2 hours ago
Another day in EA FC 26 means another new Evolution-and this time, it's a big one. The Protect the Wings Evo has landed, and players across the community are turning their attention to none other than Marcos Llorente, one of the most versatile and beloved cards in the series. With FC 26 introducing even more variety in play styles and tactical identity, an upgrade path for a hybrid midfielder–fullback like Llorente was only a matter of time.
But with a 30,000-coin entry fee and a base card currently sitting around 20,000 coins, players are asking: Is this evolution actually worth the 50k investment? Today, we break down everything-from stats, upgrades, play style changes, and in-game performance-to help you decide.
The Basics: Cost, Requirements, and First Impressions FC 26 Coins
The Protect the Wings Evo costs 30,000 coins, which puts it on the pricier end of this season's paid Evolutions. The Llorente base card itself sits around 20,000 coins, meaning a completed version will run you roughly 50,000 coins total.
For many players, that's immediately appealing-especially when you consider that Llorente's Inform card, released earlier in the game cycle, sits around 400,000 coins. Even after dropping 100k following the Evo's release, that Inform remains leagues above the average budget for most squads.
That gap alone makes the Evolution tempting. While the Inform may still boast slightly better overall stats, Evo Llorente offers something the IF version doesn't: a massive defensive boost and a crucial PlayStyle+ that makes him a legitimate meta fullback or box-to-box weapon.
Stat Upgrades: What Changes?
Once evolved, Llorente becomes an 86-rated player with a surprising number of upgrades. The most notable include:
+5 to Defending
+2 to Passing
+1 to Dribbling
+1 to Physical
New PlayStyles, including Jockey
Slide Tackle PlayStyle+
He also gains a handful of additional player roles, including one massively underrated addition:
Fullback Player Role+
This is arguably the most impactful new trait he receives. It unlocks AI behavior normally reserved for elite-tier left and right backs, such as:
Smarter positioning during transitions
More dynamic reaction to overlapping runs
Better awareness when tracking wide attackers
If you plan to run him as a right back or inverted fullback, this upgrade alone is worth the 30k.
The PlayStyle+ Debate: Slide Tackle vs. Intercept
The biggest talking point around this Evo is undoubtedly the assigned Slide Tackle PlayStyle+. While it isn't useless, it's also nowhere near as valuable as Intercept+, Block+, or even Long Ball+ for midfielders.
But here's the workaround that many players are already taking advantage of:
You can apply Intercept+ from the Season Pass BEFORE evolving.
This means:
You skip the Slide Tackle+ entirely
You get a top-tier defensive PlayStyle+
And the Evo proceeds normally
If you have Intercept+ unlocked, apply it before starting the Evolution. This transforms the card from "good" into "elite."
Work Rates, Body Type, and Position Versatility
One of the biggest reasons Llorente is always a fan favorite is his versatility. After the Evo, he can play:
Right Back (RB)
Right Mid (RM)
Center Mid (CM)
Left Back (LB)
With Controlled acceleration, 4★ weak foot, and a body type that naturally feels agile, he transitions seamlessly between defensive and midfield roles. Whether you want a stay-back fullback, an overlapping runner, or a high-energy CM, he fits.
Chem Style Recommendation: Anchor
The best chem style for Evo Llorente is clear:
Anchor
With Anchor applied, he reaches:
92 Pace
87 Defending
87 Physical
Combined with Jockey PlayStyle+, Rapid, Quick Step, and Relentless, he becomes one of the most responsive and oppressive defensive players in this Evo cycle.
In-Game Testing: Llorente at Right Back
In the first gameplay test, the focus was to use him as a traditional right back-one who could overlap when needed but primarily defend against fast wide attackers.
Key Observations:
Elite recovery speed
Quick Step + Rapid make him exceptionally fast when closing down space.
Jockey PlayStyle+ is a game changer
He reacts instantly when manually defending. His sprint jockeying feels smooth, sticky, and precise.
Aerial ability is surprisingly good
Despite not being tall, he challenged crosses effectively.
Slide Tackle+ is actually usable
While it's not the best PlayStyle+, his tackles were clean, aggressive, and often resulted in instant turnovers.
