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0İlkay Gündoğan Shapeshifters Ultimate Team- Player Review
Ryan Holding
The Shapeshifters promo always delivers something unexpected, and in EA FC 25, it's no different. This time, it's İlkay Gündoğan stepping into the spotlight, transformed into a versatile offensive threat. Traditionally a calm, composed central midfielder, Gündoğan's Shapeshifters card throws the playbook out the window, offering frightening attacking stats, dynamic positioning, and elite-level playstyles.
With blistering pace, clinical shooting, and three key positions to play in—ST, CAM, and LW—this version of Gündoğan is not just a card; he’s a tactical chess piece. Whether you're running a possession-heavy system or a counter-attacking setup, he promises versatility and finesse. But does he truly live up to his 96 shooting and 95 dribbling hype, or is he simply another flashy name in the promo bin?
Let’s break it down.
Gündoğan
Pace
Pace is often the difference between a goal and a missed opportunity, and Gündoğan delivers above expectations here. With 96 acceleration and 91 sprint speed, he’s got more juice than you'd expect from a player usually known for orchestration rather than explosion.
Acceleration 96 allows him to burst into space, especially useful in central attacking roles like CAM and False 9. Whether it's a tight pass-and-move scenario or a sudden dart toward goal, he reacts quickly and covers short distances fast. Sprint speed 91 isn’t top-tier when compared to wingers like Vinícius Jr. or Mbappé, but it's more than enough to beat defenders in build-up or counter-press situations.
Combine that with 90 agility and 90 balance, and Gündoğan becomes a slippery, almost unpredictable presence on the pitch. He feels responsive, light on his feet, and snappy in tight areas—exactly what you want in a CAM or an inside forward.
Physicality
Gündoğan’s physical stats might be one of the most surprising elements of this card. Sitting at 90 physicality with 90 strength, he's capable of withstanding tackles and holding his own in duels. He won’t bully defenders like Haaland, but he won't get bullied either.
His 92 stamina ensures he remains effective all game, making him a reliable option in FUT Champs and Rivals where intense end-to-end action demands lasting fitness. Whether you're pressing high, tracking back occasionally, or constantly involved in transitions, he holds up under pressure.
Strength 90 allows him to retain possession even when challenged, which is particularly useful when playing in crowded central areas. He shields well, turns under pressure, and keeps the ball in moments where lighter players might be dispossessed.
Basic Info
Shooting Prowess
This is where Gündoğan absolutely shines. With a whopping 96 shooting, he’s in the upper echelon of finishers in the game—rivaling even some of the best strikers.
His 99 attacking positioning makes him always appear in the right place at the right time. Whether you're crossing, playing a through-ball, or laying off a short pass at the edge of the box, Gündoğan will be there, waiting to pull the trigger.
Shot power at 94 and long shots at 97 make him a danger from any angle. He can curl it from distance or smash it low past keepers with the Low Driven Shot playstyle plus. He scores finesse goals, volleys, and first-time finishes with ease. Give him space and he punishes—period.
This is a player who doesn’t just score—he makes it look calculated. He’s surgical, clinical, and best of all, reliable in front of goal.
Playmaking Abilities
Gündoğan is one of the best playmakers you’ll use in EA FC 25. His 94 passing rating ensures he's a magician with the ball, delivering with precision and creativity across short and long ranges.
With 90 crossing and the Pinged Pass playstyle plus, he can deliver dangerous balls from wide areas or diagonals that slice through defenses. His First Touch playstyle plus also boosts his ability to control and deliver quickly, helping maintain tempo and rhythm during fast build-up play.
His 5-star weak foot means he can pass or shoot with either foot, increasing unpredictability. Add 4-star skill moves into the mix and you have a multi-functional creator who can dribble, dish, or dart.
Playing him in CAM allows you to unlock all his best traits. Whether you’re aiming for tiki-taka quick build-up or long-passing precision, he fits both roles. He's not just creating chances—he's defining the flow of the game.
Key Stats
Aerial Attributes
At first glance, you might write Gündoğan off as ineffective in the air—but hold that thought. With 85 jumping and 87 heading accuracy, he actually performs decently in aerial situations.
He’s not going to win every duel against towering center-backs, but with smart movement and perfect timing, he can still nod home goals from corners or back-post runs. In ST or CAM roles, especially in narrow formations, you’ll be surprised by how many headers he actually wins.
