EA FC 25: How To Utilize Thunderstruck Card Mechanism? - 8 Best Players

Since September last year, EA FC 25 has been offering promotions that offer various upgrades and content, and now the most popular football video game has launched its biggest and most anticipated promotion: Team of the Year (TOTY), which is expected to start on January 17, 2025.

The event aims to celebrate the most influential and outstanding players in the game in the previous year, allowing them to shine in subsequent games with the highest ratings and statistics. As with previous iterations, you need to vote in the game to select the most outstanding male and female players. Each team of 11 players has the opportunity to be added to the game as special TOTY Player Items, becoming the supreme honor. This guide will give you a detailed and targeted look into the FUT 25 TOTY voting and promotions.

How To Vote?

As a reminder, voting began on January 6 and will close on January 12 at 11:59 PM PST. Players can vote through the designated interface on EA Sports FC TOTY website. After you browse the list of nominees for the four positions (attackers, midfielders, defenders, and goalkeepers), you can select your favorite player based on the vacant starting lineup position at the bottom of the screen.

After making your selection, remember to agree to EA terms and conditions at the bottom of the screen and click Submit Vote button, and your entire voting process will be completed. Then you can wait to see if your selected players will appear in the promotion on the 17th, so that you can use some FC 25 Coins to get those players with the highest ratings and attribute levels.

TOTY Nominees

Here are all the current TOTY nominees in FC 25. You can compare their overall ratings or specific attributes in the game, so that you will be more fair when choosing.

Men’s Team

Goalkeepers

• Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
• Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
• Gregor Kobel (Borussia Dortmund)
• Peter Gulacsi (RB Leipzig)
• Mike Maignan (Milan)
• Unai Simon (Athletic Club)
• Diogo Costa (FC Porto)

Defenders

• Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
• William Saliba (Arsenal)
• Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
• Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
• Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
• Marquinhos (PSG)
• Wilfried Singo (AS Monaco)
• Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
• Maximilian Mittelstadt (VfB Stuttgart)
• Theo Hernandez (Milan)
• Bremer (Juventus)
• Federico Dimarco (Inter)
• Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli)
• Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)
• Carvajal (Real Madrid)
• Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)
• Miguel Gutierrez (Girona FC)

Midfielders

• Rodri (Manchester City)
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
• Martin Odegaard (Arsenal)
• Declan Rice (Arsenal)
• Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Vitinha (PSG)

• Mahdi Camara (Stade Brestois 29)
• Edon Zhegrova (LOSC Lille)
• Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)
• Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund)
• Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig)
• Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter)
• Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta)
• Paulo Dybala (Roma)
• Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna)
• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
• Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
• Nico Williams (Athletic Club)
• Pedri (FC Barcelona)
• Dani Olmo (FC Barcelona)
• Alex Baena (Villarreal CF)
• Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
• Angel Di Maria (Benfica)
• Salem Al Dawsari (Al Hilal)
• N’Golo Kante (Al Ittihad)

Attackers

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
• Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
• Phil Foden (Manchester City)
• Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
• Heung Min Son (Tottenham Hotspur)
• Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Jonathan David (LOSC Lille)
• Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Alexandre Lacazette (Olympique Lyonnais)
• Harry Kane (Bayern München)
• Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt)
• Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
• Deniz Undav (VfB Stuttgart)
• Lois Openda (RB Leipzig)
• Lautaro Martinez (Inter)
• Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
• Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
• Christian Pulisic (Milan)
• Marcus Thuram (Inter)
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
• Artem Dovbyk (Roma)
• Vini Jr. (Real Madrid)
• Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)
• Raphinha (FC Barcelona)
• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
• Robert Lewandowski (FC Barcelona)
• Antoine Griezmann (Atletico de Madrid)
• Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)
• Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Also Read: Who Are The Most Suitable Players For Winter Wingback I Evolution In EA FC 25?

