others may prefer someone who offers a bit more stability and control in the center of the pitch. Granit Xhaka’s pace is one of those attributes that doesn’t necessarily turn heads, but it’s far from a weakness. With an acceleration rating of 91 and a sprint speed of 90, Xhaka’s pace is solid enough for him to be a functional presence in both defensive and attacking transitions.
While he won't be mistaken for the likes of Kylian Mbappé or Vinícius Júnior on the break, Xhaka’s pace allows him to keep up with the majority of midfielders in FC 25. His acceleration ensures that he can close down attackers or break away from defensive situations when necessary. More importantly, his speed allows him to track back quickly and contribute to defensive efforts without being caught out of position.
Of course, pace alone won’t make or break a midfielder’s effectiveness in FIFA, and Xhaka’s playstyle focuses more on positioning and intelligence than sheer speed. As such, while he may not outrun the competition, his ability to make well-timed runs and use his physicality to shield the ball allows him to maintain a strong presence in the middle of the park.
Physicality
Granit Xhaka’s physicality is arguably his defining trait, and his TOTS Honourable Mentions card fully capitalizes on this strength. With a physicality rating of 94, Xhaka is an absolute powerhouse in the midfield. His impressive strength rating of 92 means that he’s able to hold off challenges from almost any opponent, whether it’s a tough tackle or a battle for possession. His ability to shield the ball and keep it under control is one of his standout qualities, making him particularly useful when holding onto possession under pressure.
Xhaka’s stamina is another area where he shines. With a stamina rating of 95, he’s capable of maintaining a high level of energy for the entire match, ensuring that he remains active both defensively and offensively. His stamina allows him to cover large portions of the pitch without fading in the latter stages of the game. Whether he’s tracking back to defend or pushing forward to join the attack, Xhaka’s stamina ensures that he’s always ready to contribute throughout the 90 minutes.
However, there is one slight drawback in his physical profile: his aerial abilities. While his physicality in general is fantastic, his jumping rating of 81 and heading accuracy of 78 make him less effective in the air compared to taller, more physically dominant players. Still, his ability to challenge for loose balls on the ground and assert his dominance in midfield more than compensates for this slight weakness.
Shooting Prowess
Granit Xhaka is often underrated in terms of his shooting ability, but his TOTS Honourable Mentions card demonstrates that he’s far from a one-dimensional player. With a shooting rating of 87, Xhaka can be a serious threat in the final third, particularly with his powerful shots from distance. His shot power is particularly impressive at 98, allowing him to generate immense force behind his strikes, making him a real danger from outside the box. Additionally, his long shot rating of 94 means he can unleash deadly shots from range, testing opposing goalkeepers from just about any distance.
Xhaka’s shooting is complemented by his 5-star weak foot, making him an even more unpredictable threat in front of goal. Whether it’s a thunderous long shot or a precise strike inside the box, Xhaka is more than capable of scoring from either foot, making him an excellent option in positions where other players might hesitate to shoot. This gives him a level of versatility in attack that’s often reserved for attacking-minded players, but his shooting ability is equally valuable when playing deeper in midfield.
Of course, Xhaka won’t be the type of player to score on a weekly basis from open play, but when the opportunity arises, you can be sure that his shot power and long-range ability make him a threat that should never be underestimated.
Playmaking Abilities
One of Xhaka’s most significant assets is his ability to dictate the tempo of the game and set up his teammates. With a passing rating of 94, Xhaka is a maestro in the middle of the park, capable of both short, precise passes and long, searching balls to break defensive lines. His 90-rated crossing allows him to pick out wingers and attackers on the move, while his long passing ability at 90 ensures that he can play balls over the top or spray it across the pitch with ease.
Beyond his passing range, Xhaka’s ball control is also exceptional at 91, giving him the composure to control passes and transition the ball smoothly through the midfield. Combined with his dribbling (88) and balance (88), Xhaka is capable of making subtle turns and driving the ball forward when necessary. Though he won’t be weaving through defenders like a creative playmaker, his ability to make quick, efficient decisions in tight spaces makes him a valuable asset in possession.
What truly sets Xhaka apart as a playmaker is his 4-star skill moves. While not the highest available, his skill moves allow him to maneuver in ways that help him break free from tight situations. His passing vision, combined with his deep-lying playmaking role, makes him capable of launching counterattacks or controlling play from deep, linking defense to attack with precision and control.
