FM23's Hidden Gems: Top 10 Wonderkids

Discover the top 10 hidden gem wonderkids in FM23, flying under the radar and waiting to be unearthed for your club.

Discover the top 10 hidden gem wonderkids in FM23, flying under the radar and waiting to be unearthed for your club, including a free goalkeeper with high potential and a versatile playmaker.

When it comes to wonderkids, the FM community can be a bit repetitive. We’ve all seen the lists that inevitably come out with the new game; we all know how good Endrick, Moukoko, Schjelderup and co. can all become. But what about the unsung heroes? The wonderkids who fly under the radar, for less fashionable clubs or in lower profile leagues? There’s serious value to be had in unearthing these hidden gems and can make you look like a genius to your board. This list is of the top 10 hidden gem wonderkids you might not have heard about, but definitely want in your save.

Nathaniel Nwosu

It’s not often a goalkeeper gets the attention in a wonderkids list, but Nathaniel Nwosu is a special case. A good size for a keeper, with good technical ability, Nwosu is a capable backup keeper already with a very high ceiling. There are two things that make him stand out, though: at only 16, he has plenty of time to reach his potential; and he can be picked up for free at the beginning of the game. That’s right, a keeper with the potential to be one of the best in the world is available for free; what are you waiting for?? You’ll need to work on his communication, but considering everything else, that’s a risk I’m willing to take.

Tobias Gulliksen

Are you looking for a playmaker? The next Kevin De Bruyne, who takes over games and picks a defence-splitting pass for fun? Well, look no further. Tobias Gulliksen has vision, he has passing, he has technique, and he has one of my favourite combinations of player traits: plays one-twos and tries killer balls. A very technically gifted 18-year-old, he can play on either wing or in central midfield and will revel in teeing up your strikers for easy opportunities. I also love his determination and work rate; he’s prepared to do the work to reach the very top of the game.

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Ivan Azon

Playing in the second tier in Spain, Ivan Azon is a remarkable talent for the level he starts the game. At just 19 years old, I love his work rate and his determination; his mental attributes tell me he has an excellent chance of fulfilling his undoubted potential. Decent finishing and heading, complete with impressive physical attributes, make Azon a dangerous goalscorer. He won’t come particularly cheap, you might need to shell out over £5m for him, but with the skills and mentality at his disposal, he’s worth the risk.

Suphanat Mueanta

Also, just 19 years old, Mueanta will be a name familiar to some in the FM community. Playing in Thailand and available for a song, Mueanta is a frightening prospect who already leads the way for the Thai national team. His potential is that of a Premier League player, who could contribute for a top side in the right circumstances, and of course, the added bonus of great exposure for your club in a new market.

READ ALSO: How to Easily Find All the Wonderkids in Football Manager 2023 | FM23 

Libasse Ngom

Senegal have produced a great number of elite talents over the years. The current AFCON champions are blessed with some of the best African players of all time, and Libasse Ngom looks like he has the potential to follow in those footsteps. Tall and fast, with excellent finishing for an 18-year-old, Ngom looks like he could become a dangerous striker for a Premier League side. The best news is he’s available for incredibly cheaply, so he’s very much a low-risk, high-reward signing. A drawback is his lack of strength, but playing as a poacher or an advanced forward, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Oscar Gloukh

Someone who gained a reputation for high performances in FM22, Oscar Gloukh retains his high potential for FM23. Still at Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Gloukh can be picked up for a couple of million and makes an immediate impact as either an MC, an AM, an ST or on either wing. His incredible technical proficiency lends itself to great versatility, so no matter what your tactic is, you’ll have space for Oscar.

READ ALSO: 5 Lesser-Known Wonderkids in Football Manager 2023

Maurice Krattenmacher

Taking a deep dive into the lower leagues of Germany pays off with this slight AM/ST with good creative and goalscoring attributes. Despite only being 16, his passing and vision underline potentially great playmaking, and his flair and technique stand out in a role where he’s constantly under defensive pressure. He also has decent finishing, and I like him as an alternative to Arda Guler. Due to his age, you’ll need to stash him away in your development centre for a few years, but he’s well worth the investment.

Yerson Chacon

When you tell your scout his South American assignment is in Venezuela rather than Brazil, he might wonder why on earth you’re sending him to a country who are ranked 55th in the world and have never appeared at the world cup looking for wonderkids. When he sees Chacon in action, though, he’ll understand. A potent two-footed winger blessed with trickery and creativity, Chacon can play either side of a front three and is exceptional with the ball at his feet. He can also be picked up for cheap, and his current contract of only £900 a week won’t be difficult for you to compete with.

READ ALSO: Football Manager 2023 Wonderkids Who Cost Less Than £1M

Filip Krastev

Arguably the best Bulgarian prospect since Stillian Petrov, Krastev has all the tools to succeed in FM. Equally comfortable at MC or AMC, Krastev his flair and passing ability for days, and very exciting mental attributes for a playmaker. I’d like if his tackling was better, but if you’re looking for a playmaking number 10, Krastev can be picked up from Lommel United in Belgium’s second tier once his current loan ends.

Adamo Nagalo

While your scouts are in Denmark looking at Schjelderup, get them to check out Adamo Nagalo. Technically able to play all along the back line, I like him best as a central defender to make the most of his impressive aerial ability. He’s blessed with great physical gifts, but most interesting to me is his leadership and teamwork. Both are already impressive for his age, but with some growth, you’ve got a future captain on your hands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it's always tempting to go for the most high-profile wonderkids in FM, there's plenty of value in unearthing hidden gems that can make a big impact for your team. From free goalkeepers to versatile playmakers, these 10 wonderkids offer great potential and can help you build a successful team. So take a chance on the unsung heroes, and see how they can take your club to the next level in FM23.