Should you do the 93 TOTY Icon Casillas SBC?

The 93-rated TOTY Icon Iker Casillas SBC has dropped in FC 25 Ultimate Team, and he’s already creating buzz. Priced at 300,000 coins, Casillas is the latest goalkeeper SBC to offer top-tier links and unique play styles. But how does he perform in-game, especially compared to other SBC options like Buffon? Let’s break down his performance, play styles, and whether he’s worth adding to your squad.

Key Stats and Traits for Casillas

Casillas comes with a well-rounded set of attributes and an array of play styles designed to suit various gameplay scenarios. At 6’1″, with a four-star weak foot, he provides solid versatility for distribution and positioning.

• Key Stats:
  • Diving: 93
  • Reflexes: 94
  • Handling: 91
  • Positioning: 92
  • Kicking: 87
  • Speed: 55
• Play Styles:
  • Far Reach: Helps with long-range saves, making him effective against finesse and power shots outside the box.
  • Footwork: Triggers more frequent foot saves, especially in one-on-one situations.
  • Rush Out: Enhances his ability to charge attackers effectively.
  • Deflector: Helps reduce the chances of dangerous rebounds, though he lacks the Plus version for maximum effectiveness.
  • Cross Claimer: Useful for commanding the box and catching or punching crosses.

Chemistry Styles for Casillas

For optimal performance, the two most viable chemistry styles for Casillas are:

• Basic: Boosts all key goalkeeping stats evenly, ensuring improvements in reflexes, diving, positioning, and handling.
• Glove: Focuses on diving, handling, and positioning, ideal for players who prefer a more balanced approach to shot-stopping.

Avoid chemistry styles that boost kicking, as Casillas already excels in distribution with his high passing stats and Pinked Pass play style.

In-Game Performance

Shot-Stopping

Casillas performs impressively in one-on-one situations, thanks to his Footwork play style, which triggers effective leg saves. This was especially noticeable when facing incisive passes or close-range shots. In many cases, his animations allowed him to deny high-percentage scoring opportunities, making him feel like a reliable presence between the sticks.

While he struggled slightly against green-timed Trivela shots from long range, he performed well against white-timed attempts. His Far Reach play style was evident in these situations, as he managed to save a few tricky finesse shots from outside the box.

Handling

Casillas’s handling is solid, with few rebounds on standard shots. However, during manual goalkeeping situations, there were instances where deflections fell back to opponents, which could have been avoided if he had the Deflector Plus version of his play style.

Cross Collection

Thanks to his Cross Claimer play style, Casillas excels at commanding the box during corners and crosses. He’s quick to claim aerial balls, and his animations in these scenarios feel consistent.

Distribution

His passing is a standout feature. Casillas’s driven passes and lofted throws are accurate, making him effective for counter-attacks and quick build-up play. The Far Throw play style works as advertised, helping to launch precision throws to midfielders or fullbacks.

Comparison to Other Goalkeepers

TOTY Icon Buffon (Market Version)

Buffon’s taller frame and slightly better reflexes make him more effective for certain save animations, especially against aerial threats. However, Casillas’s Footwork play style gives him an edge in one-on-one situations, where he performs leg saves with consistency.

SBC Buffon

The SBC Buffon, compared to Casillas, feels less consistent in close-range situations. While Buffon’s handling might be slightly better, Casillas’s animation choices and added play styles make him a more versatile option overall.

Other Options

Players like TOTY Alisson or Van der Sar remain strong choices, but Casillas is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a cheaper SBC with excellent distribution and reliable shot-stopping.

Performance Against Opponents

Casillas was tested in both Division Rivals and Weekend League games, where he consistently performed well:

• One-on-Ones: His Footwork play style led to several crucial saves, denying strikers in high-pressure scenarios.
• Long-Range Shots: While he struggled against perfectly timed Trivela attempts, he still managed to make some impressive saves, showing the impact of Far Reach.
• Near-Post Saves: His animations in near-post situations felt consistent, even against green-timed strikes.

Key Highlights from Gameplay

• Leg Saves: In close-range scenarios, Casillas performed well, with his Footwork play style triggering key leg save animations.
• Finesse Shot Saves: On white-timed finesse shots from outside the box, Casillas’s Far Reach ability shined, though green-timed shots were harder to stop.
• Distribution: His driven passes and lofted throws stood out as one of his best features, allowing for seamless counter-attacking play.
• Crosses: The Cross Claimer play style helped him dominate the box during aerial challenges.

For more player reviews follow InceptionFC on YouTube.

Who Should Complete the SBC?

Casillas is a solid option if:

1. You need a reliable goalkeeper with excellent links, such as Spanish players or icons for hybrid squads.
2. You value distribution and counter-attacking potential in your goalkeeper.
3. You want a player who can handle close-range situations effectively with leg saves.

However, if you already have a premium TOTY goalkeeper or an untradeable Alisson or Van der Sar, the upgrade might not feel significant enough to justify the coins.

Frequently Asked Questions