EA Sports FC 25 continues to shake up the Ultimate Team meta with every promo, and the latest buzz is all about the Shapeshifter Baressi card. This iconic defensive midfielder has always been a rock in midfield, known for his tenacity, tactical intelligence, and ability to break up opposition attacks. But the Shapeshifter version takes Baressi's skill set to EA FC 25 Coins an entirely new level — with position changes, upgraded stats, and new traits that have made him a favorite among both casual players and competitive FUT Champions grinders.

In this review, we'll break down everything you need to know about Shapeshifter Baressi: his in-game stats, gameplay impact, best formations, chemistry links, and whether he deserves a spot in your Ultimate Team.

Who Is Baressi? A Quick Background
Giacomo Baressi is an Italian football legend, best known for his role as a stalwart defensive midfielder during his career. Renowned for his reading of the game, ball-winning prowess, and calm composure, Baressi has always been an ideal anchor in midfield. EA FC 25 celebrates his legacy with multiple versions, but the Shapeshifter card stands out due to its unique position switch and boosted attributes.

What Is a Shapeshifter Card in EA FC 25?
Shapeshifter cards are special promo cards that alter a player's primary position to unlock new tactical options and often come with significant stat boosts. In Baressi's case, the Shapeshifter upgrade moves him from a traditional CDM (Central Defensive Midfielder) to a more versatile role — usually CM (Central Midfielder) or even CB (Center Back), depending on squad needs.

This position switch allows Baressi to fit into a wider variety of formations and tactics, making him an incredibly flexible asset.

Stat Breakdown: What Makes Shapeshifter Baressi Special?
Here's a look at Baressi's core stats on his Shapeshifter card (note: stats may vary slightly depending on your platform and any in-game boosts):

Overall Rating: 95

Pace: 82 (Sprint Speed 80, Acceleration 84)

Shooting: 75

Passing: 88

Dribbling: 85

Defending: 94

Physical: 90

What stands out immediately is Baressi's elite defensive stats, with 94 Defending covering interceptions, standing tackle, and marking. His Physicality at 90 makes him tough to muscle off the ball, while his Passing of 88 ensures he can distribute quickly and accurately to start attacking moves.

The pace is solid for a defensive midfielder, allowing him to keep up with fast attackers and recover position when caught out of place.

Gameplay: How Does Shapeshifter Baressi Perform on the Pitch?
In actual gameplay, Shapeshifter Baressi is a midfield general. Here's a breakdown of his key gameplay attributes:

1. Ball Winning and Interceptions
Baressi's anticipation and positioning make him one of the best at reading passes and intercepting them before they become dangerous. His high tackling stats mean he rarely misses challenges and is great for disrupting opponent rhythm.

2. Passing and Distribution
Unlike many defensive midfielders who simply clear the ball, Baressi excels at playing the first pass out of defense. His 88 Passing means he can pick out midfield runners or switch play effectively, turning defense into attack smoothly.

3. Versatility and Positioning
Thanks to his Shapeshifter role, Baressi is comfortable dropping deep as a center back when needed or stepping forward into midfield. This versatility lets you adjust your tactics mid-game without making substitutions.

4. Physical Presence
With 90 Physical and high strength and stamina, Baressi can outmuscle most midfielders and maintain his performance throughout the game. His aggression helps in pressuring the opposition but doesn't make him reckless.

5. Composure Under Pressure
His composure stats ensure that Baressi rarely makes mistakes in crucial moments, maintaining possession and calmness in high-pressure situations like counters or build-up play.

Best Formations to Use Shapeshifter Baressi
Baressi thrives in formations that rely on a strong midfield anchor and build-up play from the back. Some of the best formations include:

4-3-3 (Holding): Perfect for Baressi to play as the CDM, breaking up attacks and distributing to wingers and midfielders.

4-2-3-1 (Double Pivot): Pair Baressi with another midfielder to share defensive duties and control the tempo.

3-5-2: Utilize Baressi as a deep-lying playmaker who can drop into the backline when defending or step forward to start attacks.

5-3-2: As the central defensive midfielder, Baressi can patrol the midfield while wing-backs provide width.

Chemistry and Link Options
Baressi benefits greatly from strong chemistry links due to his Italian nationality and Serie A club association (depending on the card). He links well with:

Italian teammates: Players like Locatelli, Barella, or Donnarumma for strong nationality links.

Serie A stars: Players from clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus, or AC Milan.

Defensive partners: Other defensive or midfield players who complement his style.

To maximize Baressi's impact, pair him with fast, creative midfielders who can capitalize on his passing and positional play.

Weaknesses and Limitations
No player is perfect, and Shapeshifter Baressi has a few areas where he might struggle:

Not the fastest CDM: While 82 Pace is solid, super-fast attackers might occasionally get past him if you rely too heavily on pace.

Shooting and attacking threat: Baressi isn't known for goals; his shooting stats are average, so don't expect him to score much.

Skill moves: With limited skill moves, Baressi is more suited for simple, effective play rather than flashy dribbling.

How to Best Use Shapeshifter Baressi in Your Ultimate Team
To get the most out of Baressi:

Play him as a ball-winning midfielder: Use his defensive strengths to break up play and launch quick counters.

Distribute quickly: Use one- or two-touch passing to avoid pressure and feed your creative players.

Pair with pace: Surround Baressi with faster teammates who can exploit the space he helps create.

Use tactical instructions: Set Baressi to “Stay Back While Attacking” and “Cover Center” to keep your midfield balanced.

Final Verdict: Is Shapeshifter Baressi Worth It?
Shapeshifter Baressi is a must-have card for players who want a reliable, tactically intelligent midfielder who can both protect the defense and initiate attacks. His versatility and balanced stats make him adaptable to various playstyles and formations.

While he might not be flashy or a prolific goal-scorer, his presence is felt every time he wins the ball or delivers a key pass. If you value solidity, control, and Fut Coins smart positioning, Baressi is one of the best defensive midfielders available in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team.