eFootball PES 2021 has loaded up all the users with their full set of Iconic Moments. Since the Datapack 2.0 update, users can relive match-winning performances from all the legends of the game in coin packs where several clubs have their icons up for grab. Several users have a great array of Iconic Moment players over a set of different clubs. It all depends on luck, isn’t it? With legends being easily churned out in the game slowly, Iconic Moments players can add to the real glam to your squad, which adds to the extreme interest of the players. The odds to get an Iconic Moment player is very low. We will begin our review with the Barcelona Iconic Moments in PES 2021.
Seven Barcelona Iconic Moments were released in PES 2020, and all the reviews are made only after trying them out in both offline & online mode. Whenever any new Barcelona Iconic Moments in PES 2021 are released this season, this review will be updated with the new set of players. We have previously reviewed the Iconic Moments players of the following clubs from PES 2020, so feel free to check those reviews out.
PES 2020 Iconic Moments
- Bayern Munich
- Barcelona
- Manchester United
- AS Roma
- AC Milan
- Inter Milan
- Atletico Madrid
- Juventus
- Real Madrid
- Arsenal
- Celtic
PES 2021 Iconic Moments
Barcelona Iconic Moments in PES 2021
We currently have these ten Barcelona Iconic Moments which have been released in PES 2021 this year. Whenever any new Barcelona Iconic Moments are released in PES 2021 or the coming seasons, this review will be updated with the new set of players.
Lionel Messi
Playing Style: Roaming Flank
Looking back at the Iconic Match
One of the Iconic nights of football, where the greatest displayed a masterclass performance. A match remembered by football fans all over the world, this match elevated the El Clasico rivalry to another level. Barcelona faced hosts Real Madrid in a packed stadium. As iconic as it gets, Lionel Messi scored his 500th Barcelona goal to send them top of La Liga with an injury-time winner against 10-man Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, with Ramos sent off earlier before this event.
Casemiro scored first for the hosts before Messi and Ivan Rakitic put Barcelona in front and Sergio Ramos was shown a red card for a wild lunge. However, the substitute James Rodriguez found the back of the net to bring it to level to 2-2. But Messi, who scored his first with a superb jinking run and finish, fired in from the edge of the area from a Jordi Alba cutback to win it for Barcelona after a wonderful Sergi Roberto run from the Barca half.
Player Analysis
Messi this year has been a bit nerfed following the chopping of some of his stats, especially speed and acceleration. Although real-life won’t be close to it, the game had to adapt to some new stats. However, this card is way better, with boosted pace stats and also with a playstyle change from Creative Playmaker to Roaming Flank. Here, you can find him in the best of the positions to receive the ball and tends to move to the central areas of the pitch more often.
Messi’s best stats that are reflected in the game are his Finishing and Dribbling abilities. It is so smooth and easy to use Messi as a dribbler, and the card does give you the best finishing feels. He is smooth to use, but there are some limitations here too. Messi, again, can be easily shrugged off the ball, which isn’t a common sight. Sometimes, Messi runs too deep into the midfield areas, which is tough for getting him in scoring positions. Otherwise, he is a wonderful card to possess, and we thank Konami that, for giving him as a free IM.
Formation Discussion
Works in any formations with wings. Being a Roaming Flank, he can easily fit at RWF in 4-3-3 or 4-2-1-3 formations. At AMF, he has enough pace and stamina for a whole 90, so you can use him as a lone AMF in 4-3-1-2 formation or as a right AMF in 4-2-2-2 formation.
Ronaldinho
Playing Style: Classic No. 10
Looking back at the Iconic Match
Chelsea won 5-4 in this encounter at Stamford Bridge on 8th March 2005, as Ronaldinho produced moments of brilliance for the Catalans who were leading 2-1 in the first leg. Despite early goals from Gudjohnsen, Lampard, and Damien Duff within the first 19 minutes, Barcelona pulled back within half-time via two goals from the Brazilian wizard Ronaldinho.