Passing out of the back is better than expected
Even without elite Passing PlayStyles, he consistently produced accurate diagonals and through balls.
This makes him ideal for both defensive and transitional phases, especially for players who rely on quick counterattacks.In-Game Testing: Llorente as a Center Mid
In the second test, Llorente was moved to a box-to-box CM role. Here's where things really clicked.
What stood out:
His off-ball movement is excellent
He constantly creates passing lanes or runs into space.
Tackling remains elite
He breaks up play effortlessly and feels fast when closing down ball carriers.
Passing surprised again
Timely through balls, quick layoffs, and even long passes all felt reliable.
Shooting is hit or miss
His power shots carry a lot of dip, but standard finishing is inconsistent.
He's always involved
With Relentless, he hardly loses stamina. He's active in press, counterpress, build-up, and recovery.
As a CM, his biggest limitations are:
3★ skill moves
Lack of top-tier passing PlayStyles
But if you have Intercept+, he becomes a genuinely elite two-way midfielder.
Comparing Evo Llorente to His Inform
The Inform still has:
Slightly better stats across most categories
More refined offensive output
Natural superiority in long-term meta play
But Evo Llorente has:
Better defending
Jockey PlayStyle
A crucial Player Role+ for fullback usage
Way better value at 50k compared to 400k
Unless you're sitting on millions of coins, the Evo is the obvious choice.
Final Verdict: Is the Protect the Wings Evo Worth It?
Absolutely-especially if you apply Intercept+ first.
For just 30,000 coins (on top of his 20k base card), you're getting:
A fully meta right back
A usable box-to-box CM
A versatile Swiss-army-knife player
Top-tier defensive responsiveness
Multiple viable roles depending on chem style and tactics
An upgraded card comparable to a 400k Inform version
Recommended Roles Based on PlayStyle+: buy FIFA 26 Coins
With Slide Tackle+: Use him at RB or LB
With Intercept+: Use him at CM or RM
Conclusion
Marcos Llorente's Protect the Wings Evolution is one of the best value upgrades in EA FC 26 so far. Whether you're looking to tighten up your defense, add energy to midfield, or simply want a reliable hybrid card, he delivers in almost every category. For just 30k, you're getting a player who genuinely feels meta and can carry multiple roles without needing future replacements.
But with a 30,000-coin entry fee and a base card currently sitting around 20,000 coins, players are asking: Is this evolution actually worth the 50k investment? Today, we break down everything-from stats, upgrades, play style changes, and in-game performance-to help you decide.
The Basics: Cost, Requirements, and First Impressions FC 26 Coins
The Protect the Wings Evo costs 30,000 coins, which puts it on the pricier end of this season's paid Evolutions. The Llorente base card itself sits around 20,000 coins, meaning a completed version will run you roughly 50,000 coins total.
For many players, that's immediately appealing-especially when you consider that Llorente's Inform card, released earlier in the game cycle, sits around 400,000 coins. Even after dropping 100k following the Evo's release, that Inform remains leagues above the average budget for most squads.
That gap alone makes the Evolution tempting. While the Inform may still boast slightly better overall stats, Evo Llorente offers something the IF version doesn't: a massive defensive boost and a crucial PlayStyle+ that makes him a legitimate meta fullback or box-to-box weapon.
Stat Upgrades: What Changes?
Once evolved, Llorente becomes an 86-rated player with a surprising number of upgrades. The most notable include:
+5 to Defending
+2 to Passing
+1 to Dribbling
+1 to Physical
New PlayStyles, including Jockey
Slide Tackle PlayStyle+
He also gains a handful of additional player roles, including one massively underrated addition:
Fullback Player Role+
This is arguably the most impactful new trait he receives. It unlocks AI behavior normally reserved for elite-tier left and right backs, such as:
Smarter positioning during transitions
More dynamic reaction to overlapping runs
Better awareness when tracking wide attackers
If you plan to run him as a right back or inverted fullback, this upgrade alone is worth the 30k.
The PlayStyle+ Debate: Slide Tackle vs. Intercept
The biggest talking point around this Evo is undoubtedly the assigned Slide Tackle PlayStyle+. While it isn't useless, it's also nowhere near as valuable as Intercept+, Block+, or even Long Ball+ for midfielders.
