FC 26 Flashback SBC: Leon Goretzka Review and Breakdown
The new season of EA FC 26 has been moving at full speed, and EA has already been releasing some exciting Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) to keep Ultimate Team fans engaged. One of the latest additions is a Flashback SBC for Leon Goretzka, the Bayern Munich midfielder who has been a staple in FUT for years. Known for his physical presence, versatility, and "Hullet Gang" style of stats in previous FIFAs, Goretzka's new card brings plenty to the table even under the toned-down "power curve" that EA has been pushing in FC 26.
But is this SBC worth completing? Let's break down the card's stats, in-game performance, chemistry style options, and overall value to help you decide whether Leon Goretzka deserves a spot in your squad.
Flashback Leon Goretzka: The Basics
Position: CDM / CM / CAM
Height: 6'2
Weak Foot / Skill Moves: 4star Weak Foot, 3star Skills
Work Rates: High / Medium
PlayStyles+: Box-to-Box+
Other PlayStyles: Power Shot, Precision Header, Incisive Pass, Relentless, Bruiser
At first glance, Goretzka's card doesn't quite match the "all-80s" monster versions from previous FIFA years, but he's still well-rounded.
His stats lean into being a box-to-box midfielder, capable of progressing the ball forward, defending, and linking up with attackers.
The addition of Box-to-Box+ is huge-it enhances his overall movement, stamina usage, and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch. Combined with his size and physicality, he fits naturally into the meta for narrow midfield setups like the 4-1-2-1-2 (narrow).
Key Stats Breakdown
Pace: Respectable but not blistering. Quick enough to cover ground but lacks the explosive acceleration of smaller midfielders.
Passing: One of his strongest areas. His incisive passes are sharp, making him a great distributor for through balls in tight spaces.
Dribbling: Adequate, though not elite. On the ball, he feels controlled but slightly heavy compared to more agile midfielders.
Defending: Solid positioning, strong tackling, and excellent interception ability.
Physicals: Outstanding. At 6'2 with Bruiser, Goretzka can shield the ball, win duels, and bully attackers.
The standout in real gameplay is his passing and distribution, which makes him a valuable pivot in midfield. However, his dribbling and acceleration can feel sluggish at times, meaning he's best used to recycle possession or release attackers rather than dribble past opponents himself.
Chemistry Style Options
When it comes to boosting Goretzka, the choice of chemistry style depends on your playstyle:
Shadow: Maxes out his pace and defending. Great if you want him as a holding midfielder who covers ground and breaks up play.
Anchor: Adds a bit of physicality alongside pace and defending, making him even stronger in duels.
Engine: Boosts dribbling, pace, and passing. In testing, Engine makes him feel more responsive and snappy on the ball, enhancing what's already his standout attribute-passing.
Between Shadow and Engine, most players will prefer Engine to unlock his full box-to-box capabilities, though Shadow works well if you want him as a more defensive option.
In-Game Performance Review
After multiple matches testing him in Division Rivals and FUT Champs qualifiers, Goretzka shows a clear identity as a midfielder:
Strengths in Play
Passing and Through Balls: His incisive passing style shines, especially in the 4-1-2-1-2 narrow system. He can find runners like wingers or strikers with pinpoint balls, leading to plenty of assists. In one stretch of four matches, Goretzka recorded 8 assists and 1 goal, which is fantastic for a midfielder.
Physical Presence: Shielding, shoulder-to-shoulder duels, and aerial battles all favor him. His size makes him difficult to dispossess, and Bruiser helps him shrug off challenges.
Versatility: Can be deployed as a CM in a midfield three, a holding CDM in a double pivot, or a box-to-box role. He feels most comfortable linking play and progressing the ball forward.
Stamina: With Relentless, he doesn't fade late in matches. You can rely on him to still cover ground in the 90th minute.
Weaknesses
Dribbling in Tight Spaces: Even with Engine, his close control can feel clunky compared to smaller midfielders. Don't expect him to weave past defenders.
Acceleration: His sprint speed is fine, but his first steps are slow. He feels sluggish if pressed immediately after receiving the ball.
Finishing: He can chip in with goals, but he's not a natural shooter compared to attacking mids.
Overall, Goretzka excels as a connector-someone who wins the ball, finds space, and plays intelligent passes to attackers. He's not the star scorer or the flashiest dribbler, but he's consistently reliable.
Comparing Goretzka to Alternatives
When evaluating an SBC card, it's always worth comparing to alternatives:
Zubimendi (LaLiga SBC): More of a pure defensive midfielder. Stronger in interceptions and shielding but less dynamic going forward. Goretzka offers more creativity and attacking threat.
Other Bundesliga Options: If you're running a Bundesliga squad, Goretzka links perfectly with Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, and Bayern attackers. He's a natural fit for Bundesliga hybrids.
Icons & Heroes: Early in the cycle, affordable midfield icons may not be as balanced. Goretzka offers a strong, budget-friendly box-to-box option until bigger names like Vieira or Yaya Touré become available.
For around 70–75k FC 26 coins, he sits in the "affordable but not must-do" range. He's cheaper than Zubimendi and arguably more fun to use thanks to his offensive contributions.
Price and Value
The SBC requires six squads, with the highest rated segment at 85 overall. At around 74k coins, it's a reasonable price point.
Pros: Affordable, Bundesliga links, well-rounded stats, box-to-box role, excellent passing.
Cons: Not a game-changer, clunky dribbling, not worth restructuring your entire squad for.
If you already have Bundesliga pieces or Bayern players, this SBC makes sense. If your squad is heavily Premier League or Serie A based, Goretzka may not be worth the effort since you'd struggle with chemistry.
Final Verdict
So, is the Flashback Leon Goretzka SBC worth completing in EA FC 26?
The answer: Yes, but only if he fits your team.
He's not a "must-do" SBC in the same tier as a meta-breaking card, but he's a very solid, reliable midfielder who will serve you well in most squads. His ability to distribute passes, dominate physically, and link defense with attack makes him an asset-especially in narrow formations.
While his dribbling and acceleration can feel heavy, you can work around those limitations by focusing on quick passing and letting him play as a connector rather than a dribbler. He's affordable, offers great Bundesliga chemistry, and will give you consistent performances.
If you're a fan of Bayern Munich, a Bundesliga builder, or just someone who loves balanced midfielders, this is a great pick-up. For others, he may just be a luxury option rather than a necessity.
Rating: 8/10
Passing: 9/10
Physicals: 9/10
Defending: 8/10
Dribbling: 7/10
Value for Coins: 8/10
Goretzka may not be the "Hullet Gang" superstar of old, but he's still a powerhouse in EA FC 26-and one that can quietly carry your midfield if you give him the right role.
MMOexp FC 26 Team