Women’s Team

Goalkeepers

• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
• Merle Frohms (VfL Wolfsburg)
• Lola Gallardo (Atletico de Madrid)
• Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
• Ann-Katrin Berger (NJ / NY Gotham FC)

Defenders

• Alex Greenwood (Manchester City)
• Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
• Katie McCabe (Arsenal)
• Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)
• Wendie Renard (Olympique Lyonnais)
• Sakina Karchaoui (PSG)
• Ellie Carpenter (Olympique Lyonnais)
• Selma Bacha (Olympique Lyonnais)
• Jade Le Guilly (PSG)
• Giulia Gwinn (Bayern Munich)
• Sara Doorsoun (Eintracht Frankfurt)
• Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir (Bayern Munich)
• Lisa Karl (SC Freiburg)
• Irene Paredes (FC Barcelona)
• Nerea Nevado (Athletic Club)
• Olga Carmona (Real Madrid)
• Kaleigh Kurtz (North Carolina Courage)
• Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC)
• Emily Sams (Orlando Pride)

Midfielders

• Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)
• Sjoeke Nusken (Chelsea)
• Jill Roord (Manchester City)
• Guro Reiten (Chelsea)
• Grace Clinton (Manchester United)
• Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyonnais)
• Grace Geyoro (PSG)
• Clara Mateo (Paris FC)
• Gaetane Thiney (Paris FC)
• Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich)
• Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich)
• Svenja Huth (VfL Wolfsburg)
• Laura Freigang (Eintracht Frankfurt)
• Natasha Kowalski (SGS Essen)
• Aitana Bonmati (FC Barcelona)
• Patri Guijarro (FC Barcelona)
• Vilde Boe Risa (Atletico de Madrid)
• Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona)
• Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid)
• Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current)
• Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit)
• Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
• Rose Lavelle (NJ / NY Gotham FC)
• Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars)
• Marta (Orlando Pride)

Attackers

• Khadija Shaw (Manchester City)
• Lauren Hemp (Manchester City)
• Lauren James (Chelsea)
• Mariona (Arsenal)
• Mayra Ramirez (Chelsea)
• Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais)
• Kadidiatou Diani (Olympique Lyonnais)
• Marie Katoto (PSG)
• Melchie Dumornay (Olympique Lyonnais)
• Alexandra Popp (VfL Wolfsburg)
• Lea Schuller (Bayern Munich)
• Vanessa Fudalla (RB Leipzig)
• Kristin Kogel (Bayer Leverkusen)
• Caroline Graham Hansen (FC Barcelona)
• Ewa Pajor (FC Barcelona)
• Salma Paralluelo (FC Barcelona)
• Alba Redondo (Real Madrid)
• Rasheedat Ajibade (Atletico de Madrid)
• Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride)
• Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC)
• Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC)

What Will You Get In TOTY Promotion?

As mentioned above, TOTY promotion, which will be launched on January 17, will feature two teams of the best players selected by players during this period, and these 24 winning players will be available as player items in the game, each with a unique blue and gold design. These items can significantly improve all statistics and ratings of the players in FIFA 25, making them one of the top players in the game.

According to the current leaks, the attacker’s list is expected to be announced on the first day, while the midfielders will be released on January 19, and the defenders and goalkeepers will be released on January 21. The overall rosters for the men’s and women’s teams will be officially released on January 23. In addition, EA usually provides an additional vote for the player ranked 12th overall to recognize the player who did not make the starting lineup but still performed well. The promotion for these players will be officially released on January 24.

Not only that, there have been leaks that TOTY Icons are about to return. These icons will be released in a package with other TOTY items, but they are likely to be extremely rare, so if you want to get them early, you will need to prepare enough FUT 25 Coins.

That’s all you need to know about TOTY events and promotions in EA FC 25. I hope you can witness your favorite players win this supreme honor in this voting event, and get upgraded player cards in subsequent promotions. I wish you a happy game!

The introduction of various characters and features in EA FC series every year has greatly changed the game landscape, especially now that the previously popular feature PlayStyles have returned to FUT 25, it brings a revamped set of top choices. When you are selecting the right players, besides the usual key statistics, you need to pay special attention to each player’s PlayStyles, which will greatly affect the player’s performance on the pitch.

Whether you are a veteran player who wants to build a highly competitive team or a new player who is just getting started in this interesting football video game, understanding this very important selection factor is an essential step. So this guide will introduce you to several of the current FC 25’s best PlayStyles to facilitate your selection.

1. Aerial

The signature playstyle used by football star Virgil van Dijk is Aerial, which is very effective when players want to break the opponent’s defense with headers directly. You’ll often see this style on tall center backs, as their height and size are an enormous advantage and can help you win that one goal.