In the 27th minute, Paulo Fereira handled the ball in the Chelsea box, giving away a penalty to Barcelona as Ronaldinho scored from the spot. 11 minutes later, Ronaldinho wrong-footed Chelsea defenders on the edge of the D-box. The Brazilian stabbed the ball into the bottom left corner past Petr Cech and scored a sensational equalizer. John Terry scored the winner 15 minutes before regulation time as Chelsea made it 5-4 on aggregate. Despite Chelsea turning it over in Stamford Bridge, Ronaldinho’s moments of brilliance in the first half will be remembered. Ronaldinho, being absent from the Iconic Moment series last year is a new addition in Barcelona Iconic Moments in PES 2021.
Player Analysis
One of the greatest magical wizards with the ball, the King of Tricks and Skills made it a treat for the audience and players on the field. The Smiling Assassin was a nightmare to play against when he was in possession. He was one of the best with his close control of the ball and dribbling in-game. Comparing the Iconic Moments with his Legends version, The pace and ball control with excellent set-piece taking skills is improved in this version. Ronaldinho is excellent in taking on defenders with his skills and 97 balance to beat the best of the defenders. The finishing and curlers are excellent as Ronaldinho can score and run on the sidelines and celebrate with his special dance celebration.
Due to his playstyle, He does stay deep and doesn’t make the most runs into spaces, which allows him to play and find attackers past the defenders with his pin-point long balls like the real-life Ronaldinho. With the PES 2021 update, The Classic No. 10 playing style is buffed as players can sometimes make runs into the box. Ronaldinho’s set-pieces are awesome as he can curl in free-kicks from dead angles which can end up in a goal. He can score long-rangers into the net wrong-footing defenders and has great tricks such as Scissors Feint and Flip-Flap up his sleeve. Skilling him up with the Double Touch would absolutely make him unstoppable on the ball. He has great finishing which is aided by the Outside Curler trait. Downsides include his Low Physical Contact and Stamina which should not be wasted in pressing the opponent.
Formation Discussion
He is suited for the central AMF position in 4-2-1-3 of L. Roman or T. Bindewald. He can also be played as a central AMF in 4-3-1-2 of J. Spaak and D. Millesi. In such AMF formations, Ronaldinho can also be played as the CMF along with a goal-scoring AMF. In the case of the 4-3-3 formation of Luis Enrique and G. Southgate, he can also be played just behind the striker as a left SS/LWF. Ronaldinho can also fit in as a left AMF in the 4-2-2-2 of Hansi Flick or M.Preuss behind the CF’s, where he can provide through passes to the attacker or curl in the long shots from the left with his right foot. In such a formation, he can line up alongside the likes of Messi, who would play on the right AMF.
Deco
Playing Style: Creative Playmaker
Looking Back at the Iconic Match
Barcelona faced Espanyol in the Olímpic Lluís Companys on 7th January, 2006. Placed first in the league, Barcelona needed the three points to strengthen their top place in the title race. The match started with Barcelona having a lot of possession, but not getting the goal they needed. But Deco broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute to score from an Edmilson assist. Scoring his 3rd goal of the season, he continued a very good performance to the 2nd half as well. Eto’o scored the 2nd goal for Barca before Tamudo scored one for the hosts to end it 2-1.
Player Analysis
The Portuguese legend has great ball control and dribbling skills which can help him to beat defenders. He has necessary upgrades compared to his Legend version, which was more of a midfielder with more assisting abilities. Deco, as a creative playmaker is great as he can make runs in counters, where he can provide assists and pre-assists. Deco isn’t that quick, who can charge with his pace and dribbling from the center to the goal. In the case of Deco, He has low pace and acceleration. His finishing is decent for long-rangers outside the box. It is recommended to use him plainly as an attacking midfielder or a central midfielder with a goal-scoring attacker.
