The world of FIFA 21 is filled with incredible players, each with their unique abilities and strengths. Among these, the Icon cards stand out, offering players a chance to experience the magic of football legends on the virtual pitch. When it comes to the central midfielder (CM) position, the choice can be overwhelming, given the plethora of talented icons available. In this article, we will delve into the world of Icon CMs in FIFA 21, exploring their attributes, skills, and what makes one stand out as the best.
Understanding Icon Cards in FIFA 21
Before we dive into the specifics of the best Icon CM, it’s essential to understand what Icon cards are and how they differ from regular player cards. Icon cards are special cards in FIFA 21 Ultimate Team that represent legendary football players from the past. These cards are divided into three categories: Base, Mid, and Prime, each representing a different stage of the player’s career. The Prime version of an Icon card typically has the highest stats, making them highly sought after by players.
Attributes of a Top-Class CM
A top-class central midfielder in FIFA 21 needs to have a balance of defensive and offensive attributes. They should be able to control the tempo of the game, win back possession, and create scoring opportunities. Key attributes for a CM include:
- High passing accuracy to maintain possession and create chances.
- Good dribbling skills to beat opponents and drive forward.
- Strong defensive attributes, such as tackling and interception, to win the ball back.
- High stamina to last the full 90 minutes.
- Vision and long passing to switch the play and find open teammates.
Evaluating Icon CMs
Several Icon CMs in FIFA 21 boast impressive stats and abilities. Players like Lothar Matthäus, Andrea Pirlo, and Patrick Vieira are highly rated for their exceptional skills on the pitch. However, the best Icon CM is often subjective and depends on the player’s style and team setup.
Lothar Matthäus: The Complete Midfielder
Lothar Matthäus is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time. His Icon card in FIFA 21 reflects his real-life abilities, with high defensive and offensive work rates, making him a box-to-box midfielder. Matthäus’s card has excellent passing, shooting, and dribbling stats, coupled with his ability to score goals from midfield.
Andrea Pirlo: The Maestro
Andrea Pirlo is known for his exceptional vision and passing ability. His Icon card in FIFA 21 is a deep-lying playmaker’s dream, with incredible long passing and vision stats. Pirlo’s ability to control the game from deep and pick out passes that others can’t is unparalleled, making him a crucial component of any team needing a creative spark in midfield.
Patrick Vieira: The Destroyer
Patrick Vieira is remembered for his tenacious and dominant displays in midfield. His Icon card in FIFA 21 embodies his defensive prowess, with high tackling and interception stats. Vieira is the perfect choice for teams looking for a midfielder who can break up opposition attacks and distribute the ball effectively to his teammates.
Conclusion: The Best Icon CM in FIFA 21
After analyzing the attributes, skills, and playstyles of various Icon CMs in FIFA 21, Lothar Matthäus stands out as the best Icon CM. His ability to excel in both defensive and offensive roles, combined with his high work rates, makes him a versatile and invaluable asset to any team. Matthäus’s well-rounded stats ensure that he can contribute to all phases of the game, whether it’s winning back possession, controlling the tempo, or scoring crucial goals.
While Andrea Pirlo and Patrick Vieira are exceptional in their specific roles, Matthäus’s adaptability and overall quality make him the most desirable Icon CM in FIFA 21. For players looking to dominate midfield and influence the outcome of matches, Lothar Matthäus’s Icon card is the ultimate choice.
Final Thoughts
The world of FIFA 21 Icons offers a unique opportunity for players to experience the brilliance of football legends. When it comes to the central midfielder position, the choice of Icon can significantly impact a team’s performance. By understanding the attributes and skills required for a top-class CM and evaluating the options available, players can make informed decisions to enhance their team’s chances of success. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new player, the journey to finding the perfect Icon CM is part of the fun and challenge of FIFA 21.
What is an Icon CM in FIFA 21, and how does it impact gameplay?
The Icon CM in FIFA 21 refers to a central midfielder who has been designated as an “Icon” player, meaning they are a legendary footballer with unique attributes and abilities. These players have been handpicked by EA Sports for their exceptional skills and contributions to the sport, and they offer a distinct playing style that can significantly impact gameplay. Icon CMs are known for their exceptional vision, passing range, and control, making them a vital component of any team’s midfield.
In terms of gameplay, an Icon CM can completely transform a team’s dynamics, providing a creative spark that can unlock opposition defenses. Their exceptional passing ability and vision allow them to pick out teammates with precision, creating scoring opportunities and controlling the tempo of the game. Furthermore, Icon CMs often possess exceptional defensive skills, enabling them to break up opposition attacks and win the ball back quickly. By incorporating an Icon CM into a team, players can experience a more fluid and dynamic style of play, with a greater emphasis on possession football and creative attacking play.
How do I choose the best Icon CM for my team in FIFA 21?
