Konaté 89 Winter Champions Review: A Defensive Beast in FC 25 Ultimate Team!

Konaté’s 89 Winter Champions card in FC 25 Ultimate Team has generated a lot of excitement in the community. As a towering 6’4″ center-back with a massive physical presence, this card offers something special, even though some players are skeptical about his lack of the intercept playstyle. Is he still worth adding to your squad? Let’s dive deep into this review and see what makes Konaté a potential game-changer in your defense.

Why Konaté’s 89 Winter Champions is a Top Defender in FC 25

When it comes to center-backs, there are a few key factors that make a player stand out. Konaté’s attributes have already created a lot of buzz, especially considering his physicality and defensive capabilities. His pace is solid, with great sprint speed, and he’s tough to get past. While his acceleration is on the lower side, his long strides help him recover quickly on the field.

Physicality That Dominates the Pitch

One of the first things you’ll notice with Konaté is his body type. Standing at 6’4″, his large frame makes him a menace in aerial duels. With 94 jumping and the aerial playstyle, he can outmuscle opponents in the air and win headers effortlessly, even if his jumping stats aren’t as high as some other players. His physical presence allows him to bully attackers off the ball, whether it’s challenging for a header or stopping the opponent’s dribbler in their tracks.

What makes Konaté particularly effective in-game is the combination of his body type, physical stats, and playstyles. Defenders in FC 25 often need that extra physicality to prevent attackers from getting past them, and Konaté has that in spades. His frame helps him shield the ball, recover possession, and be a constant menace in the air, making him one of the most effective center-backs you can use in both defensive and attacking set-piece situations.

Defensive Playstyles That Take It to the Next Level

Konaté comes with some impressive playstyles that enhance his defensive abilities. The Anticipate Plus playstyle is a game-changer, as it allows him to react to the ball faster and make crucial interceptions. He also has Block, Bruiser, and Jockey, which combine to create a defender who’s hard to bypass.

While he doesn’t have the Intercept playstyle, which is often critical for more manual defenders, his other playstyles make up for it. His ability to apply pressure with his size and anticipate plays at key moments can often lead to regaining possession, even without a perfect interception. As shown in gameplay, there were moments when Konaté’s body positioning and Anticipate Plus playstyle were enough to secure the ball without the need for an intercept.

Konaté’s defensive playstyle selection makes him ideal for players who want to rely more on AI-assisted defending rather than manually tackling every time. His Anticipate Plus and Block allow him to read the game and position himself effectively to stop opponents, even if you’re not manually controlling him. This gives him a level of consistency that other defenders may lack, especially those that are reliant on intercepting the ball directly.

Testing Konaté in Gameplay: A Physical Wall

Konaté’s performance on the field is where he really shines. Throughout multiple games, his ability to track back and block attacking opportunities stood out. Even when overcommitting or when other defenders left gaps, Konaté positioned himself well to shut down threats. This demonstrates his high defensive awareness and his strength in physical duels.

One of the key attributes that makes Konaté so effective in defense is his ability to recover the ball when the opponent tries to break through. His anticipation and strength help him block passes and prevent crosses, and he can often outmuscle opponents for possession. Even when the ball was passed into dangerous areas, Konaté’s physicality and Anticipate Plus often allowed him to react faster than the attacker, regaining possession with little effort.

But it’s not all perfect—his lack of the Intercept playstyle can sometimes be noticeable in situations where he could’ve easily snatched the ball. However, his other playstyles, especially Anticipate Plus, often fill the gap, allowing him to recover the ball with some well-timed tackles and interceptions. While Intercept would be ideal, it’s not the deal-breaker some players make it out to be. His physicality and positioning more than make up for it.

Dominating in the Air

In the air, Konaté is virtually unstoppable. Whether it’s an in-swinging cross or a direct header battle, his 94 jumping and aerial playstyle make him a serious threat during set pieces. His size also allows him to dominate attackers when they’re trying to outmuscle him for possession.

One of the standout features in Konaté’s game is his ability to win headers in both attacking and defensive situations. His combination of size, jumping, and aerial playstyle means that he can contest virtually any aerial duel with ease, and it’s one of the reasons why he’s so effective in both corners and defensive clearances. He’s a true threat during set-pieces, where his height and physicality give him the upper hand.

Even when up against tough opponents, Konaté’s ability to win headers and clear the ball out of danger is exceptional. Whether it’s a lofted pass or a corner kick, you can rely on him to win most aerial duels, and this gives you a huge advantage when defending.

Does Konaté Deserve a Spot in Your Ultimate Team?

If you’re looking for a dominant defender with excellent physical attributes, Konaté should definitely be on your radar. He’s not the fastest in terms of acceleration, but his sprint speed, combined with his size, makes him a formidable force at the back. The Anticipate Plus and Block playstyles add to his effectiveness, making him a great choice for players who prefer using the AI to assist with defense rather than manual defending.

Konaté can easily be slotted into any defensive lineup in FC 25 Ultimate Team and will help solidify the backline with his physical presence and aerial ability. His defensive stats are high enough to make him a reliable choice against most attackers, and his Anticipate Plus allows him to win the ball back without the need for constant manual interceptions. While his lack of Intercept may be a drawback for some, it’s hard to deny that Konaté’s other strengths more than make up for it.

Key Strengths:

• Aerial Ability: 94 jumping and the aerial playstyle make him a beast in the air.
• Physical Presence: His 6’4″ frame helps him win duels and protect the ball.
• Defensive Playstyles: Anticipate Plus, Block, Bruiser, and Jockey elevate his ability to defend against most threats.
• Great for AI-Assisted Defending: Perfect for players who rely on AI help and less on manual defending.

Areas for Improvement:

• Lack of Intercept Playstyle: While not a huge drawback for some, Konaté’s lack of Intercept may cause issues for players who prefer manually defending.

Konaté’s Future: Possible Upgrades

One of the exciting aspects of Konaté’s card is the potential for future upgrades. He’s part of the Winter Champions Season Pass, which means his stats could increase depending on Liverpool’s performance in real-life competitions. If Liverpool finishes first in January, Konaté will receive a +2 boost to his stats, further improving his pace, dribbling, defending, and physical attributes. This could make him an even more potent defensive option as the season progresses.

The potential upgrade is a huge reason why Konaté is such a valuable player. With the possibility of a +2 boost, his already solid stats could skyrocket, making him an even more appealing option for those looking to upgrade their defense. If you’re planning on building a Liverpool-based squad or just want a top-tier center-back for free, Konaté’s potential upgrades make him a must-have in the coming months.

Konaté Is a Beast for Your Defense

Konaté’s 89 Winter Champions card offers everything you need in a top-tier center-back. His physicality, aerial ability, and defensive playstyles make him a standout choice in FC 25 Ultimate Team. Whether you’re looking for a player to dominate in the air, bully attackers off the ball, or provide solid coverage in your defensive line, Konaté has it all. And with potential upgrades on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to get him in your squad.