The trait which stands out from his profile is his fantastic set-pieces which can end up in the back of the net. He can whip in corners into the box which big players in the box can head home. Despite being low on pace, Deco is very smooth to use with his ball control and dribbling, and the Double Touch and Marseille Turn help his cause highly. He has an insane kicking power of 95 and the Long-Range Shooting trait helps in his shooting. With 100% familiarity, Deco can be a good option for your Barcelona team as he is smooth to use and supports the play as a playmaker providing through-balls to the attackers. The 90 stamina could be useful in pressing down the opponents and helping in defense.
Formation Discussion
He is best suited as an AMF/CMF in 4-2-1-3(Eg: L. Roman or T. Bindewald) . Deco isn’t a lethal goal scorer and cannot charge into the box during the attacks. He can chip in during counters, making a great final pass. This makes Deco a great option in the 4-3-3 of G. Zeitler and Luis Enrique. He can also be played as a sole AMF in 4-3-1-2 of Fernando Santos and C.Valbuena.
Carles Puyol
Playing Style: The Destroyer
Looking back at the Iconic Match
Barcelona faced arch-rivals Real Madrid in a quarter-final El Classico in the Copa Del Rey on 18th January 2012. Madrid started the match strongly with Cristiano Ronaldo finding the net past Barca shot-stopper Jose Pinto. Post the goal, the Catalans bounced back but did not find the net till half-time. 3 minutes into the second half, Xavi’s corner kick met a diving Carles Puyol who leveled up the score with a fantastic diving header. In the 76th minute, Leo Messi produced a sensational pass to find Abidal, who calmly sent it past Casillas into the net. Barcelona was left with a 2-1 advantage into the second leg of the competition.
Player Analysis
Being a CB with a Destroyer playing style, Puyol is fantastic in winning the ball higher up the pitch. With excellent Physical Contact of 96, He can win the ball off their feet. Puyol has 99 Jump and Acrobatic Clear which can help him to compete against long-ball spammers with Mbappe. Puyol is highly aggressive and tends to try to win possession higher up the pitch. It is advised to use a build-up CB like Van Dijk who stays at the back. De Ligt can be used with him, being very fast and can easily cover the tracks left by the Catalan.
Puyol is one of the center-backs who will have a lethal presence in the box on set-pieces with his heading. The World-Cup winning defender possesses a defensive awareness of 96 and the trait of Captaincy makes him a worthy option for the armband. The Spanish defender is a master in the arts of Interceptions and Aggression in a defender. He is easily one of the best CB’s in the game.
Formation Discussion
He needs to be played with a Build-up CB who can distribute in any 4 ATB formation. Some formations where he can thrive are L.Roman’s 4-1-2-3 or G. Zeitler’s 4-3-3 or Ronald Koeman’s 4-3-3. In case, you prefer a 3 ATB manager (Eg: Antonio Conte) and have Puyol, he’s the best option you can get. Puyol fits in the center perfectly, with two Build Up CB’s supporting at his left and right.
Patrick Kluivert
Playing Style: Targetman
Looking back at the Iconic Match
Back in 2002, Barcelona faced a CD Tenerife side away in a La Liga game. Barcelona lined up in a 3-5-2 formation with Kluivert and Rivaldo upfront. The Catalans were in front in the 15th minute with a back-volley from Carles Puyol. The Dutch national striker started to go on a goal-feast after that. Kluivert bagged in 4 goals with assists from Xavi, Barjuan, Saviola, and Gabri.
Kluivert was in devastating and ruthless form running a riot on the opponent’s defense. The match finished 6-0 at the end, with the explosive Barcelona forward finishing with 4 goals. Kluivert is the player who has been added to the Barcelona Iconic Moments in PES 2021.
Player Analysis
Much like the legend version of Kluivert, He is one of the best target men in the game. Kluivert has a great kicking power (89) and is one of the finishing in this card is fantastic (98). Possessing a decent pace, Kluivert is a master of the art of holding the ball in the box for the inside forwards to cut in. One of the greatest buffs in this card will be his passing, as he links up quite well with people around him. He is the person who can latch onto the mistakes of the opposition defenders, win duels physically and bring you a goal or two.
