The Winter Wildcards event has truly shaken up my Ultimate Team experience in EA Sports FC 25. Among all the new content, the introduction of the Winter Wingback I Evolution was a game-changer for me. As someone who loves building from the back, this Evolution presented an incredible opportunity to transform my right flank. The promise of boosting overall statistics, unlocking two new PlayStyles, and integrating the powerful Wingback Roles++ had me immediately scouring my club for the perfect candidate. Of course, the requirements were strict—players needed a maximum overall of 85, a pace cap of 93, no more than eight PlayStyles, and only a single Roles++. After hours of testing and analysis, I've compiled my personal journey and the top contenders that can truly dominate that right-back position after their evolution.
🥇 1. Kyle Walker: The Undisputed Apex Predator
For me, Kyle Walker is the pinnacle choice for this Evolution. His base card, already a staple in many squads, becomes an absolute monster. His journey from an 84 to an 86 overall rating is transformative. Post-evolution, his key stats are a nightmare for any winger: 90 pace, 85 physicality, 84 dribbling, 84 defending, and solid passing. His experience and trophy-winning pedigree with Manchester City translate into a virtual presence that feels both rock-solid defensively and explosively supportive in attack. If you have his card, this Evolution is a non-negotiable upgrade.
🥈 2. Jeremie Frimpong: The Hyper-Offensive Jet
If your tactical blueprint demands a right-back who acts as a relentless winger, then Jeremie Frimpong is your man. His base card honors his phenomenal, title-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen. The Evolution unleashes his full potential, skyrocketing his pace to a blistering 93 and his dribbling to 86. With 83 passing and defending, he becomes the ultimate weapon for overwhelming opponents on the counter. He perfectly embodies the modern, attack-minded wingback role this Evolution promotes.
🥉 3. Giovanni Di Lorenzo: The Serie A Stalwart
As the captain of Napoli, Giovanni Di Lorenzo brings leadership and consistency. His Inform card is a wonderful, well-rounded choice for this upgrade. Evolving him to an 86-rated card yields a fantastic balance: 90 pace, 85 physicality, and 84 defending. He's the reliable, no-nonsense defender who can also join the attack effectively. For Serie A-themed squads or those seeking defensive solidity, he's an exceptional pick.
4. Denzel Dumfries: The Physical Powerhouse
Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries is a personal favorite of mine for his sheer physical dominance. His Inform card, earned through stellar 2024/2025 performances, is a perfect Evolution candidate. The upgraded version is a brute force on the flank, boasting a staggering 89 physical stat alongside 90 pace and 84 defending. He feels like an unstoppable freight train, capable of bullying wingers and powering through defenses. If you value strength and stamina, look no further.
5. Julian Ryerson: The Bundesliga Revelation
Julian Ryerson's Thunderstruck card was a surprise package for me. His breakout 2024/2025 season with Borussia Dortmund is perfectly captured in this well-balanced item. The Evolution refines him into a top-tier 86-rated full-back with excellent all-around numbers: 90 pace, 86 physical, 85 defending, and 84 dribbling. He's the definition of a complete wingback, contributing meaningfully in every phase of play without any glaring weaknesses.
6. Achraf Hakimi: The Pace Merchant
For pure, unadulterated speed, Achraf Hakimi remains a top contender. His base card is a classic, and the Evolution amplifies his greatest strength, pushing his pace to 91. The rest of his stats receive a nice boost to 85 physical, 84 dribbling, and 83 in both defending and passing. He is the archetypal offensive right-back, perfect for those who prioritize rapid overlaps and creating width in the blink of an eye.
7. Marcos Llorente: The Versatile Gem
Marcos Llorente offers something unique: incredible versatility. While his primary position is RM, his secondary position at RB makes him eligible and a wonderfully creative choice. Evolving him turns him into a multifaceted 86-rated weapon with 90 pace, 85 physical, and 84 in both dribbling and defending. Whether you deploy him as an advanced wingback or an orthodox right midfielder, the boosted stats make him a joyfully adaptable asset in any formation.
My Final Thoughts and Evolution Strategy
Choosing the right player for the Winter Wingback I Evolution ultimately depends on your squad's needs and your playstyle. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:
| Player | Key Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Walker | Defensive Rock & Pace | Balanced, meta squads |
| Jeremie Frimpong | Extreme Pace & Dribbling | Hyper-offensive tactics |
| Giovanni Di Lorenzo | Leadership & Balance | Serie A / Defensive stability |
| Denzel Dumfries | Elite Physicality | Dominating the flank physically |
| Julian Ryerson | All-Round Excellence | Well-rounded, versatile squads |
| Achraf Hakimi | Pure Speed | Overload and counter-attack strategies |
| Marcos Llorente | Positional Flexibility | Hybrid formations and tactical creativity |
For me, evolving Kyle Walker was the definitive choice to shore up my defense. However, the beauty of this Evolution is that there is no single wrong answer. Each of these seven players becomes a significantly enhanced weapon, ready to patrol your right flank with newfound authority. The Winter Wingback I Evolution isn't just a stat boost; it's a chance to redefine a crucial position in your Ultimate Team and play the beautiful game the way it's meant to be played in 2026. Good luck with your choice!
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