Vidic, Essien, or Zambrotta? Who to Take the Base Icon Matchday Pick in FC 26

EA has released a impactful Icon SBCs of FC 26 so far: the Base Icon Matchday Player Pick. This SBC lets you select one of three legendary players: Nemanja Vidic, Michael Essien, or Gianluca Zambrotta. While the choice may seem simple, each card serves a very different role in a squad. The key question isn't just "Who is the best?", it's "Who fits your team best?"

In the sections below, we break down the SBC requirements and explore each player's strengths, weaknesses, and ideal squad roles.

Base Icon Matchday Pick SBC Cost & How to Complete

The SBC costs around 350k–360k FUT coins depending on platform and market swings. It remains available for two weeks, so there's no need to rush.

You'll submit:

• 84-rated squad with a TOTW player
• 85-rated squad
• Two 86-rated squads
• Two 87-rated squads

Given the cost, it's best to build gradually with upgrade packs, Squad Battles rewards, or Weekend League picks. Since the final choice will shape your squad's core, evaluate your lineup before committing.

If you want to complete the SBC efficiently, some players use reliable coin platforms like M8X (formerly FIFACOIN) to quickly gather coins, which saves time on the market while still allowing you to enjoy Pogba in-game impact.

With that in mind, let's look at how each icon performs and where they fit best.

Icon 87 Nemanja Vidic (CB)

If consistency and defensive dominance are your priorities, Vidic stands out.

Pros:

• Bruiser Plus: Excellent physical presence, dominates shoulder-to-shoulder duels.
• Jockey & Block: Strong defensive playstyles, helps him perform above stats.
• High Composure & Reactions: 85 composure and 82 reactions make him reliable in-game.
• Meta-Relevant: Performs better than many promo or cheaper CBs due to icon status.

Cons:

• Missing Anticipate & Intercept: Slightly weaker in reading the game and interceptions.
• No Defender Role: Doesn't have a defender player role, which limits synergy in advanced squads.

Best Fit: Teams needing a dominant, no-risk defensive anchor

Chem Style: Anchor

Most meta and reliable CB option in this SBC. Highly recommended if you need a center back.

Icon 86 Michael Essien (CDM)

Essien offers balance, work rate, and physical presence in midfield.

Pros:

• Incisive/Holding or Box-to-Box: Versatile; can function as holding CDM or box-to-box CM.
• Strong Defensive Presence: Good tackling and defensive stats for midfield control.
• Decent Playstyle Options: Holding Plus or Box-to-Box Plus depending on team need.

Cons:

• No Tiki Taka or Pinged Pass: Less effective in current passing/meta requirements.
• No Intercept: Missing key defensive ability if played as pure holding CDM.
• 64 Finishing: Low scoring potential if used as box-to-box midfielder in attacking positions.

Best Fit: Teams lacking a strong ball-winning midfielder

Chem Styles:

• CDM: Anchor
• Box-to-Box CM: Shadow

Very good mid, especially if you need a versatile CDM or central mid, but lacks some crucial playstyles for meta midfield.

Icon 86 RB Gianluca Zambrotta (RB)

Zambrotta's value lies in reliability and squad flexibility.

Pros:

• Fullback Role & Relentless Plus: Fullback role makes him highly effective; stamina and work rate excellent.
• Multi-Position: Can play both right and left side; Wing Back Plus is a bonus.
• Good Playstyles: Relentless Plus and Block are strong for defensive runs; performs well in meta formations.
• 5★ Weak Foot & 86 Stamina: Reliable on overlapping runs and long sprints.

Cons:

• Missing Anticipate: Slightly weaker in defensive prediction.
• No Bruiser or Additional Defensive Playstyles: Might lose some shoulder-to-shoulder duels against strong attackers.

Best Fit: Teams with strong CBs but weak fullback play

Chem Style: Anchor

Extremely reliable and versatile fullback. Ideal if you need a strong RB/FB; slightly less impactful in pure defensive duels compared to Vidic.

Who Should You Pick?

This pick ultimately depends on your squad needs:

• Dominant CB: Vidic.
• Ball-winning midfield presence: Essien
• Fullback to upgrades defensive shape: Zambrotta

General ranking if all three fits your squad:

Vidic > Zambrotta > Essien

Vidic offers the biggest immediate upgrade, Zambrotta adds structure and flexibility, and Essien shines if your midfield specifically requires his skill set. Each player brings unique strengths, so squad context is the key factor in deciding the right icon. Picking wisely can strengthen your team immediately and set it up for future SBCs, Hero upgrades, and other FC 26 events.