The latest Paul Scholes SBC Review dives into whether this 88-rated English midfielder from the Base Icon Match Day player pick is worth the investment. Costing roughly 100–110K coins, he’s the cheapest option among the three icons — Paul Scholes, Robert Pirès, and Luis Hernández — but does that mean he’s the weakest pick?
Paul Scholes SBC Review – Stats Breakdown and Key Traits
Paul Scholes comes with the Controlled acceleration type, right footed, three-star skill moves, and a four-star weak foot. He can play both CM and CAM, offering some flexibility for creative formations like the 4-5-1 or 4-3-2-1, where he can push slightly forward from midfield.
In terms of numbers:
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Attacking Positioning: 90
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Finishing: 82
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Short Passing: 91
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Long Passing: 92
While his technical stats are strong, his pace and defending (62) limit his effectiveness as a box-to-box midfielder. With low agility and subcategory dribbling, he doesn’t feel particularly smooth on the ball despite his small build. That’s where applying the Engine chemistry style helps — improving balance and responsiveness noticeably.
How to Use Paul Scholes in FC 26
The best way to use Scholes is as an advanced playmaker — not a holding midfielder or deep-lying passer. His Incisive Pass PlayStyle+ is what truly carries the card, allowing him to deliver laser-accurate through balls that can easily split defenses.
Other useful PlayStyles include:
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Chip Shot
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Power Shot
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Long Ball Pass
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Tiki-Taka
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Slide Tackle
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Technical
In-game testing shows his left-stick dribbling feels better than expected, and his four-star weak foot lets him score or pass effectively on either side. He’s not a goal-machine, but his late runs and sharp finishing make him dangerous around the box.
Gameplay Impressions – Division Rivals Performance
In matches, Scholes proved surprisingly effective when used higher up the pitch. His passing vision and attack positioning were standout features. The Incisive Pass+ and Long Ball Pass traits helped create multiple scoring opportunities, particularly when linking up with attackers like Fede López and Hendrick.
However, defensively, his low physical stats and mediocre pace can be exposed. He doesn’t cover ground quickly, and his defensive duels feel weak compared to modern midfielders. His R3 Power Shot attempts showed promise but lacked the finesse finishers like Pedri or Leon Goretzka bring.
Overall, his in-game strengths are:
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Elite short and long passing
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Reliable finishing inside the box
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Smart positioning and off-ball movement
Weaknesses include:
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Average dribbling responsiveness
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Low defensive contribution
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Limited pace in transitions
Comparing Scholes, Pirès, and Hernández in the SBC
Among the three Base Icon Match Day picks:
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Robert Pirès – Best overall choice due to versatility and attacking threat.
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Luis Hernández – Great for pure pace and striking ability.
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Paul Scholes – Solid but overshadowed by better midfielders in FC 26.
With so many competitive midfielders like Eduardo Camavinga, Paul Pogba, Leon Goretzka (Flashback), Pedri, Gavi, and even Frenkie de Jong, Scholes struggles to justify the SBC fodder cost.
Still, for those who enjoy traditional playmakers and want a passing-focused icon, he’s serviceable — just not meta-defining.
