At Long Last, Ricardo Kaká: An in-depth Review

Ever since I had returned to eFootball in Sep '23 after quitting PES in 2021 (shouldn't have lol), I was waiting on an AC Milan Ballon d'Or season Kaká to release. Nothing during the booster era (only a RM version). A glimpse of him as a MyLeague loan, but I could not customise the build. And finally, he was leaked back in October/November 2024 or so, but months went on by without him. And FINALLY he was released last week, the money I put aside for this legend teleported into Konami's account like Goku. At long last, I managed to get Lord Kaká (in 12 pulls somehow)🙏🥲

The Build: 5-6-10-8-9-3 Considerations: I got the new Rijkaard manager as it was perfect for my squad - I was switching between possession (de la fuente) and LBC (deschamps). The +1 to low pass was kinda underwhelming for my strikers/wingers, but it helped with making a balanced build for Kaká.

Shooting Booster was chosen as I planned to involve Kaká in both creating and finishing chances as a SS between my 2 CFS. 86 Finishing, 82 Curl and 87 kp was what I settled for. The Ball Control and Physical Contact you get from this booster also helps with first touch and hold-up play. 85 PC with just 3 points helped me save some allocation for dribbling/pace.

His Acceleration is quite underwhelming, but then it makes sense because Kaká was very vertical and direct with his breakthrough runs - 90 acc and balance with 8 points feels fine and just enough, because his top speed is a whopping 97 (very high for a SS/AMF). He doesn't need to accelerate from 0-top speed on the ball because that's not really his game. I think it's better if he catches the ball in transition and blazes through - but even then, if you have some space he can still accelerate quite well from a stand still.

The dribbling - is just beautiful. Silkier than my ST Jude for me (as expected) and better at protecting the ball than my ST ballondor Vini. Momentum Dribbling apparently raises your dribbling and pace stats, but I still invested points in dribbling because it really improves his first touch on counters and creating from difficult angles. His normal double touch has been smooth and having sole control built-in only improves his on-the-ball feel. I haven't given Special DT yet because I'm liking how quick the normal DT is for opening up space for shots and passes (Special DT feels better for getting past players imo)

Movement and Finishing - his lower kicking power doesn't make him as reliable as Jude/Gerrard/Sheva etc from distance, but that's almost a last resort anyway. Using the momentum dribbling in the box and his pace on counters is more to your advantage. His finishing is good enough at 86, just make sure to try controlled shots into bottom corner than just power down the middle. Curlers work better inside the box.

His Movement - many were disappointed bc he is a Creative Playmaker instead of Hole Player. I was fine with that because I was used to 2015 Messi, Sneijder and Guti. For some reason though, this Kaká makes way more runs forward than guys like England Pack Bellingham or Pack Griezmann. I placed him as a SS between my two CFs (see last pic) and he often makes a line-breaking run off a pass from either Mbappe and Suarez. He's been as good as either of them in that department. It's making me think that higher top speed could be better if you're gonna catch through balls - bc many Rumme cards are like that and he's arguably the best at that playstyle.

Passing - Good. Adding outside curler is absolutely necessary tho. Having pass at 90 feels just perfect enough and he'll make most passes work on the counter and in possession. The key for him feels like settinf up the right angles and body positions for a pass and a teammate to make a run. So you dribble and hold off the defenders while your players run, and Kaká can open up a good angle for a pass using his close control, skill moves and physicality. Guys like CP Xavi often has to compensate with higher passing stats because he can't use his body or dribbling as well as Kaká (especially in the current PC meta)

Skills: MUST ADD: - Long Range Shooting (idk how they didn't have this built-in) - Outside Curler - Fighting Spirit (compensate low stamina and finishing in late game)

Optional: - Flip Flap - if you want special DT and also want him playing in the wings - Heel Trick - for creative backheel passes on the counter or finishing - Pinpoint Crossing - if you like to cross and will use him in the wings (activated playstyle). This helps massively as his lofted pass is not that high - Cut Behind & Turn - for faster shot feints (I didn't add bc my connection is not fast enough to utilize feints consistently) - Acrobatic Finishing - If he's gonna be your Main SS and a primary goalscorer - Super-sub - if you have players you like more and want to use his pace against tired defenders late in the game - Aerial Superiority - If you like to cross and he's your AMF. Jump stats are bad but his height is good, this could help him win some aerial duels if needed.

Overall: I think he's the best SS i've ever used. He scores goals like a CF and creates like an AMF. Using him as SS allows him to be more forward and less reserved even with Creative Playmaker being activated. He's been worth the wait - a tall, strong, blazingly fast yet silky AMF that can dribble through, around and against stronger defenders with options to either shoot or pass with ease is just amazing. He's like Bellingham and Neymar combined for me. Works perfectly between two fast CFs with decent link-up play in either possession game or LBC. Haven't tried him at QC but I think stamina will be a problem due to the pressing.