While the December patch for FIFA 25 made headers more difficult to control, Aerial will help you offset the significant difference that is more obvious when using other players who don’t have this PlayStyle. So don’t worry, just enjoy the honors and FUT 25 Coins that Dijk and other excellent defenders with this PlayStyle bring you!

2. Technical

If you are a player familiar with every FC series, you will definitely be familiar with Technical. It is one of the best PlayStyles in FC 25 at present, and it will be very effective if you can maximize the productivity of your player’s dribbler.

Technical allows players to keep close control of the ball while moving at a faster speed than a normal jog, to control the situation on the court. There are currently several soccer stars who can use this excellent PlayStyle to its fullest, including Lionel Messi and Phil Foden, who are difficult for opponents to intercept when they pass through the opponent’s defenders and advance to the goal.

3. Incisive Pass

In the previous FC 24, Incisive Pass has left a very deep impression on many fans and even became the symbol of the best passer in Ultimate Team. This strong PlayStyle allows your players to break through defenders with extremely accurate passes, pass the ball to teammates with perfect weight and speed, and give your team a very good chance to score.

Although there is no substantial disadvantage to higher-rated Passing, Incisive Pass alone cannot achieve very clean passes because you will always encounter some very good interceptors. So you also need to spend some FC 25 Coins on improving the accuracy and ability level of the precise through pass, which will increase your pass probability and make you more likely to gain an advantage in the game.

4. Anticipate

Anticipate is one of the most popular PlayStyles in FC 24, besides Incisive Pass. However, the sometimes insensitive bounce and the addition of several new animations make the defense more unstable than before, making it difficult to focus your team on defensive ability, even if most players have this PlayStyle.

Although Anticipate does not guarantee that a player will win possession after completing a good tackle, it is undoubtedly the most useful defensive PlayStyle if your players do not have a top defender. The advice here is that if you have difficulty grasping the timing of defense, you can also increase your chances of defending by improving defensive positioning and movement.

5. Long Ball Pass

Another incredible passing PlayStyle that made it into this guide is Long Ball Pass, but it has benefited from the change in mechanics in December patch. However, this style of play requires players to have a considerable amount of awareness and skills, so this is also one of PlayStyles that players love and hate.

But once you are familiar with and master this Long Ball Pass, the ball on the field will follow your thoughts and go where it needs to go, and there is a great probability that you can counterattack. This also means that this PlayStyle will be more suitable for players who like aggressive and offensive fields, and for those who want to be based on possession, it may be a little difficult to control. But please believe me, this risk is worth it for you to try, because the rewards are huge.

6. Power Shot

Even though EA has made some changes to the accuracy of the first Power Shot at this stage, it is still one of the most effective PlayStyles. If you are a player who likes to let players face off in one-on-one situations, or want to designate players and CAM who finds space on the edge of the penalty area and tries to score, then this PlayStyle will be very suitable for you and you will find it very effective.

Currently in the game, Federico Valverde is one of the best players with this playstyle, but its current Thunderstruck card requires too many FIFA 25 Coins, which is not commensurate with his other key statistical attributes, so you don’t have to pursue this playstyle too much.

The above are the best PlayStyles in FC 25, and the things you need to pay attention to when using them. Here, I need to remind you that neither PlayStyles nor key statistical attributes can be used as the only criterion for selecting players. You need to understand the various development attributes of the players thoroughly and then make the most correct choice. I wish you a happy game!

Germany has been committed to sending the best young players to clubs and leagues around the world, and Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz are the latest examples. In the popular football video game EA Sports FC 25, the existence of three levels of Bundesliga greatly increases the probability of players choosing these talented young players for their team.

Adding them to your team in Career Mode is not only because you will spend less FUT 25 Coins to sign them, but also because their potential ratings are generally very high (above 80 points), which is a perfect guarantee for the future development of your team.

So given that there are so many German young players in the game at this stage, this guide will introduce you to the 7 German players who are most worthy of being included in your team, so that you can make the fastest selection. Here is a reminder that the overall rating and potential rating listed below are the results of the official update in December, and may change in the future. We will continue to pay attention.