Aerial Attributes
When it comes to aerial duels, Granit Xhaka is not necessarily the player you’d rely on to win every header. With a jumping rating of 81 and heading accuracy of 78, Xhaka’s aerial ability is decent but certainly not outstanding. He’ll hold his own in certain situations, particularly in midfield, but if you need someone to win headers from crosses or challenge for high balls in the box, Xhaka is far from your go-to man.
That said, his physicality and defensive awareness (95) ensure that he’s not completely ineffective in these situations. He might not win the ball in the air as consistently as a tall center-back, but he will contribute in other ways, such as positioning himself well to intercept aerial passes or providing support on the ground.
Dribbling Attribute
Xhaka’s dribbling attribute at 88 is one of the more surprising aspects of his card. As a player who isn’t known for being particularly agile or quick, Xhaka’s ability to dribble with composure and purpose is a pleasant surprise. His agility rating of 87 and ball control of 91 ensure that he can glide through tight spaces with ease, while his 88 balance means that he can shield the ball effectively from opposition players.
While Xhaka isn’t going to leave defenders in the dust with fancy footwork, his dribbling is more about control and smart positioning rather than flashy skill moves. This makes him an ideal choice for breaking down opposition pressure in midfield, as he can use his dribbling to shift the ball away from defenders and keep possession ticking over.
Defensive Abilities
Xhaka’s defensive stats are top-notch, making him a solid choice for both CDM and CM roles. With defensive awareness of 95, he’s always in the right place at the right time to break up attacks and disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. His interception rating of 91 ensures that he can anticipate passes and cut them out before they become dangerous, while his stand tackle (91) and slide tackle (90) ratings make him a force to be reckoned with when he’s called upon to win the ball back.
Whether you’re using him to protect the backline in a more defensive role or to provide a defensive shield further up the pitch, Xhaka is more than capable of stepping in and providing stability. His ability to read the game, coupled with his solid tackling and interception stats, makes him one of the more well-rounded defensive midfielders available in FC 25.
Roles and Playstyles
Granit Xhaka is an extremely versatile player in terms of roles. As a CDM, he can fill a variety of positions: Centre Half+, Holding++, and Deep-Lying Playmaker++. These roles allow him to operate as a strong defensive presence while also contributing to build-up play. In a CM role, he’s a Box-to-Box+, Playmaker+, Holding++, and Deep-Lying Playmaker++, showcasing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively. His balance of defensive solidity and passing ability makes him a perfect choice for any midfield role, depending on how you want to set up your team.
Additionally, Xhaka’s playstyles significantly enhance his effectiveness. With Long Ball Playstyle+, Intercept Playstyle+, and Anticipate Playstyle+, he can dominate in the defensive third and initiate attacks with his pinpoint passing. These playstyles make him a highly effective playmaker from deep while also allowing him to break up opposition plays and intercept dangerous passes.
Cons
Despite his many strengths, Xhaka’s card is not without its drawbacks. His aerial attributes are somewhat lacking, and he won’t win many headers in the box. His pace, while decent, isn’t at the level of many top-tier midfielders, which might leave some players looking for a faster, more agile option. Additionally, Xhaka’s dribbling, though solid for a midfielder of his type, doesn’t match the flair of more agile players. If you’re looking for a midfielder who can dazzle defenders with quick footwork, Xhaka may not be the best choice. His price of 121,800 coins could also be seen as a bit steep for a player whose shooting and dribbling don’t quite match the elite level of some other high-end midfielders.
Conclusion
Granit Xhaka’s TOTS Honourable Mentions card is a solid all-around midfielder, offering a mix of physicality, passing, and defensive capabilities that make him an excellent option for players looking for a versatile and reliable midfield presence. His ability to break up play, distribute the ball, and contribute defensively makes him a key player in any formation, particularly in a deeper midfield role. While his pace, dribbling, and aerial abilities may leave something to be desired, his strong passing range, 5-star weak foot, and 4-star skill moves offer enough to make him a threat in all areas of the pitch.
Rating: 8/10 – Xhaka is a solid, versatile midfielder, but his lack of exceptional dribbling and pace may hold him back from being a truly elite card. However, for the price of 121,800 coins, he offers strong value for those in need of a midfield enforcer and playmaker who can handle a variety of roles.
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