Saint-Maximin UEL Road to the Knockouts - SBC Player Review and Ratings
- Pace
- Physicality
- Shooting Prowess
- Playmaking Abilities
- Aerial Attributes
- Dribbling Attribute
- Roles
- Playstyles and Playstyle Plus
- Cons
- Conclusion
The Saint-Maximin UEL Road to the Knockouts SBC card has created significant excitement within the FC 25 Ultimate Team community. Known for his flair and ability to change a game, Saint-Maximin offers a unique blend of pace and skill that can dazzle opponents. However, as players dive into his stats and abilities, it becomes essential to assess both his strengths and weaknesses to understand his true value on the pitch.
While this card showcases some impressive attributes, it also comes with glaring deficiencies that can impact gameplay. Players looking to maximize their squad’s effectiveness need to weigh these factors, especially given the card’s price point. As we explore each aspect of this card, it will become evident whether he can live up to the hype or if he falls short of expectations.
Pace
Saint-Maximin's pace is one of his standout features, boasting an acceleration of 90 and a sprint speed of 90. This level of quickness allows him to break away from defenders and exploit spaces on the counterattack, making him a formidable threat in one-on-one situations. His speed enables players to utilize him effectively on the wing, where he can stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities.
However, while his pace is impressive. In high-stakes matches against elite defenders, his sprinting speed might not consistently be enough to keep him ahead, particularly as players begin to adapt to his runs. This slight limitation means that while he can be fast, there are moments when he could benefit from an additional burst of speed.
Physicality
With a physicality rating of 72, Saint-Maximin's strength of 76 allows him to hold his own against some defenders. This physicality can be advantageous when engaging in battles for the ball, especially in wide positions where he can fend off challenges. His stamina of 82 also plays a crucial role, allowing him to maintain his performance for most of the match without quickly succumbing to fatigue.
However, despite his decent strength, he may struggle against more physically imposing opponents. In long matches, his stamina may wear thin, which can lead to a drop in effectiveness, particularly when facing aggressive defenses. This limitation is essential to consider, as it may hinder his performance when the match tempo increases or during crucial moments in tight contests.
Shooting Prowess
Saint-Maximin's shooting rating of 75 reflects his capacity to score but does not make him a reliable finisher. While his shot power is notable at 85, allowing for some potent efforts from distance, his long shots suffer with a rating of just 73. This inconsistency can be frustrating for players who expect more from a forward when attempting to convert chances from outside the box.
Additionally, his overall shooting ability means he may not be the best choice for clinical finishes inside the area either. This lack of a reliable finishing touch can lead to missed opportunities that could cost valuable points in competitive matches. Players may find themselves needing to depend on other forwards for crucial goals, which diminishes Saint-Maximin's overall impact on the team.
Playmaking Abilities
In terms of playmaking, Saint-Maximin boasts a passing rating of 75, which is very poor for a winger. However, his effectiveness in this area is undermined by poor short and long-passing capabilities. Players may find that while he can make the occasional brilliant pass, more often than not, his distribution can lead to frustrating turnovers, disrupting team flow and momentum.
This inconsistency in passing is particularly concerning for a player expected to provide assists and link-up play. His inability to deliver precise short or long passes means that while he can create opportunities, he may squander critical chances at pivotal moments.
Cons
equently, this aspect of his game makes him a less appealing option for players who prioritize reliable playmakers in their squad.
Aerial Attributes
Saint-Maximin’s aerial ability is another mixed bag. With a jumping rating of 82, he can contest headers, but his heading accuracy of just 61 severely limits his effectiveness in the air. This combination means that while he can reach the ball, he struggles to direct it accurately, making him a less viable option during set pieces or crossing situations.
His aerial shortcomings further emphasize his role as a ground player rather than a threat in the air. This limitation is crucial to consider for teams that rely on tall players to win headers or convert crosses into goals. As a result, players may need to seek alternatives for aerial dominance, further highlighting the necessity for balance in squad composition.
Dribbling Attribute
Saint-Maximin truly excels in the dribbling department, with a dribbling rating of 88, agility of 94, balance of 91, and ball control of 83. These attributes make him a joy to control, allowing players to weave through defenses with ease. His exceptional agility and balance mean he can maintain control even in tight spaces, making him a dangerous player when dribbling at pace.
The addition of the Technical Playstyle Plus enhances his dribbling capabilities even further, granting him more creative freedom and control. This combination makes him a nightmare for defenders, as he can seamlessly execute tricks and quick changes of direction. As such, players who can effectively utilize his dribbling skills will find him to be a potent attacking threat, capable of creating chances for himself and teammates.
Roles
⠀Saint-Maximin primarily functions as a wide midfielder and an inside forward, allowing versatility in tactical setups. As a Wide Midfielder, he can stretch the play, providing width and creating space for overlapping full-backs or cutting inside to take on defenders. This role capitalizes on his speed and dribbling skills, enabling him to engage in one-on-one situations that can disrupt defensive organization.
In the Inside Forward role, he can exploit gaps between defenders, positioning himself to receive the ball in dangerous areas. This placement allows him to utilize his agility and technical ability to create scoring opportunities. However, players must consider that while he has the potential to excel in these roles, his limitations in crossing and passing may hinder his overall impact in the final third.
Playstyles and Playstyle Plus
Saint-Maximin features several playstyles that enhance his game: Technical Playstyle Plus, First Touch Playstyle, Flair Playstyle, Trickster Playstyle, and Quick Step Playstyle. The Technical Playstyle Plus elevates his ball control and dribbling, making it easier for him to navigate through tight spaces and execute skill moves effectively. This playstyle complements his attributes, allowing him to shine in attacking scenarios.
His First Touch Playstyle ensures that he receives the ball cleanly, which is vital for maintaining momentum in fast-paced matches. The Flair and Trickster playstyles add a creative element, allowing him to perform skill moves that can dazzle opponents. Meanwhile, the Quick Step Playstyle helps him accelerate quickly in tight spaces, enabling him to evade tackles. Together, these playstyles make him an unpredictable player, capable of creating magic on the pitch when utilized correctly.
Cons
Despite his flashiness, Saint-Maximin has several drawbacks that could hinder performance. His poor crossing (76) means he won't reliably provide assists from wide positions, and his inconsistencies in passing can lead to frustrating turnovers. Players may find that relying on him to create opportunities may not yield the desired results, particularly in tight matches where precision is critical. In addition, his shooting is to poor for an attacker.
Additionally, his physicality could become a significant issue when facing stronger opponents. While he possesses decent stamina, longer matches may expose his limitations, especially when tasked with battling more aggressive defenders. These cons make it clear that while he has the potential for brilliance, he also carries substantial risks that could impact overall squad performance.
Conclusion
In summary, the Saint-Maximin UEL Road to the Knockouts SBC card presents a blend of excitement and concern. His dribbling, agility, and flair offer moments of brilliance, but significant limitations in passing, shooting, and physicality can undermine his effectiveness. At a price of 119k coins this card feels overpriced given its drawbacks, leading to questions about its true value in the current meta.
Overall, we would give this card a 4 out of 10 rating. While Saint-Maximin can shine in specific situations, players might want to explore other options that provide a more balanced contribution across the pitch. His appeal is undeniable, but the reality of his performance may not live up to the expectations set by his impressive flair and skill attributes.
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