1. Francis Onyeka

• OVR: 60
• Potential: 83

Francis Onyeka, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen’s academy, is an inexperienced player who just debuted this year. With his first performance in DFB Pokal game, many players have seen a very bright future for this player and are looking forward to his breakthrough in the next few years. It is worth introducing here. Francis Onyeka is a very strong offensive midfielder. He can even pose a great threat to the opponent’s midfield defense in a brief time, which may make him a solid pillar of your team.

You may care about the overall score when selecting players and start to hesitate when you see that he only has 60 points. Don’t think so, because when choosing such a junior player, you pay more attention to the potential score it shows, just like Francis Onyeka, he can reach an overall score of 83 points in the following seasons.

2. Jonah Kusi-Asare

• OVR: 60
• Potential: 83

After making a name for himself at AIK Fotboll, Jonah Kusi-Asare moved to Bayern Munich to play for German club’s youth team. Although he is a Swede, he currently plays in the Bundesliga, so you can still get him in Career Mode using FC 25 Coins.

Be forewarned that this young striker is a bit lacking in some key attributes and needs to be properly developed to make him a superstar. In the end, he may get an overall rating of more than 83 points in FC 25’s Career Mode.

3. Almugera Kabar

• OVR: 63
• Potential: 83

Of course, in Career Mode, when your team competes against other teams, you will also need to use some formations. If you use a four-at-the-back formation, it is very important to have a strong full-back. As for the left back position, you can choose Almugera Kabar.

Almugera Kabar currently plays for Borussia Dortmund, so you can also sign him in the game. As a full-back, his key speed attribute is as high as 82 points, which is a value that can be ranked in the top three among young players. This also makes his ability to fight against those fast wingers very outstanding.

4. Adam Aznou

• OVR: 63
• Potential: 83

Another player from Bayern Munich is Adam Aznou, who once refined his skills in FC Barcelona’s academy, so that he has a very solid foundation. Although FC 25 arranges him as a left back, you can also use him as a left midfielder, because Adam Aznou has very good speed and dribbling attributes, and can easily beat the opponent’s defenders.

Of course, if you have a very mature left-center player in your team, you can also keep him and place this football genius at left back, which is also completely possible, because he also has very strong versatility.

5. Justin Diehl

• OVR: 65
• Potential: 83

Compared to the previous players, Justin Diehl’s 65 overall rating shows that he is a player who will soon become a talent for the German national team. He currently plays for VfB Stuttgart and has honed his skills at FC Köln’s academy.

One of the main reasons for his 65 overall rating is that he has played in many real Bundesliga matches compared to the previous players and has left a very deep impression on the fans. Another reason is that he can play in multiple positions on the field - forward or midfielder, and his performance in attacking midfield is better.

Not only that, the potential rating of 83 points can allow Justin Diehl to reach a total rating of 66 points in a few weeks, and it is very likely that he will exceed this amazing number in the future.

6. Kjell Wätjen

• OVR: 65
• Potential: 83

One of the youngest talents in Bundesliga, Kjell Wätjen has played for Borussia Dortmund many times. He is very talented with the ball and can be used to ensure that your strikers have ample opportunities to score goals.

His overall rating is currently 65 points, and he may eventually reach 83 points in Career Mode. If your team budget is not enough to sign him in the next few seasons, you can also add him to your team on loan in the subsequent game process, so that you may spend fewer FIFA 25 Coins.

7. Tyler Meiser

• OVR: 60
• Potential: 84

If your team is lacking a very aggressive defender, then Tyler Meiser will be a great fit for you. Not only that, he is also very suitable for Road to Glory rebuilds, which can bring those teams that have temporarily declined back to the top. Most importantly, since Tyler’s overall rating is only 60, your cost will be very small.

This also means that you need to focus on training him, such as adopting the right development plan and providing him with more games for practice. With such training, his overall rating may reach 83, which is a significant improvement.

The above are the 7 football players from Bundesliga that you can choose in EA FC 25’s Career Mode. I believe that with your reasonable training, they will definitely bring unexpected results to your team. I wish you a happy game!

Goalkeepers play a vital role in football matches, often changing the course of a game with a single crucial save. However, in real life and in games such as FC 25 Career Mode, the importance of this position is sometimes not given the attention it deserves.

