In every FIFA-era Ultimate Team game and now in FC 25, few cards strike fear into players the way Ruud Gullit does. His Icon card has been a staple for years, and in FC 25, he's as infuriating to play against as ever. With elite positioning, absurd physicality, and the ability to intercept almost anything in the middle of the pitch, Gullit dominates midfield battles like no other. Many players describe facing Gullit as a nightmare because he shuts down passing lanes and controls tempo with ease.

FC 25: How to Counter and Use the Gullit Card

If you've ever found yourself frustrated that every through ball gets gobbled up by Gullit, you're not alone. But the good news is: Gullit, like every card in FC25, can be countered. Even better, if you manage to unlock or buy him yourself, he can become one of the most game-changing assets in your squad.

This guide covers everything you need to know: why Gullit is so dominant, how to use him effectively, and the smartest strategies to counter him when he's standing between you and goal.

1. What Makes Gullit So Strong in FC25?

Gullit's strength lies in the perfect blend of stats that make him incredibly versatile. While other midfielders excel in one or two areas, Gullit is elite across the board:

Positioning & Awareness: His AI is coded to read passing lanes better than almost anyone. This makes him always seem "in the right place."

Physical Dominance: Strong, tall, and with great balance—he wins duels in midfield almost effortlessly.

Interceptions: High defensive awareness plus long legs means he often pokes the ball away even when you think you've passed around him.

Versatility: He can operate as a CDM, CM, CAM, or even striker depending on your tactics.

Icon Chemistry: Links easily with any other player, giving him maximum flexibility in squad building.

Together, these traits create the "Gullit problem": he isn't just good at one thing—he's good at everything.

2. How to Unlock or Obtain Gullit

There are typically three ways to get Gullit in FC25:

Transfer Market: The most straightforward but also the most expensive method. Gullit is usually one of the highest-priced Icons, often costing millions of FC 25 coins early in the cycle.

Icon Packs or SBCs: EA frequently releases Icon Select packs, upgrade SBCs, or special objectives that may reward Gullit. The odds are slim, but it's possible.

Special Events: In some FUT campaigns (such as Icons Evolution, Prime Icons release waves, or FUT Birthday events), Gullit may appear in themed packs or special objectives.

Because of his high demand, securing Gullit usually requires either incredible pack luck or a massive investment of coins.

3. How to Use Gullit Effectively

Once you have Gullit, you want to maximize his impact. Here are the best ways to deploy him:

3.1 Best Positions

CM in a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3: His all-around ability shines here. He intercepts, carries forward, and contributes in attack.

CDM in a Double Pivot: Partner him with a more defensively minded midfielder to give him license to roam.

CAM in a 4-2-3-1: His passing and long shots make him dangerous higher up the pitch.

ST in Emergencies: Don't underestimate Gullit as a striker—his finishing and aerial ability make him a threat.

3.2 Best Instructions

Balanced Attack, Cover Center: Keeps him involved in both defense and attack.

Stay Back (if CDM): To maximize interceptions.

Get Forward (if CM/CAM): To use his shooting power in the final third.

3.3 Playstyle With Gullit

Box-to-Box Engine: He excels in transition. Let him collect the ball deep, drive forward, and distribute.

Aerial Dominance: His heading stats mean he wins defensive and attacking headers.

Interception King: Use manual jockeying to cut lanes—his AI will do most of the work, but controlled positioning makes him unstoppable.

4. Why Playing Against Gullit Feels Impossible

Many players get frustrated because Gullit creates a psychological block:

He covers so much space that you start forcing bad passes.

Even simple ground passes feel unsafe when Gullit is nearby.

He wins physical battles, making dribbling around him a chore.

He links easily with elite cards (like R9, Zidane, or Mbappé), so the whole squad becomes overpowered.

But remember: Gullit isn't invincible. He has weaknesses you can exploit.

5. How to Counter Gullit

Here's the section most players are desperate for—how do you actually deal with Gullit when he's ruining your midfield?

