Just Phenomenal Naby Keïta Review by cgopie1

Coins Spent: 80k Console: PS3 Position: LCM Chemistry Style: Basic Games: 72 Goals: 24 Assists: 19

I was initially looking for an upgrade to Tiago Alcantara for my 4-1-4-1 Bundasliga squad, which is how I came across this guy on Futhead, but as soon as I saw how good he was, I had to find a way to put him in a squad with MOTM Son, who I actually managed to pack. I got him late at night on an auction for 80k, when the lowest BIN price at the time was 120k.

This guy is incredible. I've seen some of the comments about how he is like Kante, and the defensive side of him is. I have put him alongside Bender and Lallana in a midfield three, and it is so difficult for the opposition to pass through that, with Keita the absolute best at winning the ball back.

But the best thing about him is that, when you do win the ball back, no matter what position on the field you're in, you can just hold the sprint button and run. Counter-attacking works so well with him, as he drives through the heart of the midfield and the opposition can barely stop him. And he is so well-rounded that you can either dribble his way into the box, shoot from range, or thread a nice little through ball.

When you play with this guy, you understand you can't just simplify how good a player is with goals and assists, because his stats don't justify just how amazing he is in-game. He is so involved in every aspect of play, and his 99 stamina is perfect to go with it. I know he has H/M workrates, but it does feel like M/H, or perhaps that has something to do with the tactics I employ.

I've tried him at CAM and he is just not the same. From a CM position, he can win the ball back deep in your own half, and just carry it all the way into the opposition penalty box. At CAM, I just don't feel he was involved in the game as much, and you want this guy involved in every aspect of your play.

The only two weaknesses I'll give him - one is heading; he rarely wins a header from goal-kicks, etc. The other is the club he plays for. I really found it hard to put together a good squad with both him and MOTM Son in it. In the end, I decided to use Halstenberg at LB, and he is the weak point of a very good squad (which is my most expensive and played squad).

Having felt In-Form cards from previous FUTs were under-powered in-game, the two IFs I have used this FIFA, and both in the last couple months (the other being MOTM Son) have been absolutely brilliant for me. It took me a few games to get used to Keita, but once I did, he has made me enjoy Ultimate Team again.

9.7/10