FIFA FUT Birthday Michael Essien ICON SBC: Fans Not Impressed

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FIFA is causing quite a stir once more! The thrill of FUT Birthday is here, but instead of the usual enthusiasm for new squad members, fans are feeling let down and puzzled, particularly regarding the latest Michael Essien ICON SBC. Despite the anticipation that comes with such celebratory events, players are expressing disappointment instead. Many had high expectations for Essien, a player renowned for his energy and versatility in midfield, but his SBC release has left fans scratching their heads in confusion. The entire community seems to be in reflection mode, questioning what might have gone wrong and how the card could have been improved upon.

### Summary

  • Fans are disappointed with Michael Essien’s overall performance attributes, specifically his lack of defensive playstyles.
  • The high cost of 1.4 million coins has led many to question the value of the card compared to cheaper alternatives.
  • Critiques focus on the limitations of his passing stats and playstyles, with many noting he is not particularly exciting.
  • Overall sentiment indicates a strong belief that this SBC could have been executed better to match the hype around FUT Birthday.

Disappointment Surrounding the Essien ICON SBC
As the community congregated over the announcement of the Essien ICON SBC, an initial surge of excitement quickly transformed into a collective sigh of disappointment. The post failed to generate the typical enthusiasm usually associated with significant player releases. User *ChimyT* succinctly summarized it, “a bit underwhelming, isn’t it?”, encapsulating the shared feeling that the new Essien card didn’t meet expectations. This sentiment was mirrored throughout the thread, with other users voicing their agreement and expressing their dissatisfaction.

One major concern raised by many players is that the card doesn’t have distinct characteristics to make it stand out from an ordinary midfielder and transform it into a top-level game-altering player. As playstyles grow more crucial for a player’s efficiency, not having a fundamental intercept trait, as pointed out by *UhJeffery*, is cause for concern. Without key traits that signify a strong defensive player, the appeal of the card decreases.

Debate Over High Cost of FIFA ICON Cards
In the world of FIFA, the expense associated with purchasing an ICON card is a significant factor. The Essien SBC, for instance, is priced at a hefty 1.4 million coins, which has sparked discussions among experienced gamers who have encountered overpriced cards in previous versions of FIFA. User *Aru10* voiced a question that many are asking: is it wise to invest in a player with seemingly limited abilities for a defensive midfielder role? They expressed disappointment due to the lack of relevant defensive playstyles such as silver intercept or bruiser, labeling the card unimpressive. With numerous superior options available, particularly more affordable ones like N’Golo Kanté, the decision to buy Essien seems doubtful at best.

In this discussion, we shifted towards contemplating whether the card would perform better if it were found in standard packs instead of SBCs (Squad Building Challenges). User Moistkeano expressed dissatisfaction, likening the experience to receiving less powerful versions of players when they’re chosen for SBCs compared to those accessible through packs. It seems like the developers are trying to make these iconic cards scarce while maintaining game balance—resulting in frustration among fans who invest substantial resources into a card that doesn’t meet expectations.

Assessment Against Other Options
When spending coins in FIFA, fans desire value for their investment—however, the Essien SBC is perceived as falling short by many. Players like Kanté, who can be obtained for around 600,000 coins, are often used as a point of reference. User *ColdPalmah* expressed this feeling, asking, “Kante had a better card and he was 600k. What is this, really? 😭” Given the abundance of high-quality CDMs, especially those with attributes suited for contemporary gameplay, it’s puzzling why someone would spend a substantial amount on a card that is considered less favorable compared to others.

This raises a troubling query for many: Could it be that EA intentionally sets prices for certain cards so high that only a few players can afford them? Over the years, this issue has sparked much debate among FIFA’s player base, as individuals from all backgrounds discuss whether the pricing of certain releases is fair or simply excessive. For instance, at 1.4 million coins, Essien seems to provoke more questions than answers, particularly when you consider that cheaper alternatives with comparable performance are available.

Suitable Qualities for FIFA Players
FIFA is not only about statistics; it’s about constructing a team where each player enhances the others. However, there are concerns about Essien’s compatibility with various tactical configurations. As per experienced player *kozy8805*, although Essien seems like a capable box-to-box midfielder, they suggest that players should utilize him in a different manner. “The defensive midfield roles don’t align at all,” they commented, suggesting a discrepancy between the player’s abilities and the usual responsibilities associated with such positions.

Users frequently express a need for a player with enhanced shooting, passing, and defensive abilities, often emphasizing traits that would significantly impact their on-field performance. When players notice an 80 shooting stat for a renowned figure like Essien, it raises questions about whether EA truly understands the type of gameplay the community prefers. Suggestions like incorporating passing playstyles such as “rapid” or “intricate” seem to indicate the community’s yearning for diverse playing styles in the game.

Summarizing Our Thoughts
To put it simply, the general opinion towards the new Michael Essien ICON SBC isn’t overwhelmingly positive. The community seems disappointed, collectively expressing a sense of being let down by a card that falls short in several aspects – pricing, gameplay style, and overall worth are the main concerns. There’s a strong consensus across user discussions that they were expecting something more impressive to celebrate during the FUT Birthday celebrations.

As we move further along in the FIFA series, let’s express our hopes that the developers will pay attention to player feedback. Remember, the gamers themselves bring life to the game, so it’s crucial that they have enjoyable yet challenging features!

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2025-03-09 07:01