Courtois critiques FIFA 21 ratings: Why pros avoid their own 99-rated cards
The 99-Rated Paradox
Real Madrid’s star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has made waves in the FIFA community by publicly criticizing his own 99-rated pro player card in FIFA 21.
While pro player cards are meant to be the ultimate status symbol in Ultimate Team, Courtois revealed during a gaming stream that he actively avoids using his own elite-rated card. The Belgian international explained that despite the impressive 99 rating, his Team of the Week (TOTW) version performs significantly better in actual gameplay.
Soccer.ruCourtois’ criticism highlights a growing disconnect between card ratings and actual in-game performance that many competitive players have noticed.
Understanding FIFA Ratings Mechanics
EA Sports’ rating system has long been a point of contention among professional players and fans alike. While the 99-rated pro cards are meant to represent a player’s real-world skill, the translation to virtual performance often falls short. Courtois’ blunt assessment—”they just put 99 but make it, like, 59″—points to fundamental issues with how certain attributes are weighted.
The controversy extends beyond goalkeepers. Many attackers find their pro cards lack the agility or balance needed for competitive play, while defenders often complain about positioning errors. This explains why special cards with more balanced stat distributions frequently outperform their higher-rated counterparts in actual matches.
Pro Player Card Strategies
For Ultimate Team players, Courtois’ revelation offers valuable lessons. First, don’t automatically assume higher-rated cards perform better—always check individual stats that matter for each position. Goalkeepers, for instance, benefit more from specific attributes like reflexes and positioning than their overall rating.
Second, chemistry styles can dramatically alter a card’s effectiveness. Applying the right boost might make a lower-rated card outperform its premium version. Courtois himself benefits from having Raphael Varane as his center back, demonstrating how team chemistry can compensate for individual card shortcomings.
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