The FUT Birthday promo in EA Sports FC 25 has been nothing short of spectacular, and Week 2 has delivered some incredible content to keep players engaged. From the return of the iconic FIFA 15 Roma trio—Doumbia, Gervinho, and Ibarbo—to the release of a highly anticipated SBC, the excitement is palpable. Among the highlights is the FUT Birthday Yaya Touré, a card that has sparked both excitement and debate within the community. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the card’s stats, in-game performance, and whether it’s worth the hefty price tag of 2.5 million EA Sports FC 25 Coins.

Celebrating Yaya Touré’s FUT Birthday Card

Yaya Touré is a name that resonates with FIFA fans, especially those who remember his dominance during his prime years. His FUT Birthday card is a celebration of his legacy, and EA Sports has gone all out to make this version of him feel special. With a 93 overall rating, 5-star skill moves, and 5-star weak foot, this card is designed to be a game-changer. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s break it down.

Card Overview: Stats and Key Attributes

The FUT Birthday Yaya Touré is the fourth version of the Ivorian midfielder released in FC 25 this year, and it’s a significant upgrade from his Winter Wildcard card. Here’s a quick look at his key stats:

• Pace: 88 
• Shooting: 89 
• Passing: 90 
• Dribbling: 87 
• Defending: 86 
• Physicality: 92 

The card also features the Pinged Pass playstyle, replacing the PowerShot from his previous version. This change, along with the boost to 5-star skill moves, makes him a more versatile option in midfield. However, the lack of defensive playstyles outside of Bruiser might be a concern for some players.

In-Game Performance: How Does He Feel on the Pitch?

Shooting: A Rocket of a Shot

One of the standout features of this card is its shooting ability. With 98 shot power, Yaya Touré can unleash absolute rockets from distance. Whether it’s a long-range finesse shot or a driven strike, goalkeepers often struggle to keep his efforts out. This makes him a genuine threat in attacking positions.

Physicality: A Brick Wall

Touré’s maxed-out strength makes him an immovable force in midfield. He can bully opponents off the ball and dominate physical duels. This, combined with his high defensive stats, makes him a reliable presence in both attack and defense.

Passing: Precision and Vision

The Pinged Pass playstyle shines here. Touré can effortlessly switch the play or thread through balls to attackers. His passing range is exceptional, and he rarely misplaces a pass, making him a key playmaker in the midfield.

Positioning: Always in the Right Place

Touré’s work rates and positioning are excellent. He’s constantly involved in the game, whether it’s breaking up opposition attacks or joining the offensive play. His ability to track back and press high makes him a complete box-to-box midfielder.

Dribbling: A Mixed Bag

While his dribbling stats look good on paper, Touré’s body type makes him feel a bit stiff on the ball. He’s not the most agile player, and quick turns or skill moves can feel clunky at times. This is one area where the card falls short compared to other elite midfielders

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Chemistry Styles: Maximizing Touré’s Potential

To get the most out of this card, the right chemistry style is crucial. Here are the two best options:

• Anchor: This boosts his pace, defending, and physicality, making him an even more dominant force in midfield. It’s the preferred choice for players who want to maximize his defensive capabilities.
• Shadow: If you’re looking to improve his pace and defending further, Shadow is a solid alternative. However, given his already high physical stats, Anchor might be the better option.

Strengths: What Makes This Card Stand Out?

• Star Skill Moves and Weak Foot: This makes Touré incredibly versatile and unpredictable in attack.
• Shooting Power: His long-range shots are a joy to behold and can turn the tide of a game.
• Physical Dominance: Few midfielders can match his strength and presence on the pitch.
• Passing Accuracy: The Pinged Pass playstyle adds a new dimension to his game.

Weaknesses: Are There Any Downsides?

• Dribbling: Despite the high dribbling stats, his body type makes him feel stiff and less agile than other top-tier midfielders.
• Price: At 2.5 million EA Sports FC Coins, this card is incredibly expensive, especially considering the alternatives available.
• Defensive Playstyles: The lack of additional defensive playstyles (aside from Bruiser) might be a drawback for players looking for a pure defensive midfielder.

Comparison: How Does He Stack Up Against Other Midfielders?

When compared to other elite midfielders like Ethan Mbappé or Patrick Vieira, Touré holds his own but doesn’t necessarily stand out. For example, Ethan Mbappé’s SBC, which was released recently, offers similar performance at a fraction of the cost. While Touré’s card is undoubtedly great, the price tag makes it difficult to justify for many players.

Best Formation and Tactics to Use with Yaya Touré

To get the best out of Touré, consider using him in a 4-3-3 (2) or 4-2-3-1 formation. These setups allow him to utilize his box-to-box capabilities effectively. Pair him with a more agile midfielder to compensate for his lack of dribbling fluidity.

IS He Worth the FC 25 Coins? Value for Money Analysis

At 2.5 million FUT 25 Coins, this card is one of the most expensive SBCs in the game. While Touré’s performance is impressive, the price feels steep, especially when there are cheaper alternatives that offer similar or better value. If you’re a fan of Yaya Touré or have the FIFA coins to spare, he’s a fun card to use. However, for more budget-conscious players, there are better options available.

Conclusion

The FUT Birthday Yaya Touré is a fantastic card that pays homage to one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. With his 5-star skill moves, incredible shooting, and physical dominance, he’s a joy to use in-game. However, the high price tag and stiff dribbling hold him back from being a must-complete SBC. If you’re a fan of Touré or have the resources to complete the SBC without breaking the bank, he’s worth picking up. Otherwise, there are more cost-effective options that can deliver similar results.