Remember when Alexandre Pato was the shit in FIFA? A stunning Alexandre Pato free kick against Shanghai SIPG reminded us just how good he used to be.
Back at the turn of the decade, AC Milan was a powerhouse in FIFA. Alessandro Nesta and Thiago Silva at center back, the speedy Ignazio Abate at right back, a midfield of Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Gennaro Gattuso and Kevin-Prince Boateng and a forward line of Zlatan Ibrahimović and Alexandre Pato. It was nuts.
Back then, Pato was rated in the upper 80s, with pace, dribbling and finishing all near 90, even though he never scored more than 20 goals in a European campaign. He was a menace to play against, especially with the surrounding talent (including the speedy Robinho).
But after three good seasons in Milan, injuries took a toll and Pato never really lived up to his potential. He moved back to Brazil with Corinthians and São Paulo and failed in short stints at Chelsea and Villarreal.
Now the 28-year-old Brazilian striker is in his second season in China, playing for Tianjin Quanjian. He scored 17 goals in 2017 and this brilliantly curved Alexandre Pato free kick from Wednesday shows he’s still got a bit of that FIFA form in him.
What a beauty. Who says curves aren’t sexy?
The goal (and camera angle) is almost reminiscent of the famous Roberto Carlos free kick against France in 1997. That Brazilian’s goal, however, was more impressive as he struck it with the outside of his left foot. This Alexandre Pato free kick goal was curled in with the inside of his boot, an easier skill to master.
Unfortunately for Tianjin Quanjian, the Alexandre Pato free kick was the lone bright spot in the match. It equalized at 1-1 in the 27th minute, but Shanghai SIPG scored three more for a 4-1 victory.
All five goals in the match were scored by Brazilians as Elkeson opened the scoring, Hulk scored the winner and Oscar added a second-half brace.
The18 Recommends For You