For players who want to build a strong team in the game, choosing a reliable goalkeeper is a crucial step, especially when you are in a long-term rebuilding process, and you should focus on developing young and promising goalkeepers. Based on this, this guide will introduce you to the 10 most worth signing young goalkeepers.

10. Sebastiano Desplanches

• Overall rating: 70
• Potential: 82

Currently playing for Palermo in Italian Serie B, Sebastiano Desplanches is a rising star in Italian football. He has shown great potential to become a top goalkeeper growing up from AC Milan’s academy. In FUT 25’s Career Mode, this young goalkeeper has an overall rating of 70 at the start of the game, which is a very attractive starting point for a player with huge upside.

Because of his low initial rating, signing him does not require an enormous investment of FUT 25 Coins, which provides a perfect opportunity for teams looking for cost-effectiveness. With time and experience, it is expected that his rating will continue to increase, eventually reaching a potential value of 82.

9. Pascal Loretz

• Overall rating: 71
• Potential: 82

Swiss football star Pascal Loretz has become a highly anticipated young goalkeeper in FIFA 25 with his outstanding performance. As the starting goalkeeper of Luzern, his outstanding performance in Swiss Super League has made him a bright star in the goalkeeping position.

Loretz has an overall rating of 71, while his statistics are quite balanced. What’s more exciting is that Loretz has a potential rating of 82. This means that with time and experience, he is expected to become a top sweeper keeper. I believe he will become an indispensable member of your team in the future.

8. Mike Penders

• Overall rating: 65
• Potential: 83

From the data, Penders is a young and promising rookie. His overall rating in the first season is 65 points, so he needs proper game time to grow and improve. However, with proper training and development, his potential can reach 83 points.

Mike Penders is definitely the best choice to rebuild Road to Glory. The signing of this Belgian goalkeeper will be very beneficial to your transfer budget.

7. Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro

• Overall rating: 69
• Potential: 83

The Dutch Eredivisie is known for its training of outstanding young players, and AZ Alkmaar’s young goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro is an outstanding representative of this tradition. He has emerged in the team and continues to get playing opportunities.

Starting from an initial rating of 69, through a few seasons of careful training, he is expected to become a true superstar. Given his potential of 83 in Career Mode, signing him will be a great boost to your team.

6. Konstantinos Tzolakis

• Overall rating: 74
• Potential: 83

Konstantinos Tzolakis’s outstanding performance for Olympiacos, especially in key moments in 2023/2024 UEFA Conference League, has earned him widespread praise from the football world.

As an indispensable part of the team’s championship journey, his heroic saves have helped the team to escape danger many times and finally helped Olympiacos to the top of the glory. Such brilliant achievements have earned him an overall rating of 74 in EA FC 25, marking his status as a powerful goalkeeper.

It is worth noting that Tzolakis is not only outstanding in his current ability, but his potential rating of 83 also indicates that he has great development potential. Choosing him as a goalkeeper is not only an immediate combat power enhancement but also an investment in the future.

5. Dennis Seimen

• Overall rating: 65
• Potential: 84

Dennis Seimen, the talented German goalkeeper, has been favored in EA Sports FC 24 and has become one of the first choice goalkeepers for many players. Entering EA FC 25, his charm remains undiminished, and this name is well known among Career Mode enthusiasts.

Although his initial overall rating of only 65 may not be impressive, his potential rating of 84 is enough to make any discerning coach excited.

4. James Trafford

• Overall rating: 73
• Potential: 84

James Trafford was a football genius at Manchester City’s academy. In 2023, he moved to Burnley and quickly became the mainstay of the team’s defense. Although Burnley was unfortunately relegated from the Premier League in the 2023/2024 season, Trafford’s personal performance is still very impressive.

In FC 25, Trafford debuted with an overall rating of 73. Although this rating is not the top, he has a potential rating of 84, which is a rare choice.

3. Jonas Urbig

• Overall rating: 73
• Potential: 84

Jonas Urbig is undoubtedly a bright new star in FC Köln with unlimited potential. He is gradually growing into an important member of the German national team and may even join the first team in the next few years.

