The new 94-rated Granit Xhaka Squad Building Challenge in FC 25 is getting a lot of attention, not just because of the quality of the card but because of the way EA structured the SBC. Instead of asking for full squads, EA has changed the format to require just five players of a specific rating per section, making it faster to complete and more rewarding to grind toward.
Xhaka’s in-game performance is excellent, but the real win is in how easy it is to complete this SBC without draining your entire club. It’s a rare example of great content design that actually improves both squad building and the market.
New squad requirement system
Here’s how the requirements work:
- 5x 86-rated players
- 5x 87-rated players
- 5x 88-rated players
- 5x 89-rated players
No chemistry is required. You simply submit five players of each rating, which means you can finally get value out of your duplicate untradeables and move through the SBC without wasting hours crafting filler squads.
This method avoids needing dozens of 83s and 84s and directly increases the value of higher-rated cards. Since most 86–89s have been stuck at discard price, this SBC is already lifting their floor a bit.
Granit Xhaka 94 in-game stats and details
Xhaka is a complete CDM or CM with strong stats in every area that matters, plus a five star weak foot and four star skills.
Base stats:
- Pace: 87
- Shooting: 90
- Passing: 94
- Dribbling: 88
- Defending: 91
- Physical: 94
Key in-game stats:
- Shot Power: 98
- Long Shots: 94
- Short Pass and Long Pass: 96
- Composure: 94
- Reactions: 94
- Aggression: 99
- Stamina: 95
- Strength: 92
- Defensive Awareness: 94
- Slide Tackle and Stand Tackle: 90+
Work rates: Medium/High
Height: 186 cm (6’1″)
Body type: Controlled Lengthy
Positions: CDM and CM
He fits multiple midfield roles and brings a powerful presence, especially with that near-perfect aggression and strength. His controlled lengthy acceleration type makes him ideal for breaking up play and starting attacks.
PlayStyles and PlayStyle+ breakdown
Xhaka has three PlayStyle+ traits, which help set him apart as an elite midfielder:
Long Ball Pass+
Intercept+
Anticipate+
He also has the following standard PlayStyles:
- Finesse Shot
- Power Shot
- Incisive Pass
- Block
- Slide Tackle
- Bruiser
- Quick Step
These traits make him incredibly versatile. Whether you’re playing in a 4-2-3-1, a narrow diamond or even a three-back formation, Xhaka has the skill set to anchor your midfield or push higher up the pitch.
Best chemistry styles for Xhaka
Depending on how you play, these are the best chem styles:
- Anchor: The most popular choice. Boosts physicals and defending to max while keeping him lengthy.
- Engine: Adds agility and balance if you want a smoother dribbling feel, while also improving pace and passing.
- Basic: Solid all-around boost. Useful if you already like his playstyle and want to keep him controlled.
- Gladiator: Good if you want to boost shooting and defending, but not as balanced as Anchor or Engine.
For most squads, Anchor is the go-to. It plays to his strengths and turns him into a dominant ball-winner with elite presence.
EA finally nails SBC structure
This new five-player format is what Ultimate Team has needed for a while. It reduces the grind, gives clear direction, and offers real value for players who invest time into gameplay and objectives.
The benefits:
- Less time building squads
- Easier use of duplicate fodder
- Lifts the market floor for 86–89 rated cards
- Encourages opening packs and completing upgrades
- Makes high-rated players more rewarding to hold
If EA sticks to this model for future content, SBCs will stay fun and competitive even deep into Team of the Season.
FAQs about the Granit Xhaka SBC in FC 25
How much does the Granit Xhaka SBC cost?
Around 120,000 to 130,000 coins depending on the market.
How long is the SBC available?
The challenge is expected to be live for 7 to 10 days.
What makes this SBC unique?
Each segment only requires five players of a specific rating. No full squads.
How many PlayStyle+ traits does Xhaka have?
Three: Long Ball Pass+, Intercept+ and Anticipate+.