But here's the workaround that many players are already taking advantage of:
You can apply Intercept+ from the Season Pass BEFORE evolving.
This means:
You skip the Slide Tackle+ entirely
You get a top-tier defensive PlayStyle+
And the Evo proceeds normally
If you have Intercept+ unlocked, apply it before starting the Evolution. This transforms the card from "good" into "elite."
Work Rates, Body Type, and Position Versatility
One of the biggest reasons Llorente is always a fan favorite is his versatility. After the Evo, he can play:
Right Back (RB)
Right Mid (RM)
Center Mid (CM)
Left Back (LB)
With Controlled acceleration, 4★ weak foot, and a body type that naturally feels agile, he transitions seamlessly between defensive and midfield roles. Whether you want a stay-back fullback, an overlapping runner, or a high-energy CM, he fits.
Chem Style Recommendation: Anchor
The best chem style for Evo Llorente is clear:
Anchor
With Anchor applied, he reaches:
92 Pace
87 Defending
87 Physical
Combined with Jockey PlayStyle+, Rapid, Quick Step, and Relentless, he becomes one of the most responsive and oppressive defensive players in this Evo cycle.
In-Game Testing: Llorente at Right Back
In the first gameplay test, the focus was to use him as a traditional right back-one who could overlap when needed but primarily defend against fast wide attackers.
Key Observations:
Elite recovery speed
Quick Step + Rapid make him exceptionally fast when closing down space.
Jockey PlayStyle+ is a game changer
He reacts instantly when manually defending. His sprint jockeying feels smooth, sticky, and precise.
Aerial ability is surprisingly good
Despite not being tall, he challenged crosses effectively.
Slide Tackle+ is actually usable
While it's not the best PlayStyle+, his tackles were clean, aggressive, and often resulted in instant turnovers.
Passing out of the back is better than expected
Even without elite Passing PlayStyles, he consistently produced accurate diagonals and through balls.
This makes him ideal for both defensive and transitional phases, especially for players who rely on quick counterattacks.In-Game Testing: Llorente as a Center Mid
In the second test, Llorente was moved to a box-to-box CM role. Here's where things really clicked.
What stood out:
His off-ball movement is excellent
He constantly creates passing lanes or runs into space.
Tackling remains elite
He breaks up play effortlessly and feels fast when closing down ball carriers.
Passing surprised again
Timely through balls, quick layoffs, and even long passes all felt reliable.
Shooting is hit or miss
His power shots carry a lot of dip, but standard finishing is inconsistent.
He's always involved
With Relentless, he hardly loses stamina. He's active in press, counterpress, build-up, and recovery.
As a CM, his biggest limitations are:
3★ skill moves
Lack of top-tier passing PlayStyles
But if you have Intercept+, he becomes a genuinely elite two-way midfielder.
Comparing Evo Llorente to His Inform
The Inform still has:
Slightly better stats across most categories
More refined offensive output
Natural superiority in long-term meta play
But Evo Llorente has:
Better defending
Jockey PlayStyle
A crucial Player Role+ for fullback usage
Way better value at 50k compared to 400k
Unless you're sitting on millions of coins, the Evo is the obvious choice.
Final Verdict: Is the Protect the Wings Evo Worth It?
Absolutely-especially if you apply Intercept+ first.
For just 30,000 coins (on top of his 20k base card), you're getting:
A fully meta right back
A usable box-to-box CM
A versatile Swiss-army-knife player
Top-tier defensive responsiveness
Multiple viable roles depending on chem style and tactics
An upgraded card comparable to a 400k Inform version
Recommended Roles Based on PlayStyle+: buy FIFA 26 Coins
With Slide Tackle+: Use him at RB or LB
With Intercept+: Use him at CM or RM
Conclusion
Marcos Llorente's Protect the Wings Evolution is one of the best value upgrades in EA FC 26 so far. Whether you're looking to tighten up your defense, add energy to midfield, or simply want a reliable hybrid card, he delivers in almost every category. For just 30k, you're getting a player who genuinely feels meta and can carry multiple roles without needing future replacements.