One of the greatest strikers in the game after Ruminegge, Kluivert is fantastic on long-rangers with his Long-Range Shooting and his shooting stats are well above the roof. Heading abilities are good enough, similar to the legend card. Despite the good physical contact of Patrick, It is advisable not to press hard with the target man much. Kluivert’s dribbling is not top-notch. It is preferable to train him up with the Double Touch skill to make him a master of one-on-ones.
Formation Discussion
You can use him beside a counter-attacking fast CF in C.Valbuena’s and Hansi Flick’s 4-2-2-2 and G.Gasperini’s 3-2-3-2. He can also be deployed as a lone CF in the 4-2-1-3 of L. Roman and J. Laporta and 4-3-3 of Ronald Koeman and Luis Enrique.
Johan Cruyff
Playing Style: Hole Player
Looking back at the Iconic Match
Barcelona faced Aston Villa in the Quarter-finals of the 1977/78 UEFA Cup on March 1st and a crowd of 49,619 came out in anticipation. The goal from none other than Cruyff was a thing of beauty, he was in the center circle when he took possession of the ball, ran unchallenged, and then from a good 20-yards out he pulled the trigger. The ball swerved beyond a hapless Jimmy Rimmer.
Cruyff’s magical performance was appreciated by the Villa fans, gave him a standing ovation at the 82nd minute when he was taken off, with Barca leading with a 2-0 lead. But the night saw a dramatic change when Villa scored two late goals to end the first leg of the tie 2-2.
Player Analysis
One of the best offensive players in PES Mobile, Cruyff manages to impress with his improved shooting qualities against the legend version. Everyone is aware of the awesome runs he makes past defenses in the legend card, The IM Cruyff is even a notch faster. One of the rare low-rated performances in the legend card was his shooting, as IM Cruyff has now his shooting boots, in which his long-rangers can find the way into the net. The dribbling stats are fantastic (almost everything touches 99), which makes Cruyff very smooth. Form 8 is a bonus, as He will always be in the best of form.
A carrier of too many skill traits, Cruyff is one of the best players to have in-game. Packing him is a symbol of endless luck, as Cruyff is one of the names which any PES Mobile player desires. Undoubtedly, the best hole-player of the game, the IM Cruyff makes more advanced runs and is an absolutely splendid finisher compared to his already overpowered gameplay.
Formation Discussion
He could also play as a wide SS in G. Zeitzler’s 4-3-3 or Ronald Koeman’s 4-3-3. He can also slot in as a left-wide SS in Luis Enrique‘s 4-3-3 and L.Roman’s 4-2-1-3. Cruyff is fantastic for creating chances with through passes as well which makes him a good option for AMF in Fernando Santos and C.Valbuena. This does lessen chances for Cruijff’s goal-scoring though.
Xavi Hernández
Playing Style: Orchestrator
Looking back at the Iconic Match
It was a battle of bragging rights at the Camp Nou, Barcelona where leaders Real Madrid faced a Barcelona team, who had won all the trophies last season. With Real on the back of seven straight league victories, star striker Cristiano Ronaldo challenged Barcelona, who did beat a struggling Almeria side 8-0. The kick-off saw Xavi start the rout when he latched on an Iniesta-deflected shot past Casillas in 10 minutes.
David Villa‘s cross found Pedro in the box, who steered into the net. The second half saw David Villa scoring two from Lionel Messi‘s assists. Substitute Jeffren finished the misery in the dying minutes, as he made it 5-0 for the home team. Barcelona dominated the play in the match completely in the midfield, giving Madrid no chance to come back in the game.
