Aitana Bonmatí vs. Jude Bellingham: Which Player to Select in FC 25’s Free Player Pick?

FC 25 players are in for an exciting choice tonight, as they are offered a free player pick between Aitana Bonmatí and Jude Bellingham. Both players have received significant changes to their stats in the latest update, which on the surface might look like a downgrade. However, these changes bring them closer to the exclusive Club Gullit — a group of players who boast a minimum of 80 in all stats, a nod to the legendary Ruud Gullit.

The decision on which player to select will come down to your team’s chemistry and style of play, but let’s take a closer look at how these two players have evolved and which one might be the more interesting option.

Aitana Bonmatí’s Level-Up: A Well-Rounded Beast

Bonmatí’s Gold Card:

Pace: 81
Shooting: 86
Passing: 86
Dribbling: 91
Defending: 77
Physical: 75

Bonmatí’s Level-Up Card:

Pace: 84
Shooting: 81
Passing: 82
Dribbling: 89
Defending: 84
Physical: 83

Aitana Bonmatí’s transformation is one of the most intriguing of the two, making her a highly recommended pick for players looking for a versatile and well-rounded midfielder. Though her shooting and passing stats have dipped slightly in comparison to her gold card, the overall balance of her stats has significantly improved. Bonmatí’s Level-Up card makes her a much more well-rounded player across the board, fitting into the coveted Club Gullit category with her 80+ stats in every attribute.

The key difference here is in her defensive and physical capabilities. While her gold card had a relatively low defensive stat at 77, her Level-Up card now boasts 84 defending — an impressive boost that makes her much more reliable in breaking up opposition attacks. Her physical stats also received a nice bump, going from 75 to 83, giving her better strength to hold off challenges and battle in the midfield.

In terms of her overall game, Bonmatí’s dribbling is still an elite stat at 89, meaning she can glide through opposition defenses and maintain possession with ease. She’s a creative force in the middle of the park, offering not just playmaking ability but also defensive support when needed. Her passing and shooting stats may have taken a slight hit, but her well-roundedness in other areas makes her an exceptional midfielder who can fulfill multiple roles in any team.

Why Pick Bonmatí?

Versatile Midfielder: Bonmatí’s well-rounded stats make her a highly flexible choice, especially for those looking for a player who can contribute in both attack and defense.
Club Gullit Member: With her stats now firmly in the Club Gullit category, she brings a sense of balance to your squad that is rare in midfielders.
Perfect for Possession Play: Her high dribbling and passing stats make her ideal for controlling the game in the center of the pitch.
Defensive Upgrade: The significant boost to her defending and physical attributes makes her a more complete and well-rounded midfielder than before.

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Jude Bellingham’s Level-Up: A More Complete Player

Bellingham’s Gold Card:

Pace: 80
Shooting: 87
Passing: 83
Dribbling: 88
Defending: 78
Physical: 83

Bellingham’s Level-Up Card:

Pace: 84
Shooting: 82
Passing: 87
Dribbling: 89
Defending: 85
Physical: 80

Jude Bellingham’s Level-Up card is another example of a player who has transformed into a more balanced and versatile option. Like Bonmatí, Bellingham’s stats have shifted somewhat, but the changes have enhanced his overall capabilities.

The biggest improvement for Bellingham is his defending, which has jumped to 85, making him a more capable defensive presence in the midfield. His physical stat has taken a small dip, falling from 83 to 80, but his enhanced defending more than compensates for this change. His dribbling remains just as sharp as before, now at 89, and his passing has seen a notable boost from 83 to 87, making him a more effective link between defense and attack.

The main downside to Bellingham’s Level-Up card is his shooting, which has dropped from 87 to 82. While he is still capable of scoring goals from midfield, he is no longer as clinical in front of goal as he was with his gold card. However, Bellingham still brings a highly effective all-around game to the table.

Why Pick Bellingham?

Defensive Strength: With 85 defending, Bellingham is now a more robust presence in midfield, able to contribute to both attacking and defensive phases of play.
Improved Passing: His increased passing stat makes him a more dynamic playmaker, able to contribute more effectively to attacking moves.
Great for Two-Way Play: Bellingham is well-suited for players who want a midfielder that can support both defense and attack equally.
Higher Dribbling: His dribbling at 89 allows him to glide past defenders and maintain possession under pressure.

Choosing Between Bonmatí and Bellingham: Which Fits Your Team?

When deciding between Aitana Bonmatí and Jude Bellingham for your FC 25 free player pick, the ultimate choice comes down to your squad’s chemistry and the role you need filled. Both players have undergone significant changes, but they are still versatile and capable of fulfilling a variety of midfield roles.

If you need a more defensive midfielder who can offer solid defensive support, Bellingham might be your best bet. His new 85 defending makes him a tough presence in midfield, and his passing improvement makes him an even better playmaker.

However, if you prefer a midfielder with more attacking versatility, Bonmatí’s well-rounded stats could make her the more interesting pick. With 89 dribbling, 84 pace, and now 84 defending, she brings a mix of skills that allow her to seamlessly contribute to both ends of the pitch.

At the end of the day, both players are incredibly strong picks, and choosing between them will depend on your squad’s needs. Whether you go with Bonmatí for her balance and creativity or Bellingham for his improved defensive abilities, either player will bring a dynamic presence to your team.

While both Aitana Bonmatí and Jude Bellingham have seen changes to their stats that may seem like downgrades at first glance, both players are now part of the Club Gullit — a unique group of players with a minimum of 80 in every stat. Bonmatí’s transformation has made her one of the most intriguing picks due to her versatility and well-roundedness, while Bellingham’s increased defending and passing stats provide a more defensive-minded option.

Ultimately, it’s all about what fits best with your team’s chemistry and style of play. Consider your squad’s needs, and make the pick that will enhance your team’s performance on the pitch!