In view of this, FC 25 gave him an overall rating of 73 and believed that his potential was enough to make him reach a height of 84 points, or even exceed this number. For players seeking to discover young talents, it would be a great pity to miss such a player with unlimited potential.

2. Bart Verbruggen

• Overall rating: 77
• Potential: 84

After making his mark in Anderlecht, Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was recruited by Premier League club Brighton. In EA Sports FC 25, he effectively reduced the team’s goal conceding rate with his excellent reaction speed.

As far as the first season is concerned, Bart Verbruggen has received a rating of 77, showing a strong upward momentum, and breaking through the 80-point mark is just around the corner. What is even more exciting is that he has a potential rating of 84.

1. Guillaume Restes

• Overall rating: 78
• Potential: 88

Guillaume Restes is a young goalkeeper with great potential. This French genius has already firmly established himself as a starter in Toulouse in Ligue 1 and has attracted the attention of many top clubs around the world. The possibility of a transfer in the future is very high.

With an overall rating of 78 and a potential rating of 88, he is definitely a reliable goalkeeper who can accompany the team through the reconstruction period.

In summary, these ten young goalkeepers are all worthy of long-term investment in the career mode of FIFA 25. For players who want to build a strong and lasting competitive team in the game, these young goalkeepers are definitely not to be missed.

Based on the problems and dissatisfactions reflected by players before, the game developers have obviously learned a lot of lessons from the past and have made updates and optimizations one by one in FIFA 25. In particular, the improvement of the tactical system has attracted a lot of attention from players.

The updated tactical system allows players to use custom tactics, which will not only give players the opportunity to free their hands when playing in the game, but also make the game process more realistic.

But if you want to maximize the benefits of this mechanism in order to get more EA FC 25 Coins to expand your team, then you need to use those tactical settings that work. Based on this, we will introduce you to 6 useful tactics.

1. Safe 3-4-1-2

The hallmark of this tactic is to help the midfielder and the full-back move further forward by overlapping the ball. It also allows the team’s No. 10 player to get close to the central defender to receive the ball.

This allows players to attack more safely during the game and create space for their team in the middle by tricking the opposing midfielders and forwards into moving to the wing.

In addition, as the ball moves forward, the moving midfielders and full-backs can combine with No. 10 player or one forward to form an effective passing triangle. This allows the attacking midfielder to move to the wing to receive the ball and pass it to the forward in the last third of the game, increasing the possibility of scoring a goal.

2. Bloody 4-4-2

If you are new to the game or don’t know much about custom tactics, you can use 4-4-2 formation. Although this formation is not very popular because it is too basic and not as exciting as 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 formations, it is one of the effective formations as long as the right players are used to use it.

4-4-2 provides a way for the weaker team to fight against the stronger team on their own terms. Its main advantage is the ability to place two dedicated strikers in front of the four midfielders, allowing them to receive the ball more easily and then proceed to the next goal-scoring action.

Although the process is not complicated, it is obvious that the probability of the ultimate goal depends on the ability of the striker you have. So if you have previously obtained some good strikers through FC 25 Coins, you can try to use this formation.

In addition. The full-backs are also crucial to 4-4-2. They are responsible for moving the ball from the flanks to the penalty area during the game, while bypassing the midfield through cooperation with the wingers to form a tighter tactical combination.

3. High Pressing 4-3-3

This tactic was inspired by the player Jürgen Klopp. He introduced this highly pressing football style of play from Dortmund and improved it, which made him play a huge role during his time in Liverpool.

To apply it in the game, players need to have wide players with good positioning and finishing skills, and a light center forward to create enough space for them on the court. If you can do this, then 4-3-3 is a great fit for you.

In this formation, although the false defender behind the inside forward strengthens the midfield line in possession, you still need a defender with good passing statistics to fully utilize 4-3-3.

In addition, maintaining this level of pressure during the game requires all players to have good physical quality, and the midfielders and defenders need to return to defense to avoid being defeated by the opponent’s long balls on the counterattack.

4. Possession Obsession 4-1-4-1

This tactic uses a rotational positioning method during the game to allow one of your midfielders to partner with the striker or a winger to run into the middle to advance your team’s game.

