EA Sports has dropped an affordable gem for Ultimate Team players—the Marcus Tavernier Thunderstruck SBC. This 86-rated Bournemouth winger offers exceptional value at approximately 43,000 coins, providing meta-relevant PlayStyles and four-star skill moves that could transform your Premier League squads. Here’s your complete guide to completing this cost-effective SBC and why Tavernier deserves a spot in your starting XI.
Table of Contents
EA FC26 SBC Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Player | Marcus Tavernier (Bournemouth) |
| Overall Rating | 86 |
| Position | LW (Left Winger) |
| Nation | England |
| League | Premier League |
| Skill Moves | 4-star |
| Expected Cost | ~43,000 coins |
| Number of Tasks | 2 (England + Premier League) |
| Key PlayStyles | Low Driven Shot, Pinged Pass, Rapid |
| Promo | Thunderstruck |
Task 1: England Squad Requirements
Requirements:
- England players: Minimum 1
- Team of the Week players: Minimum 1
- Team overall rating: Minimum 84
Cheapest Solution Players:
- Harvey Barnes (TOTW): 84 rated (fulfills TOTW requirement)
- Alexander Sorloth: 84 rated
- Greggi: 84 rated
- Nusken: 84 rated
- Sergej Milinkovic-Savic: 84 rated
- Alex Greenwood: 84 rated (England player option)
- Damaris Egurrola: 84 rated
- Fox: 84 rated
- Hampton: 84 rated
- van de Donk: 83 rated
- Chevalier: 83 rated
Cost-Saving Tip: The TOTW requirement typically increases SBC costs, but the ongoing Thunderstruck promo has flooded the market with affordable special cards. Check prices between Harvey Barnes and other available TOTW players before purchasing.
Task 2: Premier League Squad Requirements
Requirements:
- Premier League players: Minimum 1
- Team overall rating: Minimum 85
Cheapest Solution Players:
- Alexandra Popp: 85 rated
- Foord: 85 rated
- Girelli: 85 rated
- Granit Xhaka: 85 rated
- Giugliano: 85 rated
- Svenja Huth: 85 rated
- Vivianne Miedema: 85 rated
- Kim Little: 85 rated
- Caroline Weir: 85 rated
- Damaris Egurrola: 84 rated
- Cata Coll: 84 rated
Strategy: Many female footballers provide excellent value for rating requirements. Don’t overlook these cards when building your squad—they’re often significantly cheaper than male equivalents at similar ratings.
For official EA FC 26 updates and Squad Building Challenges, visit EA Sports FC.
Why Tavernier Is Worth Completing
At 43,000 coins, Tavernier represents outstanding value for Premier League squad builders. His 86 rating places him among viable meta wingers while remaining affordable compared to alternatives.
Key Strengths:
- Four-Star Skill Moves: Essential for creating space and beating defenders in tight situations
- Low Driven Shot PlayStyle: Increases finishing consistency with low-driven shot technique
- Pinged Pass PlayStyle: Improves long-passing accuracy for quick counterattacks
- Rapid PlayStyle: Boosts acceleration and sprint speed, crucial for beating fullbacks
- Premier League Links: Simplifies chemistry building with popular leagues and nations
- English Nationality: Perfect for England-based hybrid squads
Perfect For:
- Budget Premier League teams
- England national team squads
- Players needing affordable left-wing depth
- Those building hybrid squads with EPL links
Discover more FIFA and EA FC guides at TechnoSports.
Comparison to Market Alternatives
At 43,000 coins, Tavernier undercuts many tradeable left wingers with comparable stats and PlayStyles. His untradeable status might concern some, but the coin savings compared to market alternatives like budget Jack Grealish or lower-rated Son Heung-min versions make this SBC compelling.
Additionally, as an SBC reward, Tavernier can’t suffer market crashes, protecting your investment against future price drops—a significant advantage during volatile promo periods like Thunderstruck.
Completion Tips
- Check Your Club First: Use untradeable duplicates from packs before buying players from the transfer market
- Monitor TOTW Prices: Harvey Barnes might not be the cheapest TOTW when you complete the SBC—compare prices
- Use FUTBIN/FUTWIZ: These database websites offer real-time cheapest solutions as market prices fluctuate
- Complete During Rewards: Thursday evening (after Division Rivals rewards) and Sunday evening (post-Weekend League) often see lower player prices
- Don’t Rush: The SBC likely remains available for several days—patience can save thousands of coins
Stay updated on daily SBC releases at TechnoSports.
The Verdict: Complete or Skip?
Complete if:
- You need an affordable Premier League left winger
- You’re building England or hybrid squads
- You have fodder sitting unused in your club
- You value four-star skills and meta PlayStyles
Skip if:
- You already have elite left-wing options like Son, Rashford, or special cards
- You’re saving coins for upcoming Team of the Year
- You don’t run Premier League or England-based squads
For most players, especially those on budgets or building Premier League teams, Marcus Tavernier Thunderstruck SBC delivers exceptional value. His combination of rating, PlayStyles, and affordability makes him a smart investment for Ultimate Team squads looking to compete without breaking the coin bank.
FAQs
Q1: Is Marcus Tavernier Thunderstruck SBC worth completing for 43,000 coins?
Yes, for most players building Premier League or England squads, Tavernier represents excellent value at 43,000 coins. His 86 rating, four-star skill moves, and meta-relevant PlayStyles (Low Driven Shot, Pinged Pass, Rapid) make him competitive in the current meta. The untradeable nature might concern some, but compared to tradeable left-wing alternatives at similar price points, Tavernier offers better stats and PlayStyles. He’s particularly valuable for budget players needing a reliable left winger without spending 100,000+ coins on premium options like special Son Heung-min cards. If you have untradeable fodder, the effective cost drops even lower.
Q2: How long is the Marcus Tavernier Thunderstruck SBC available?
The article doesn’t specify the exact expiration date, but Thunderstruck promo SBCs typically remain available for 5-7 days from release. EA Sports usually announces SBC expiration timers in-game and on official social channels. Players should check the SBC menu in Ultimate Team for the countdown timer. Given that Thunderstruck is an ongoing promo, Tavernier’s SBC should be available through at least the weekend following its December release. However, to avoid missing out, complete the SBC within 3-4 days of seeing it live. Check EA Sports FC’s official social media or in-game notifications for precise deadlines.