Javier Mascherano, the tenacious Argentine midfielder, returns to the virtual pitch in FIFA 23 as an Icon. Known for his aggressive defending and leadership qualities, Mascherano brings a unique dynamic to the game. Whether you’re a seasoned FIFA veteran or new to the franchise, this article will delve into his FIFA 23 stats, analyze his strengths and weaknesses, and provide tips on how to effectively utilize him in your Ultimate Team.
Mascherano FIFA 23 Icon Card
Mascherano FIFA 23: Understanding His Stats
Mascherano’s base Icon card is rated 87 overall. His key stats are as follows:
- Pace: 72
- Shooting: 60
- Passing: 76
- Dribbling: 76
- Defending: 89
- Physicality: 83
As you can see, Mascherano excels in defense and physicality, reflecting his real-life attributes. His passing and dribbling stats are respectable, allowing him to distribute the ball efficiently and navigate tight spaces. However, his pace and shooting are areas where he falls short.
Mascherano FIFA 23 In-Game Tackle
Strengths: Defensive Wall and Midfield General
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Unmatched Defensive Abilities: Mascherano’s high defensive stats, particularly his tackling and interceptions, make him a formidable force in the midfield. He can break up opposition attacks, win back possession, and launch counter-attacks effectively.
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Physical Presence: His impressive physicality allows him to outmuscle opponents in challenges and dominate aerial duels. He’s not afraid to get stuck in and will always give 100% effort.
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Passing Range and Vision: Despite being defensively minded, Mascherano possesses good passing stats. He can dictate the tempo of the game with short, accurate passes or switch the play with long balls.
Weaknesses: Pace and Attacking Limitations
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Lack of Pace: One of Mascherano’s biggest drawbacks is his pace. In a fast-paced game like FIFA 23, his lack of speed can be exploited by pacy attackers, especially in wide areas.
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Limited Attacking Threat: While he can contribute to the build-up play, Mascherano’s low shooting stats mean he’s not a goal-scoring threat. Don’t expect him to be making runs into the box or scoring screamers from distance.
How to Use Mascherano in FIFA 23
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Defensive Midfielder (CDM): This is Mascherano’s natural position. Deploy him as a shield in front of your defense to break up play and provide cover for your center-backs.
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Center-Back (CB) in a Back Three: His defensive capabilities also make him suitable for a center-back role in a three-at-the-back formation. This allows you to leverage his defensive skills while minimizing the impact of his lack of pace.
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Partner with a Pace: To compensate for his lack of speed, partner Mascherano with a faster midfielder who can cover ground quickly and track back effectively.
Conclusion
Javier Mascherano’s FIFA 23 Icon card embodies his real-life persona – a fearless leader and defensive powerhouse. While his lack of pace might be a concern for some, his exceptional defensive abilities, physicality, and passing range make him a valuable asset to any FIFA 23 Ultimate Team. By understanding his strengths and weaknesses and utilizing him strategically, you can make the most of this legendary midfielder. If you’re looking for a player who will add steel, grit, and tactical intelligence to your midfield, Mascherano is an excellent choice.