In fact, the key to the effectiveness of this asymmetric formation is that your midfielders can play an important role in defense and the full-backs can effectively control the tempo of the game. In most attacks based on 4-1-4-1 formation, the wide midfielders will move inwards to combine with the midfielders and eventually overwhelm the opponent’s defense.

To achieve this, you need a good defensive midfielder who can withstand the opponent’s pressure and move the ball between the lines, as well as a fast central defender. Because once you lose possession here, it will lead to a fierce counterattack from the enemy.

5. Italian 5-3-2

This tactical formation originated from Antonio Conte, a player known as a passionate genius. However, for his team, the effectiveness of his tactical innovation was eventually destroyed by his unstable temper after a season or two.

Fortunately, in the game, you don’t have to worry about such problems and can use it to your heart’s content to arrange players to win the game. Defensively, 5-3-2 has a relatively compact setup that focuses on squeezing opponents to the flanks and then beating them there.

The key to the success or failure of this formation lies in whether you have reliable full-backs and two physically strong and offensive midfielders. They can help the team gain effective possession of the ball.

6. Pep 4-3-3

This 4-3-3 formation is centered on the defenders, allowing at least one holding center back to move forward and work with the holding midfielder. You also need full backs who can stabilize the defense and strengthen the midfield.

From there, you can let the other two midfielders roam freely around the field and find playing space to play their respective roles. An offensive-minded central midfielder or an attacking midfielder can be responsible for this task.

When you use a creative winger, a traditional number 9 player and a sharp winger at the other end through 4-3-3, it will work wonders. This tactic will allow you to suppress the opponent’s defenders and take the initiative in the game.

However, this formation has a weakness, which is that it is too dependent on possession. Therefore, if your defenders can’t help the team keep possession in their hands at all times, the team may be in trouble.

These are the 6 effective custom tactics in FC 25. If you’re looking for useful EA FC 25 formations, memorize them and put them to practical use!

As an EA Sports FC 25 player, you must be looking forward to managing a club and leading it to the top in Career Mode? Building a team of the world’s top players and winning major championships is an extremely attractive experience for every player.

The game contains a lot of player data, and players can recruit them for their own team. If the goal is to make a short-term reconstruction, it is a wise choice to sign veterans who have maintained top performances in the game for many years.

10. Iago Aspas

• Overall rating: 84
• Position: ST
• Team: Celta Vigo

Iago Aspas may not be as loud as some superstars in the football world, but his legendary status in Celta Vigo and outstanding performance in La Liga make him one of the most underrated strikers in contemporary football. Although his career may not have reached the most glorious peak, his outstanding performances over the years are remarkable enough to prove his strength and value.

In EA FC 25 Career Mode, Iago Aspas may be a good striker choice. His strength and experience allow him to become a starter and play an important role in the game. However, his overall rating may gradually decline over time. At this time, you can use him as a substitute player and use his experience and skills to contribute to the team at critical moments.

9. Francesco Acerbi

• Overall rating: 84
• Position: CB
• Team: Lombardia FC (Inter Milan)

Francesco Acerbi is known for his outstanding performances in Sassuolo and Lazio. As he grows older, his strength has not diminished but increased. As a core member of one of the best teams in Italian football at present, Acerbi’s presence has greatly stabilized the team’s defense.

With an overall rating of 84, Acerbi is undoubtedly an ideal candidate to strengthen the defense. What’s more exciting is that signing Acerbi does not require a large amount of FUT 25 Coins, which is an irresistible advantage for players who pursue cost-effectiveness. Considering that Acerbi’s contract with his current club is about to expire, this provides a great opportunity for managers looking for a cost-effective signing.

8. Mats Hummels

• Overall rating: 85
• Position: CB
• Team: Roma

Mats Hummels, a prominent representative of German football, has undoubtedly become one of the top central defenders in world football over the past decade. He spent most of his career at Borussia Dortmund, during which he not only helped the team win numerous honors, but also became the soul of the team with his outstanding personal performance.

Later, he moved to Bayern Munich, where he also showed a top level of competition and leadership, further consolidating his position in football. Now, Hummels has chosen to join Roma, and this decision undoubtedly brings a world-class defensive master to Italian league.

