Hey guys! Ever wanted to have the legendary Thierry Henry tearing it up on your PES 2018 squad? Well, you're in luck! This guide will walk you through creating a realistic and powerful version of the Arsenal icon in PES 2018's edit mode. We'll cover everything from his appearance to his stats, ensuring you get a player that truly reflects Henry's brilliance on the pitch. So, grab your controllers, and let's get started!

    Appearance

    Getting Henry's appearance right is crucial to capturing his unique look. Here's a breakdown of each section:

    Base Copy

    Start by selecting a base player that has a similar build and complexion to Henry. Look for a player with a lean physique and a skin tone that's close to his. Don't worry if it's not perfect; we'll fine-tune it later. The key here is to find a good starting point to minimize the amount of adjustments needed.

    Build

    Henry was known for his athletic and somewhat slender build. Aim for the following settings:

    • Height: Around 188 cm (6'2")
    • Weight: Around 76 kg (168 lbs)
    • Body Type: Adjust the muscle definition and body mass to reflect Henry's prime physical condition. He wasn't overly muscular, but he was definitely toned and agile. You may need to experiment with these settings to get the right balance.

    Hairstyle

    This is a significant part of Henry's look. In his prime at Arsenal, he sported a shaved head or a very short haircut. Here’s how to replicate it:

    • Type: Choose a short, cropped hairstyle. There are several options that could work, so browse through the available styles and pick one that closely resembles Henry's iconic look.
    • Color: Black. Ensure the hair color is a natural black to match his appearance.

    Facial Details

    This is where you'll spend the most time, as it's essential to get the facial features as accurate as possible. Pay close attention to reference photos of Henry from his playing days at Arsenal. You can find a lot of high-quality images online. Here's a detailed guide:

    • Face Shape: Adjust the facial contours to match Henry's distinctive features. This includes the jawline, cheekbones, and forehead. Use the reference photos to guide you, and don't be afraid to make small adjustments until you're satisfied with the overall shape.
    • Eyes: Get the eye shape, size, and positioning correct. Henry had distinctive eyes, so pay attention to the angle and spacing. The color should be a dark brown or black.
    • Nose: The nose is a prominent feature, so take your time to shape it accurately. Look at the bridge, the width, and the tip. Adjust the settings until it closely resembles Henry's nose.
    • Mouth: Adjust the size and shape of the mouth. Henry had a subtle but recognizable mouth shape, so pay attention to the details. Ensure the mouth is neither too wide nor too narrow.
    • Jaw: Define the jawline to give him a strong, athletic look. Adjust the jaw angle and prominence to match Henry's facial structure.

    Skin Color

    Fine-tune the skin tone to match Henry's complexion. Use the color palette to select a shade that closely resembles his skin. It's better to err on the side of slightly darker than lighter, as it's easier to adjust with lighting and shadows in the game.

    Stats

    Henry was a phenomenal player with incredible stats. Here’s a breakdown of the key attributes and how to set them in PES 2018 to reflect his abilities:

    Attacking Prowess

    • Overall Rating: Aim for an overall rating in the high 80s or low 90s to reflect his status as a world-class player.
    • Attack: 95 - Henry was a clinical finisher, so maximize this stat.
    • Finishing: 95 - His ability to score from almost anywhere was legendary.
    • Shot Power: 92 - He could unleash powerful shots with both feet.
    • Shot Accuracy: 90 - Accuracy was key to his goal-scoring record.
    • Heading: 80 - While not his primary strength, he was still decent in the air.

    Dribbling and Speed

    • Dribbling: 94 - Henry's dribbling skills were exceptional, allowing him to glide past defenders.
    • Ball Control: 95 - His first touch was impeccable, enabling him to control the ball in tight spaces.
    • Speed: 96 - He was incredibly fast, especially when running onto through balls.
    • Acceleration: 95 - His ability to quickly burst past defenders was a hallmark of his game.
    • Kicking Power: 92 - Reflects his ability to strike the ball with force and precision.

    Passing and Playmaking

    • Pass Accuracy: 88 - Henry was a capable passer, able to pick out teammates with precision.
    • Pass Speed: 85 - His passes were quick and incisive, creating opportunities for his teammates.
    • Playmaking: 85 - While primarily a goal scorer, he also had the vision to create chances for others.

    Physical and Mental Attributes

    • Balance: 92 - Henry was incredibly difficult to knock off the ball.
    • Stamina: 90 - He had the stamina to run and press throughout the entire match.
    • Aggression: 85 - He played with intensity and determination.
    • Composure: 95 - Henry was known for his cool head in front of goal.
    • Defensive Prowess: 45 - Defending wasn't his strong suit, so keep this low.
    • Tackling: 40 - Again, not a key part of his game.
    • Aerial Ability: 80 - Decent in the air, but not a primary strength.
    • Weak Foot Usage: 75 - Henry was comfortable using both feet.
    • Weak Foot Accuracy: 75 - His weaker foot was still accurate enough to score goals.
    • Condition: 78 - Represents his consistency in maintaining high performance levels.
    • Injury Resistance: 82 - Indicates his resilience to injuries.

    Player Skills

    Assign the following player skills to enhance his abilities:

    • Scissors Feint: Essential for replicating his signature move.
    • Double Touch: Adds to his dribbling repertoire.
    • Marseille Turn: Another useful skill for beating defenders.
    • Through Passing: Reflects his ability to play incisive passes.
    • Long Range Drive: Enables him to score from distance.
    • Chip Shot Control: Allows him to score with delicate chips over the goalkeeper.
    • Cut Behind & Turn: Helps him to create space and beat defenders.
    • Heading: Improves his aerial ability.
    • Long Throw: Not essential, but can be a useful addition.

    Playing Style and Abilities

    • Playing Style: Goal Poacher - He was always looking to get in behind the defense and score goals.
    • Free Kick Style: Choose a style that suits his technique. Experiment with different options to find one that looks realistic.
    • Penalty Style: Again, choose a style that matches his penalty-taking technique.
    • Celebration: Select a celebration that reflects his personality and iconic moments.

    Fine-Tuning and Adjustments

    Once you've entered all the stats and appearance details, it's time to fine-tune your creation. Play a few matches with your created Henry and see how he performs. Adjust the stats and settings as needed to achieve the desired level of realism and effectiveness.

    • Appearance: Watch replays of his in-game model and compare it to reference photos. Make small adjustments to the facial features, hairstyle, and build until you're satisfied with the overall look.
    • Stats: Pay attention to his performance in the game. If he's too dominant, slightly reduce his stats. If he's underperforming, increase them accordingly.

    Final Touches

    • Name: Ensure the name is correctly entered as "Thierry Henry."
    • Nationality: French.
    • Preferred Foot: Right.
    • Positions: Centre Forward (CF) is his primary position, but he can also play as a Left Winger (LWF).
    • Team: You can place him in any team you like, but Arsenal is the obvious choice!

    Conclusion

    Creating Thierry Henry in PES 2018 can be a rewarding experience. By following this guide and taking the time to fine-tune the details, you can create a realistic and powerful version of the legendary striker. Enjoy having him lead your team to glory! Remember to experiment and have fun with the edit mode to create the best possible version of Henry. Good luck, and enjoy dominating the pitch with your created legend!