5.1 Avoid the Central Midfield Trap

The worst thing you can do is repeatedly force play through the middle. Instead:

Attack the wings more often. Gullit's AI thrives in central lanes, so wide play reduces his influence.

Use overlapping full-backs to stretch his positioning.

5.2 Use Quick One-Twos

Gullit is great at reading single passes, but quick one-touch combinations can bypass him. For example:

Pass to your CAM, instantly lay off to your striker making a run.

By the time Gullit reacts, you've already slipped past.

5.3 Exploit His Recovery Speed

While Gullit is strong and smart, he isn't the fastest sprinter compared to meta CDMs like Kanté. If you can pull him out of position, you can exploit the space behind him.

5.4 Skill Moves and Agile Dribblers

Big midfielders struggle against:

Agile dribblers (Messi, Bernardo Silva, Musiala)

5-star skillers (Neymar, Vinicius Jr.)

If Gullit lunges for a tackle, a quick ball roll, elastico, or drag back can beat him.

5.5 Playmakers That Out-Pass Him

Players like Kevin De Bruyne, Zidane, or Modrić can ping pinpoint through balls that Gullit can't quite reach. Timing is everything—bait him forward, then thread the needle.

5.6 Mental Patience

Don't let Gullit intimidate you. Many opponents crumble because they panic whenever Gullit presses. Stay calm, recycle possession, and wait for your chance.

6. Best Counters to Pair Against Gullit

If you want players in your squad who specifically reduce Gullit's effectiveness, here are strong picks:

N'Golo Kanté (Icon or TOTY versions): Quick, relentless, and hard for Gullit to shrug off.

Federico Valverde: Pace and stamina let him keep up when Gullit drives forward.

Pedri / Musiala: Agile CMs who dribble around big midfielders.

Vieira (Icon): If you can't beat him, match him with another midfield titan.

7. Gullit vs Other Top Midfielders

To understand why Gullit stands out, here's how he compares to other elite mids:

Vieira: Better pure defender, but worse attacking output.

Zidane: More creative, but lacks Gullit's defensive bite.

Kanté: Faster and more energetic, but less physically dominant.

Yaya Touré (Hero/Icon): Comparable presence, but Gullit has better all-around stats.

In short: Gullit is the best all-rounder, which is why he feels so overwhelming.

8. Mindset When Facing Gullit

Sometimes, the biggest hurdle isn't mechanical—it's psychological. Many players tilt the moment they see Gullit in their opponent's lineup. Here are tips to stay composed:

Respect, Don't Fear: Acknowledge his strength, but don't avoid playing your game.

Stick to Your Plan: Don't change your whole style just to avoid him.

Exploit His User: Remember, Gullit is only as strong as the person controlling him. A poor player won't use him effectively.

Patience Wins: Against Gullit-heavy teams, build slowly and look for wide openings.

9. Building Around Gullit If You Own Him

If you're lucky enough to have Gullit, here are ways to maximize his value:

Pair with a Pure Destroyer (Vieira, Casemiro, or Kanté): Lets Gullit focus more on attack.

Link with Attack-Minded Icons: Gullit + Zidane creates an unstoppable midfield combo.

Use Wide Playmakers: Having wingers like Mbappé or Vinicius Jr. stretches defenses, giving Gullit space to drive forward.

10. Final Thoughts

The Gullit card in FC25 is infamous for good reason—he dominates the midfield like no one else. His positioning and interceptions feel almost unfair, and most players dread facing him. But while he's strong, he isn't unbeatable. With smart play, patience, and the right counters, you can minimize his impact and even use his aggressive positioning against him.

On the flip side, if you're lucky enough to own Gullit, you gain a weapon that can single-handedly shift games. He'll intercept everything, control tempo, and even score goals when needed. Whether you're trying to survive against him or dominate with him, understanding Gullit is essential for success in FC25.

Bottom line: Gullit is the ultimate midfield disruptor—but with the right tactics, you can beat him at his own game.

MMOPTK FC 25 Team