With his starting overall rating of 85, Mats Hummels has become an ideal candidate for players’ short-term rebuilding plans. Such a high rating means that Hummels can not only fit in immediately with any top team, but also maintain a high level of performance in the next few seasons, providing stable defensive support for the team.

7. Cristiano Ronaldo

• Overall rating: 86
• Position: ST
• Team: Al Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo is a national treasure of Portugal. He reached the peak of his career in nine years at Real Madrid. Later, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Manchester United and Juventus. Now playing for Al Nassr, he has led a trend of stars going to Saudi Arabia to play football. Cristiano Ronaldo appeared with an overall rating of 86, which is not only a recognition of his past achievements, but also an expectation for his future performance.

6. Karim Benzema

• Overall rating: 86
• Position: ST
• Team: Al Ittihad

Karim Benzema, the outstanding representative of French football, continues to write about his brilliant career in Saudi League. As a legendary striker of Real Madrid, Benzema once formed the most feared attacking combination in football with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, and helped Real Madrid achieve the feat of three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles.

Although Benzema’s rating in FIFA 25 Career Mode has declined, he is still a rare and excellent veteran with a high rating of 86 points. In the game, Benzema is still a reliable scoring machine on the front line with his rich experience and superb shooting skills, which can bring stable goal output and key game victory to the player’s team.

5. Manuel Neuer

• Overall rating: 86
• Position: GK
• Team: Bayern Munich

Manuel Neuer is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and his outstanding performance undoubtedly makes him the most outstanding goalkeeper in the history of contemporary football. The German star has achieved a brilliant success at both club and national team level, and his career is full of brilliant moments.

Neuer is known for his agility and excellent reflexes, which are particularly valuable in FUT 25. Although signing such an experienced veteran requires a higher salary, his joining can significantly enhance the team’s defensive capabilities and reduce the risk of conceding goals. Therefore, for players who are looking for a solid defense, Neuer is undoubtedly a worthy investment.

4. Luka Modrić

• Overall rating: 86
• Position: CM
• Team: Real Madrid

Luka Modrić, the Croatian midfielder, has shown better competitive form as he grows older. During his time at Real Madrid, he continued to contribute key performances to the team, especially in the 2023/2024 season, when his outstanding performance helped Real Madrid win the league title and UEFA Champions League.

Modrić became one of only two players to win UCL titles six times. In EA Sports FC 25 Career Mode, Modrić debuts with a high rating of 86 points. His presence will bring unlimited vitality and creativity to any team’s midfield, making him a rare midfielder in the game.

3. Yann Sommer

• Overall rating: 87
• Position: GK
• Team: Lombardia FC (Inter Milan)

Yann Sommer is another veteran goalkeeper worth recruiting in Career Mode. Sommer is known for his outstanding performance in Borussia Mönchengladbach. Now he plays for Inter Milan in Serie A and continues to show his excellent goalkeeping skills.

As the team’s last line of defense, Sommer is an ideal choice to ensure that the team reduces goals conceded and solid defense with his high overall rating of 87 points and balanced data. Signing him will undoubtedly bring your team to a trustworthy goalkeeper.

2. Lionel Messi

• Overall rating: 88
• Position: RW
• Team: Inter Miami

The Argentine forward is a magician on the pitch, and has been mesmerizing fans with his every touch for nearly two decades. Now, as his career draws to a close, Inter Miami could be our chance to see the last of this football superstar.

In EA FC 25 Career Mode, having a player like Messi, who is rated 88, will undoubtedly greatly enhance your team’s strength. Whether playing as a right winger or a striker, Messi can bring unparalleled contributions to the team with his extraordinary skills and creativity, making him a rare treasure player in the game.

1. Robert Lewandowski

• Overall rating: 88
• Position: ST
• Team: FC Barcelona

Robert Lewandowski is undoubtedly one of the top veterans you can recruit. The Polish forward is known for his excellent finishing, which can easily be converted into goals with precise through balls. His overall rating is as high as 88 points at the beginning of the game, which is enough to guarantee at least two seasons of efficient performance.

However, as time goes by, especially after the second season, Lewandowski’s status may decline significantly. At this time, in order to maintain the team’s offensive firepower, you may need to introduce a younger striker to take his place.

In FIFA 25 Career Mode, these experienced veterans are undoubtedly the assets that any team dreams of.