FC Pro Open Champion Icon Schweinsteiger SBC Player Review

The release of the FC Pro Open Champion Icon Schweinsteiger SBC in FC 25 has caught the attention of many players, offering a solid midfield option that balances both defensive and offensive responsibilities. But with so many icon cards available in this year’s installment, is this card truly worth the investment? In this detailed review, we’ll analyze the performance of Schweinsteiger’s card, focusing on his strengths, weaknesses, and overall viability in FC 25.

Schweinsteiger SBC Overview: A Midfield All-Rounder

Bastian Schweinsteiger’s FC Pro Open Champion Icon SBC card is a versatile option that can slot into several midfield roles. Whether you want to deploy him as a Center Defensive Midfielder (CDM) or as a Center Midfielder (CM), his wide range of playstyles offers flexibility. The card includes useful playstyles such as Incisive Pass, Pinged Pass, and Press-Proven, which are all key to his performance. With a Five-Star Weak Foot, he can contribute offensively in various ways, making him a well-rounded midfielder with the ability to score or assist.

In FC 25, his overall stats make him competitive in the current meta, but there are a few drawbacks to be mindful of, particularly his pace and physicality. Let’s dive deeper into how Schweinsteiger performs in different in-game roles.

Passing and Play Styles: The Midfield Maestro

Schweinsteiger’s most noticeable strength is his passing. As a central midfielder, his ability to control the tempo and deliver pinpoint passes makes him incredibly valuable. His Pinged Pass playstyle in particular is one of the best in the game, allowing him to execute perfectly weighted balls to open up attacking opportunities. Incisive Pass, another of his playstyles, ensures that his through balls are both accurate and effective, helping break defensive lines and set up scoring chances.

With a Five-Star Weak Foot, Schweinsteiger’s passing is even more unpredictable for your opponent. Whether on his left or right foot, he can deliver accurate and well-timed passes. This versatility in passing allows him to be equally effective in long passes, quick short balls, and crosses.

During gameplay, you’ll often see Schweinsteiger making crucial passes in tight spaces, creating openings for your attackers. His passing playstyle is arguably one of the most important aspects of his card. In the current FC 25 meta, where midfield control and passing are vital, Schweinsteiger’s abilities make him a standout in that area. Players looking for a midfielder who can dictate the game will appreciate how often Schweinsteiger’s passes result in assists or goal-scoring opportunities.

However, his dribbling does let him down a bit. While his ball control is decent, Schweinsteiger isn’t the type of midfielder who will take on multiple defenders with flashy skills. As a result, he may not be as effective in high-pressure situations where agility and quick turns are crucial. Still, this isn’t a huge drawback, especially when he can more than make up for it with his passing abilities.

You can see a review of Bastian Schweinsteiger from Inception FC on YouTube here.

Defending and Physicality: A Strong Presence, But Not a Tank

Schweinsteiger’s defensive attributes are solid but not exceptional. His interceptions and Press-Proven playstyle help him track down opponents and regain possession. He is capable of breaking up opposition attacks, especially when positioned deep in midfield as a CDM. In these scenarios, Schweinsteiger’s tackling and interceptions are reliable, and he can support defensive duties effectively.

However, when it comes to his physicality, Schweinsteiger doesn’t stand out as a powerhouse. At times, you’ll notice that more physically imposing midfielders might overpower him in duels or when competing for the ball. While he can win challenges and play with decent aggression, he lacks that dominant physical presence that other top-tier CDMs like Yaya Touré or Patrick Vieira possess.

This may not be a huge issue if you’re using Schweinsteiger as a more technical, ball-playing midfielder. But if you need a player who can dominate physical battles in the midfield, Schweinsteiger might fall short. His lack of physicality can make him vulnerable in situations where you need a more powerful presence to shield the ball or win aerial duels.

Pace: The Weakest Link

One of the major limitations of Schweinsteiger’s FC Pro Open Champion Icon card is his pace. With 85 acceleration and 88 sprint speed, Schweinsteiger is not the quickest midfielder. While this isn’t a huge issue when playing as a CDM, it can become problematic if you’re trying to use him as a box-to-box midfielder where pace is more important.

In FC 25, speed is crucial, especially when tracking back to defend or pushing forward on the counterattack. Unfortunately, Schweinsteiger lacks that burst of acceleration that many other midfielders can offer. Even with a Shadow Chemistry Style to boost his pace, you’ll still find moments where his lack of speed hampers his effectiveness.

For those who rely on quick transitions and fast breaks, Schweinsteiger may feel sluggish at times, especially if you’re up against faster, more agile players. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to track back and make defensive interventions or when attempting to break forward after winning the ball back.

Final Verdict: A Solid SBC, But Not Perfect

Despite his limitations, Schweinsteiger’s FC Pro Open Champion Icon SBC is a very solid option for anyone looking for a well-rounded midfielder. His passing and playmaking abilities are top-tier, and his Five-Star Weak Foot allows him to be a constant threat in the middle of the park. Whether playing a CDM or CM role, Schweinsteiger can contribute in both defensive and offensive situations.

However, his pace and physicality are areas where he falls short compared to other top midfielders in FC 25. If you’re looking for a player who can dominate the pitch both physically and with speed, Schweinsteiger may not be the best choice. However, if you’re willing to work around these limitations and build a team that complements his style, he can still be a highly effective and reliable option.

The price of the SBC is one of the more reasonable ones we’ve seen this year, making him a relatively affordable option compared to other high-tier icon cards. For players who need a ball-playing midfielder who can orchestrate attacks and contribute defensively without breaking the bank, this card offers great value.

If you’re planning to use Schweinsteiger in a defensive role, consider pairing him with faster, more physically dominant players in your team to make up for his lack of pace. In attacking positions, his passing and shooting can be deadly, especially if you utilize his Five-Star Weak Foot to create chances from both flanks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bastian Schweinsteiger’s SBC