He’s not dominant, but he’s more capable than most midfielders. If you use crosses intelligently, especially low or floated balls to the back post, he can deliver.
Dribbling Attribute
This is the real heart of the card. Dribbling 95. Ball control 98. Agility 90. Balance 90. Reaction 93. These numbers translate beautifully on the pitch.
Gündoğan is ridiculously smooth on the ball. Whether you’re weaving through midfielders or dancing past a defender in the box, he feels composed and under control. His close control is immaculate, and he keeps the ball tight even under pressure.
The Technical playstyle plus makes his dribbling even sharper, especially in close-quarter situations. He spins, fakes, and slides past defenders in a way that feels both natural and effective. His 4-star skill moves give him access to all the essential trickery, and with his 5-star weak foot, you can always cut or switch directions.
He’s not the flashiest dribbler, but he’s easily one of the most dependable. Think Bernardo Silva with better shooting.
Roles
Roles and Playstyles
Here’s where things get fun. Gündoğan’s Shapeshifters card can be deployed in three key positions ST, CAM, and LW and can fulfill nine unique role archetypes with elite effectiveness.
ST Roles
Advanced Forward++: Sharp runs, perfect finishing, and great positioning make him excellent here.
Poacher++: In the box, he’s lethal. Ghosts past defenders with high reactions.
False 9++: Drops deep to link play, then makes a late run, ideal role for his passing and shooting mix.
Target Forward++: Surprisingly strong and can hold up play if needed, then slip in behind.
CAM Roles
Playmaker++: His bread and butter. Orchestrates attacks with vision and precision.
Shadow Striker++: Feeds off loose balls and rebounds—like a more technical Müller.
Half Winger++: Drifts wide, cuts inside. Opens channels, then shoots or crosses.
Classic 10++: Traditional number 10—perfect for slow build-up or direct final passes.
LW Roles
Winger++: Beats full-backs with pace and cuts in to shoot or assist.
Inside Forward++: Deadly when cutting in and shooting with either foot.
Wide Playmaker++: Delivers diagonal passes or low crosses with Pinged Pass+.
His playstyle plus combo is one of the best in the game:
Pinged Pass+
First Touch+
Technical+
Low Driven Shot+
Together, they elevate his performance across all phases of play. He feels quick, responsive, accurate, and sharp in every attacking scenario.
Market Price
Cons
Despite the long list of positives, Gündoğan does come with a few caveats:
Not a defensive contributor: Don’t expect interceptions or last-ditch tackles. He lacks defensive stats and traits.
Height limitations: At around 5’11", he can get muscled out by taller or stronger defenders during aggressive aerial battles.
Only 4-star skill moves: For those who heavily rely on 5-star trickery like Elastico and McGeady cancels, he falls a little short.
Not a pure winger: While he can play wide, he doesn’t have the raw explosiveness or cross-spam ability of traditional wingers.
In-between meta: He's not quite a striker, not quite a winger, and not a classic CAM either—he's hybrid, which can either be a tactical advantage or a mismatch depending on your squad.
Conclusion
İlkay Gündoğan’s Shapeshifters card is a fascinating and highly enjoyable option in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team. He offers elite shooting, exceptional dribbling, and versatile playmaking across three major attacking positions. Whether you’re dominating with possession or hitting on the break, Gündoğan fits the mold of a technical, tactical weapon.
His role versatility is arguably the best feature—he adapts to your squad and strategy, not the other way around. Add in his playstyle plus traits, and you’ve got a card that’s a nightmare to defend against.
However, he's not perfect. He doesn’t quite dominate the meta due to his average height, lack of elite skill moves, and limited defensive application. But if you're willing to build a system around him—or slot him into a free-flowing front three, you’ll be rewarded with intelligent movement, dynamic dribbling, and clutch goals.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 10
This score doesn’t reflect poor performance; it reflects his niche. He’s outstanding in the right hands and system, but doesn’t define the current top-tier meta. He’s a puzzle piece, not the whole puzzle.
At 87,400 coins, he’s fairly priced for what he offers. He’s not a budget beast, nor a premium icon-level splurge. You’re paying for creativity, fun, and tactical fluidity. If that’s your playstyle, he’s worth every coin. If you're chasing pure meta, you may want to invest elsewhere.
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