The popular KONAMI title eFootball 2023, although it was released late in the season, it has kept a steady pace. Whether it’s the new season updates that have been constantly released or the more card types and designs that have been dropping week in and week out, everything is slowly looking impressive and we can’t wait to see more after the roadmap reveal. We had some very special Legendary and Iconic Moments cards last season. Several users have an impressive collection of Iconic Moment players spread across a variety of clubs. Similarly, this season has seen some impressive Epic and Big Time cards released in eFootball 2023 over the year, which we will review in this series, beginning with FC Barcelona.
eFootball 2023: FC Barcelona Epic and Big Time Cards
Big Time is a more premium card for a player, with higher stats and an even better design, for those who are unaware. Epic Cards are similar to the Legendary equivalent in PES, though both types of cards currently coexist in eFootball. FC Barcelona, one of the sponsor clubs, has an impressive share of such high-level cards, so make sure to grab them the next time they appear.
This review will be divided merge both the Big Time and Epic Cards and will mention the type as well. If a player has both card types, it’ll be mentioned with a separate review and build. A total of nine cards have been released to date.
Samuel Eto’o
- Position: Center Forward (CF)
- Playing Style: Goal Poacher
- Card Type: Big Time
Player Overview
Barcelona’s Iconic Striker Samuel Eto’o comes to the game as a Big Time player. For fans of the club, he is someone that they want to lead the forward line, and without any surprise, he is a lethal striker. Extremely pacy, great positioning and good finishing are his major attributes. His heading ability isn’t that great, but it can be balanced with the build if needed.
Cons are pretty overshadowed by his other game aspects, and most of the time it doesn’t reflect. However, his inaccurate passes while 1-2s are irritating sometimes, and his average dribbling and tight possession aren’t helpful to get out of the press. His physicality is okayish but can help in shielding the ball. Overall, a fast and agile striker who wreaks havoc in online matches.
Player Build
This build provides more emphasis on Speed and Finishing.
Formation Discussion
Eto’o can work best as a sole CF in formations where wingers or attacking midfielders create for him. 4-3-3, 4-2-1-3, and 3-4-3 are some healthy picks to try him out.
Hristo Stoichkov
- Position: Second Striker (SS)
- Playing Style: Creative Playmaker
- Card Type: Big Time
Player Overview
One of Barcelona’s finest players, Stoichkov has made his appearance in the game as a Big Time card. With 90 familiarities with all Team Playstyles, he can be used in any tactic. Talking about the card performance, his strength lies in creativity, and is a brilliant dribbler and passer. He can shoot with both feet and hits it on target, with good finishing as well.
Now coming to his negatives. His physicality is a huge letdown and often gets bullied by stronger defenders. It becomes increasingly difficult to beat physical defenders with this. His speed is not suitable for a wider role or as a striker, so he is very limited in terms of positioning, but with a good burst of acceleration helps a lot. Stamina is also a concern as he gasses out early, especially if you press.
Player Build
Players can give more emphasis on Speed if needed by cutting off some shooting, as he isn’t very known for rapid pace.
Formation Discussion
Use him as a single AMF in any formation, say 4-2-1-3, 4-3-1-2, are best picks. He fits well in the Possession Game playstyle, so you can pick this as your priority.
Johan Cruijff
- Position: Second Striker (SS)
- Playing Style: Hole Player
- Card Type: Epic
Player Overview
Even though not as brilliant as his Iconic Moment card, Cruijff is a very good addition to any squad. A phenomenal dribbler, he is very skillful too, so it makes it easy to dribble past defenders. His passing and passing skills add a lot of weight, which allows him to play any role of his liking. His Hole Player playstyle allows him to attack more, which makes him one of the bests in his position.
Physically, he is average, but it doesn’t affect his overall game. He is quick and agile, with decent free-kick abilities as well. Finishing is solid too, but lack of First-Time shot skill and Kicking Power might get reflected in the game a few times. He is well suited for any Team Playstyle, just that you need to give some progression points extra. Overall, a wonderful card to use.
Player Build
Keep a balanced build if needed, as he has overall good stats.
Formation Discussion
Can work as wide SS or as AMF. Hole Player is the best fit at AMF, so you him as an attacking mid in any formation of your choice. The old version of Cruijff has more Possession Game familiarity with 80, so you might have to increase this with progression points.
Xavi Hernández
- Position: Central Midfielder (CMF)
- Playing Style: Orchestrator
- Card Type: Epic
Player Overview
Xavi’s Epic Card might not be flashing but his stats make him one of the best ball-playing midfielders in the game. Xavi’s insane dribbling and ball control abilities allow him to keep the ball in pressure situations. This is rounded out by good set-piece abilities. Coming to his passing, there are no words to explain. The weight on his long pass is just magical, and you can find him pinging them long.
