Okay, so let’s talk about Paolo Maldini in EA FC 24. Man, what a legend, right? I mean, this guy’s gotta be one of the best defenders, if not THE best, the game’s ever seen. I decided to give him a go in my Ultimate Team, and boy, was it an experience.
First, I had to actually get him. Now, there’s a Base Icon Maldini Squad Building Challenge (SBC), and people were saying it’s a must-do. It was released a bit cheaper than his market price, and you get those sweet Icon links. Plus, who wouldn’t want Maldini leading their defense? So, I went for it.
- Gathering the Fodder: This was the grind. I spent hours, maybe days, scouring the transfer market and completing other SBCs to get the players I needed to submit. My club was looking pretty empty by the end.
- Building the Squads: I followed some guides online (shout out to those content creators, you guys are lifesavers!) to make sure I was getting the best value for my fodder. It was like putting together a really expensive puzzle.
- Hitting Submit: This was nerve-wracking! Once you hit that submit button, there’s no going back. I double, triple, quadruple-checked everything, then finally took the plunge.
The Moment of Truth
And there he was, Paolo Maldini, in my club. I immediately slotted him into my starting lineup, partnering him with another solid center-back. Now, I’d heard all the hype, read all the stats – 94 rated, 6’1″, 2-star skill moves, right-footed, Medium/High work rates, 83 kg – the whole nine yards. But nothing really prepares you for the real deal.
Maldini in Action
From the first match, it was clear I had made the right decision. This guy’s a rock at the back. He’s always in the right place, his tackles are clean and precise, and he just bullies attackers off the ball. It’s like he has an invisible force field around him. I heard this quote once, “If I have to make a tackle, I have already made a mistake.” That is him to a tee. He reads the game so well that he rarely needs to make those last-ditch challenges.
His height is a huge advantage, too. He wins pretty much every aerial duel, which is crucial against those teams that love to spam crosses. And even though his skill moves aren’t flashy, he’s surprisingly good on the ball. I’ve even managed to start a few attacks with him, thanks to his decent passing and composure.
Final Thoughts
So, was it worth it? Absolutely. Completing the Maldini SBC was a grind, but having him in my team has taken my defense to a whole new level. He’s a game-changer, a true icon. If you’re on the fence about doing his SBC, I’d say go for it. You won’t regret it. He truly lives up to his reputation as one of the greatest ever.