Choosing the best Icon CM for a team in FIFA 21 depends on several factors, including the team’s playing style, formation, and player preferences. Players should consider the Icon CM’s attributes, such as their passing range, vision, and defensive skills, as well as their overall rating and chemistry with other players. It’s also essential to consider the Icon CM’s position and role, as some players may be more suited to a deep-lying playmaker role, while others may excel as a box-to-box midfielder. By analyzing these factors and experimenting with different Icon CMs, players can find the perfect fit for their team.
When selecting an Icon CM, players should also consider the player’s overall team chemistry and how they will interact with other players. For example, an Icon CM with high vision and passing range may be more effective when paired with fast and agile wingers, while a more defensive-minded Icon CM may be better suited to a team with a strong backline. Additionally, players should consider the Icon CM’s weaknesses and how they can be addressed through training, player development, or tactical adjustments. By carefully evaluating these factors, players can choose an Icon CM that enhances their team’s overall performance and helps them achieve success in FIFA 21.
What are the key attributes to look for in an Icon CM in FIFA 21?
When evaluating an Icon CM in FIFA 21, there are several key attributes to look for, including passing range, vision, and defensive skills. A high passing range allows the Icon CM to distribute the ball effectively to teammates, while good vision enables them to pick out opposition weaknesses and create scoring opportunities. Defensive skills, such as tackling and interception, are also crucial, as they enable the Icon CM to win the ball back quickly and break up opposition attacks. Additionally, attributes like speed, agility, and stamina are important, as they determine the Icon CM’s ability to cover the pitch and maintain a high level of performance over the course of a match.
In addition to these key attributes, players should also consider the Icon CM’s overall rating, as well as their special abilities and traits. Some Icon CMs may possess unique abilities, such as the ability to score from distance or to dominate the ball in tight spaces. These special abilities can be a major asset to a team, providing a unique dimension to their gameplay and allowing them to overcome opposition defenses. By carefully evaluating these attributes and abilities, players can identify the best Icon CM for their team and develop a winning strategy in FIFA 21.
How do Icon CMs compare to other types of midfielders in FIFA 21?
Icon CMs in FIFA 21 are distinct from other types of midfielders, offering a unique combination of creative and defensive skills. Compared to other central midfielders, Icon CMs tend to have higher attributes in areas like passing range, vision, and defensive skills, making them more effective at controlling the tempo of the game and creating scoring opportunities. They also tend to have higher overall ratings, reflecting their exceptional abilities and contributions to the sport. In contrast, other types of midfielders, such as defensive midfielders or attacking midfielders, may specialize in specific areas, but lack the overall versatility and creativity of an Icon CM.
In terms of gameplay, Icon CMs offer a more dynamic and creative playing style than other types of midfielders. They are often more effective at picking out opposition weaknesses and creating scoring opportunities, and they tend to have a greater impact on the game’s overall tempo. However, they may also be more vulnerable to opposition counter-attacks, requiring players to be careful in their defensive positioning and tactical decisions. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Icon CMs compared to other types of midfielders, players can develop a more effective strategy and make the most of their team’s midfield talent in FIFA 21.
Can I use an Icon CM in any formation or team in FIFA 21?
While Icon CMs can be used in a variety of formations and teams in FIFA 21, they are not equally effective in all situations. Icon CMs tend to thrive in formations that emphasize possession football and creative attacking play, such as the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. They are often less effective in more defensive-minded formations, such as the 4-4-2 or 5-3-2, where their creative skills may be underutilized. Additionally, Icon CMs may require specific player combinations and team chemistry to reach their full potential, so players should carefully consider their team’s overall dynamics and playing style before incorporating an Icon CM.
In terms of team selection, Icon CMs can be used in a wide range of teams, from top-tier clubs to smaller, more modest outfits. However, they may be more effective in teams with a strong overall rating and a good balance of creative and defensive players. Players should also consider the Icon CM’s league and nationality, as these factors can impact their overall chemistry and performance with other players. By carefully evaluating these factors and experimenting with different formations and team combinations, players can find the perfect fit for their Icon CM and unlock their full potential in FIFA 21.
How do I develop and improve my Icon CM in FIFA 21?
Developing and improving an Icon CM in FIFA 21 requires a combination of training, player development, and tactical adjustments. Players can improve their Icon CM’s attributes through training sessions and player development programs, focusing on areas like passing range, vision, and defensive skills. They can also use tactical adjustments, such as custom formations and player instructions, to optimize their Icon CM’s performance and create a more effective team dynamic. Additionally, players can use items like coaching badges and player boosts to enhance their Icon CM’s abilities and provide a temporary performance boost.
In terms of long-term development, players should focus on building a strong overall team and creating a cohesive playing style that showcases their Icon CM’s strengths. This may involve developing other players, such as wingers or forwards, to create a balanced and effective attacking unit. Players should also consider their Icon CM’s weaknesses and how they can be addressed through training or tactical adjustments. By taking a holistic approach to player development and team building, players can unlock their Icon CM’s full potential and achieve success in FIFA 21.