This article presents 9 of the most promising wonderkids to look out for in FM23 across various positions, ready to take your club to the next level.
This article presents 9 of the most promising wonderkids to look out for in FM23 across various positions, ready to take your club to the next level.
GK - Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro
I love AZ’s youth academy. You can always count on the Eredivisie to produce talented players, and AZ have one of the most productive academies in the country at the moment. Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro is a Dutch-Ghanaian 18-year-old keeper with impressive attributes already, but he also has fantastic potential on FM23. Not only is he capable of contributing for a bottom-half PL team immediately - or even as a cup goalkeeper for a bigger club - his potential could lead him to some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Sign him early on, and never worry about your goalkeeper again.
RB - Tino Livramento
With the highest PA of any right back in the game, there’s no need to look any further than Tino Livramento. As one of the most high-profile wonderkids in the game, you’ll have a hard time prying him away from Southampton - although, as one of the weaker sides in the PL, you might be able to pick him up after relegation. You won’t regret the premium price tag, though; Livramento can become the best fullback in the world if developed correctly.
CB - Ronnie Edwards
It’s pretty rare that you can pick up an English wonderkid for under £5m, especially one who can contribute to a top-flight side straight away. Ronnie Edwards, however, is both of those. Not only is he already starting for Peterborough and ready to play at a higher level, but he has a lot of room to grow. Two-footed and excellent with the ball at his feet, Edwards becomes an elite ball-playing defender. The only thing to watch out for is his lack of aerial presence can become a real hindrance. Still, with training and an imposing defensive partner, you can minimise his only weakness and get the most out of his considerable strengths.
LB - Aaron Hickey
Aaron Hickey started his career at Hearts in Scotland before attracting attention from numerous clubs in the top 5 leagues. Eventually choosing Bologna, Hickey is a two-footed full-back, but his best position is left-back. He can impact the game at both ends of the pitch, and his mental attributes are very promising for someone of his skill. He won’t come cheap, and this is his first season at Brentford, so he won’t be looking to move just yet. But if you can get your hands on him, you’ll have the best left back in Europe in 5 years' time.
DM - Alan Varela
Considering his almost complete skillset, Alan Varela can be picked up from Boca Juniors for well below his market value. Excellent on the ball, reads the game well and is good at the tackle; Valera has the makings of a truly elite DLP. He also has great teamwork and determination, which makes him perfect for a role as a midfield general for your side. If you can work on his leadership, he can even make a great captain as your club grows into a powerhouse.
AM - Isak Johanesson
When you think of the attributes that make a great playmaker, Isak Johanesson has them in spades. At 19 years old, Johanesson is already capable of starting for any Premier League side outside of the big six - and he’ll only get better. Pick him up from Kobenhavn for under £5m, and the creative heartbeat of your club is taken care of for the foreseeable future.
READ ALSO: FM23 Wonderkids Under 1M
Right Wing - Facundo Buonanotte
A skilful left-footed attacker from Rosario? Now, where have we heard that before… It’s a bold comparison to make, but Facundo Buonanotte has the potential to be the best player from Argentina since Messi. At the tender age of 17, he’s a well-rounded attacking threat, absolutely dripping with creativity. With a little work on his finishing, Buonanotte has the potential for a long career at the very top of European football. Cutting in from the right is where he’s most comfortable, where he can pick a pass for a teammate, dribble at the defence himself, or shoot from distance. With the right development, he’s almost unplayable for opposition defences.
Left Wing - Andreas Schjelderup
ST - Marcos Leonardo
Looking for a striker who can become the best in the world? Time to follow in the footsteps of countless managers before you and head to Brazil. There, in Santos’ famous white jerseys, you’ll find Marcos Leonardo. Arguably the best pure-poacher wonderkid in the game, Marcos Leonardo has huge potential, and with good movement and finishing, he can score goals at any level straight away. With the right service, you’ll immediately have a talented goalscorer who has the potential to become one of the best in the world. He’s not cheap, you’ll need to part with around £10m-£15m to convince Santos to let him go, but he’s worth every penny.