KONAMI did him dirty on the stamina part but he can last a full 90 with moderate pressing. Defensively he is sound but isn’t the best pick, which isn’t needed if you have a good defensive cover. Xavi’s abilities on the ball help him beat the press easily, and he is also quick enough to catch loose balls with great positioning and awareness even without the stats.
Player Build
Since Xavi lies in the middle, allocate more points to Passing.
Formation Discussion
Any midfield formation for Xavi, who will work brilliantly with a Possession Game tactic. If you are using him in a double pivot, pair him with an Anchor Man.
Guardiola
- Position: Defensive Midfielder (DMF)
- Playing Style: Orchestrator
- Card Type: Epic
Player Overview
Not your typical defensive midfielder by any means, Guardiola is a disguised central midfielder, whose line-breaking passes can change the game in a jiffy. He is not bad defensively, with good awareness, just that he isn’t that midfielder who can handle everything coming at him alone.
His first touch is good, but his bulky movement sometimes delays a pass, leading to mistakes if the opponent is pressing hard. In the attacking third he is rarely of use, as his finishing is poor, or has the pace to bomb forward. He is good at dictating play, so you might have a decent playmaker in your hands who might deserve a few games.
Player Build
Build him defensively, and balance other attributes.
Formation Discussion
Use him as a double pivot in formations such as 4-2-1-3, 3-2-2-3, and 5-2-3, as he needs someone alongside him for more defensive cover, most preferably an Anchor Man.
Deco
- Position: Attacking Midfielder (AMF)
- Playing Style: Creative Playmaker
- Card Type: Epic
Player Overview
The Portuguese maestro is often underrated, as he isn’t that flashy player that the fans of the game like. His game is really good, and with good dribbling and passing skills, he can be the missing attacking piece your team needs.
Deco has a good long shot in him, as he possesses almost every skill needed to beat the keeper from the distance. He succeeds pretty often even with average finishing. His ability to take fantastic set-pieces stands out from his profile, even with not-so-overpowered stats. He might not be fast enough, but he is sure a great player to have.
Player Build
Creativity is key, so Passing and Dribbling need a bigger share of allocation.
Formation Discussion
Similar to Hristo, use him as a single AMF in your desired formation, and make use of his creative skills from the center.
Albert Ferrer
- Position: Right-back (RB)
- Playing Style: Offensive Full-back
- Card Type: Epic
Player Overview
A mix of both offensive and defensive fullback, Ferrer is a very highly rated fast defender along the flanks. His pace is a big plus, and with good passing and dribbling, he becomes a good contributor to your attacks. His crossing is great and is good at quick 1-2 moves too.
He is a great workhorse off the ball, and with high stamina, he will last the whole match without many difficulties. For an Offensive Full-back, he is defensively adept, so he will engage in interceptions and tackles. Even if he’s dribbled past, he will catch his man thanks to his pace. Overall, one of the bests in his position for sure.
Player Build
Since this is a younger card, you have all the freedom to work around the points. However, the one which we suggest has a good balance overall.
Formation Discussion
Any formation with fullbacks. Works well in formations that allow him to have more space to move forward. So 4-3-3, 4-2-1-3, 5-2-3, and 4-3-1-2, are some suggested formations.
Puyol
- Position: Center-back (CB)
- Playing Style: The Destroyer
- Card Type: Epic
Player Overview
Barcelona Legend Puyol’s Epic card excels at winning the ball higher up the pitch as a CB with a Destroyer playing style in eFootball 2023. He is the to-go man if you need a defender to be physically aggressive with tackles yet be clean with it. It’ll help especially when you are in 1v1 situations.
Puyol’s ball-playing abilities are very limited and hence won’t be a good option for this kind of role. heading is amazing even though he isn’t the tallest of the lot. His clearing is great and can score corners if there’s a good ball in.
Player Build
Keep a defensive build, so that you can use him as that one aggressive tackler in your backline.
Formation Discussion
Any formation works, but preferably a Quick Counter style that will suit his aggressive style of play. In 3 atb formations, use him in the wider areas of play.
Vitor Baia
- Position: Goalkeeper (GK)
- Playing Style: Defensive Goalkeeper
- Card Type: Epic
Player Overview
One of the most decorated keepers of all time, Vitor was known for his time at FC Porto than in Barcelona but could leave an impact in his first season. Talking about the game performance of this eFootball 2023 Barcelona Epic card, he is great in awareness, as he does well in handling crosses and timing his dives right.
However, his parrying stat doesn’t help in quick counter-attacks, are they are not very strong enough. His reflexes are amazing, however, but sometimes struggles with catching, and it turns into a loose ball, causing a dangerous situation. So, players need a good backline for support, and overall, it is kind of a disappointment for an epic to underperform.
Player Build
Build surely on Goalkeeping stats only.
Formation Discussion
Works well in defensive formations 5-2-3, 3-5-2, etc.
What are your thoughts on this FC Barcelona Epic and Big Time cards review in eFootball 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
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