Ever since EA Sports unveiled FIFA 18, the footballing world has been abuzz with anticipation, not least because of the inclusion of one Eden Hazard. The Belgian midfielder, known for his lightning-fast dribbling and streaky shooting, is among the game's most anticipated cards. So, let's dive into the intricacies of Eden Hazard's FIFA 18 card – its stats, strengths, weaknesses, and how to effectively use it.
The UEFA Europa League winner in 2013 and 2019 joins the fold with a mouth-watering 88 overall rating, marking a significant improvement from his FIFA 17 rating of 84. The card reflects Hazard's real-life prowess and potential to tear apart defenses with his dynamic playstyle.
Eden Hazard's FIFA 18 Card: Strengths
Hazard's FIFA 18 card boasts an impressive balance of attributes. Here's what makes him a formidable player in the game.
Pace and Dribbling
With 92 pace and 90 dribbling, Hazard is supremely quick and agile on the ball. This combination allows him to breeze past defenders and carve open half-chances in the blink of an eye. His exceptional agility (88) ensures that he can change direction swiftly, making him a nightmare to mark.
To maximize his pace and dribbling, use the Ball Roll (R1/RB + RS/RT) and Ball Spin (R2/RT + RS/RT) moves to beat defenders. Additionally, his 85 short passing means he's excellent at maintaining possession and picking out teammates.
Shooting and Finishing
Hazard's scoring threat is evident in his 88 shot power and 86 long shots. This combination makes him deadly from outside the box, capable ofičanding spectacular goals, just like his real-life counterparts. Moreover, his 90 positioning and 88 finishing mean he's always in the right place at the right time to put away chances.
To unleash Hazard's shooting prowess, use the Player locks-on Targeting (L2/LT + Square/X) feature to pick out long shots. Also, his 83 volleys make him a threat from dead-ball situations.
Weaknesses and Areas to Improve
While Hazard's card is incredibly well-balanced, no player is perfect. Here are some areas to consider when using Eden Hazard in FIFA 18.
Defensive Awareness
Hazard's defensive capabilities are somewhat limited, with a 47 defensive awareness rating. Despite his high work rate (82), he may struggle to track back effectively and could leave your defense exposed. To mitigate this, use well-timed tackle timings (Circle/B) and manually control Hazard on the deck to intercept passes.
Moreover, his heading is not his strongest attribute (44), which may limit his aerial presence in certain situations.
Physicality
Hazard's 77 stamina means he might tire earlier than some of your teammates. His 69 strength also makes him vulnerable to being muscled off the ball. To counteract this, use Hazard's pace to get ahead of the game, and consider pairing him with physically dominant teammates to compensate for his physical deficiencies.
In conclusion, Eden Hazard's FIFA 18 card is a genuine game-changer, combining blistering pace, exceptional dribbling, and clinical finishing to devastating effect. Although he has some weaknesses, with the right strategy and teammates, Hazard could be the missing piece in your squad's puzzle. So, unlock his full potential and enjoy the magic that Hazard brings to your FIFA 18 journey.