Player Analysis
The PES Iconic Moment 2021 version of Xavi is an orchestrator, Xavi lines up beside the Defensive Midfielder. He can initiate attacks from deep and move forward. Creating spaces, he can put in an assist for your attacker’s makings runs into spaces. With his insane dribbling and ball control qualities, Xavi can keep hold of the ball in pressure situations. The PES 2021 Iconic Moment of Xavi is quite good in his work rate and helping in winning the ball back from the opposition. This is rounded off by great set-piece-taking qualities.
The moves of Double Touch and One Touch Pass can help Xavi take on defenders on his own. If you’re looking for a midfielder, who will just sit deep, help in the build-up and provide defense-splitting through balls to your wingers and forwards, Xavi is your go-to man. You shouldn’t expect to make his runs into the box, but he will provide support as an additional passing option during an attack.
Formation Discussion
Xavi is the perfect creator for your team, his passing is very accurate. He can be paired as a midfielder in the 4-2-3-1(Ex: F. Cudoreni, Ronald Koeman ) or 4-3-1-2 (Ex: D. Millesi, J. Spaak) alongside a Destroyer or an Anchorman in DMF preferably, in a Double Pivot role. He fits better in a Possession-based formation where he can control the play and find an odd attacker with some defence-splitting passes. You could also play him in the 4-2-1-3 of L. Roman and P.Boer, 4-2-2-2 of S.Raya and 4-3-3 of Luis Enrique or L. Scaloni.
Andres Iniesta
Playing Style: Hole Player
Looking back at the Iconic Match
Since suffering from a ligament injury in September, Lionel Messi was named on the bench for the first time when Barcelona faced Real in the Bernabeu. Suarez opened the scoring in the 11th minute, before Neymar sidefooted home, on an assist from Andres Iniesta, who was taking on Madrid himself. Into the second half, he played a lay-off with Neymar Jr. and the Madrid defence was still as he fired into the top corner of the net. It was truly an iconic match for Iniesta. Taking on the defenders for fun, the Spanish wizard earned applause from Madrid fans at Bernabeu, as he left the pitch. The match finished 4-0 as Enrique’s Barcelona retained the top spot in the table.
Player Analysis
Iniesta is one of a kind player, who feels great to control in-game. He can find his supporting midfielder with a One-Touch Pass or glide past defenders with his great dribbling and ball-control qualities. Being a hole-player, Iniesta can run into the box and take a shot. Double Touch and One Touch Pass is helpful in terms of quick buildup for Iniesta. Through Passing and Pinpoint Crossing traits also help with the great long balls and through balls which can feed your attackers with the goals.
He can be used in the attacking-midfielder position, where he is 98 (Icon-boost). The finishing and set-piece qualities are quite great as his shots inside the box generally end up in the back of the net. The only downsides of the card include its stamina, physical contact, and defensive awareness which is weaker compared to his old Iconic Moment card from PES 2020.
Formation Discussion
Iniesta can fit in any formation, can play in any midfield position (except DMF) without dropping familiarity. He can play under both Counter Attacking/Possession football managers. It is highly advisable to give him a free role, without defensive duties. The best formations would be a 4-3-3 (Ex: G. Zeitler and Luis Enrique), with an AMF it would be even better as Iniesta will fit perfectly. In a 4-3-1-2(Ex: Fernando Santos) formation, use him at the sole AMF/CMF formation.
Rivaldo
Playing Style: Classic No. 10
Looking back at the Iconic Match
Barcelona faced a Rayo Vallecano side in the La Liga Matchday 34. Luis Enrique scored the opening goal for FC Barcelona in 6 minutes. Michel Sanchez leveled things up for Rayo Vallecano in the 17th minute. In the second half of the game, Rivaldo chipped a goal above the goalkeeper’s head to score a goal which put Barcelona in front. Rivaldo had scored the Goal of the Season, a truly classy display from a classy player. Luis Enrique, Overmars and Petit made the game 5-1, as Barcelona thumped Rayo Vallecano to emerge as winners.
Player Analysis
Compared to his card in PES 2020, Rivaldo’s kicking power has been drastically decreased. Being a Classic no. 10 playing style attacking midfielder, Rivaldo takes the control of the ball in the center of the pitch. Rivaldo’s pace has been increased. With great dribbling and ball control stats, Rivaldo doesn’t feel heavy and can run with the ball. Rivaldo’s trait of Long Range Shooting along with his 96 finishing, can let him score his goals from outside the box. Compared to Rivaldo’s Iconic Moment from last year, Rivaldo’s defensive awareness has been decreased. Rivaldo’s old IM card could intercept the ball from the defense line of the opponents, thus initiating attacks from the front.
Rivaldo needs to be maxed out and has a fantastic 95 Lofted pass. Rivaldo can show up in the box to finish off your attacks with an increased 96 Offensive Awareness. The downsides to Rivaldo should be his stamina, which runs out quickly on intense pressing and physical contact of 75, which is just enough to hold off defenders. Despite that, Rivaldo is one of the best-attacking midfielders in the game. If You find it difficult to break defenses because of strong center-backs, just get the ball to Rivaldo and shoot to the top corner and watch the ball wrecking into the net.
Formation Discussion
Rivaldo has the ability to be a great AMF. He could also play as a SS, with a central role. He can also slot in as an AMF in L.Roman’s or in-general 4-2-1-3. In 2 CF formations like 4-3-1-2 or the 3-4-1-2, you can fit him as a SS to get the best out of his finishing abilities.
Pep Guardiola
Playing Style: Orchestrator
Looking back at the Iconic Match
Barcelona faced AC Florentina in the 2nd leg of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup semi-finals. Gabriel Batistuta had scored an all-important away goal in the first-leg in Camp Nou, which finished 1-1. Barcelona opened the scoring in the second-leg with a goal from center-back Fernando Couto in the 30th minute of the game. 5 minutes later, it was the Spanish midfield Pep Guardiola, who scored a free-kick from outside the box, to score his first goal of the tournament. Pep marshaled the midfield play brilliantly and saw Barcelona sail to a 2-0 victory at the Artemio Franchi.
The win saw Barcelona’s qualification to the final against PSG. The Blaugrana men were eventually crowned as champions of the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, beating them by a solitary Ronaldo Nazario penalty in the final. Pep was instrumental throughout the whole tournament in the midfield and this is the first time he has been added as a part of Barcelona Iconic Moments in PES 2021. He went on to become one of the greatest managers in the game.
Player Analysis
Pep Guardiola’s style of play is that of an orchestrator, as he can initiate attacks from the back. His speed isn’t stunning at all, which means that he can push forward, breaking opposition lines. Despite being smooth to use with 94 Ball Control, try playing 1-2’s with your teammates, for ball progression. Pep has excellent ball passing qualities with 96 low pass and 95 lofted pass, which are quite important attributes for switching the ball and finding attackers in the final third.
The former Spanish midfielder has great shot power, owing to the goal he scored in the Iconic Match. Guardiola’s shots can find the net from outside the box. Despite the facts, the card does not have stats that look out of the world. Skill-training him with the Man-Marking trait can help him to mark defenders, while the Interceptions trait helps him to stop quick counters.
Formation Discussion
He can also function as a DMF in the two-midfield pivot of 4-2-2-2 of S. Semak and M.Preuss or L.Roman’s 4-2-1-3, alongside a Destroyer preferably. This is because of Pep’s low defensive stats as a DMF. A destroyer is also useful for ball progression into the opposition half, as they have great pace. In the case of a generic 4-3-3 formation of Luis Enrique or a generic 4-2-3-1 of Ronald Koeman, you can also play Guardiola as a left CMF, to orchestrate the possession play.
How did you like our article on Barcelona Iconic moments in PES 2021? Who have you got from the above list of Barcelona Iconic Moments in PES 2021? Let us know in the comment section below!
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