FOOTBALL MANAGER 2022 WONDERKIDS
SOME OF THE BEST YOUNG PROSPECTS IN FM22
We cover youth football and we love Football Manager. We’ve combined both to compile a long list of young players that you should start scouting on your FM22 saves. They’re interesting prospects for clubs across the spectrum of football. They’re players that we like in real-life that look good in FM22.
WHY IS SIGNING WONDERKIDS IN FM22 IMPORTANT?
Signing wonderkids in FM22 is a crucial step towards building a solid, sustainable club that can not only survive in the present, but can grow and develop into the future. FM22 wonderkids like Karim Adeyemi, Youssoufa Moukoko or Lorenzo Lucca will either prove to be first team stars, or valuable additions to the squad that can later be sold on for huge profits that can be reinvested in your first team or club facilities.
OUR LISTS OF THE BEST YOUNG TALENTS
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO DEVELOP WONDERKIDS IN FM22?
There is no one size fits all solution to youth development, but there are many ways to help young players grow.
The first solution is finding suitable loans. The key metrics to consider when evaluating where to send your players on loan are the following: how much playing time you expect them to have, is the league of an adequate level that matches the player’s current ability and is the team of a decent level within their league. The goal is to send players to good teams, in a league that suits their ability, in which they will play a lot of minutes.
The other way to develop players is by keeping them within your academy set-up from the ages of 15-19, focussing their training on key attributes, integrating them into the first team where applicable, while ensuring that your coaching and training facilities are of the highest standard possible.
WATCH: 5 YOUNG PLAYERS YOU SHOULD BUY IN FM22
GOALKEEPERS
GIORGI MAMARDASHVILI
DATE OF BIRTH
28/09/2000 (20)
POSITIONS
GK
CLUB
Valencia CF
NATIONALITY
Georgia
VALUE
€6.2M – €18.5M
SUITABLE FOR
Stronger teams in the top-five leagues looking for a long-term starting goalkeeper
Initially on loan at Valencia from Georgian football, Giorgi Mamardashvili was one of the bargains of FM22. Now a permanent Valencia player following the winter update, he’s one of the best young goalkeepers in FM22.
It was much easier to grab the Georgian goalkeeper prior to the winter break as he would almost always return to Dinamo Tbilisi following his La Liga loan. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t cost too much to get him out of Valencia – a club that have noted financial issues which are replicated in Football Manager.
Mamardashvili is already a solid goalkeeper that is capable of playing to a strong standard; his skillset is most suited to teams that want to hold a high line in defence and build from back. He may not be ready to start for the best teams yet, but he’d be a good understudy to start, equipped with the potential to grow into a Champions League-level starter in future.
MARTEEN VANDEVOORDT
DATE OF BIRTH
26/02/2002 (19)
POSITIONS
GK
CLUB
KRC Genk
NATIONALITY
Belgium
VALUE
€11.5M – €34M
SUITABLE FOR
Stronger teams in top-five leagues looking for a long-term goalkeeper
Maarten Vandevoordt has been a Football Manager favourite for a couple of years now. In keeping with previous versions, he’s one of the highest-rated young goalkeepers in FM22. He will develop into a high-level goalkeeper in pretty much every simulation, making him a sure-fire option for big clubs looking for a long-term goalkeeper.
A good shot-stopper that exceles in one-v-one situations, Vandevoordt is also adept at sweeping behind the defensive line, see his speed and rushing out tendency, starting attacks from the back (strong base values for kicking and passing) but does so in a fairly eccentric manner that can be a problem in Football Manager.
You can’t really go wrong with Vandevoordt, and that will be reflected in the fees you’ll have to part with to get him. It will probably take at least €20 million to grab him.
CENTRE-BACKS
DAVID CARMO
DATE OF BIRTH
17/07/1999 (21)
POSITIONS
LCB
CLUB
SC Braga
NATIONALITY
Portugal
VALUE
€4.1M – €12.5M
SUITABLE FOR
Possession-based European-level teams in every top-five league
Were it not for a bad ankle injury suffered in the closing stages of the 2020/21 season, David Carmo would probably be at a bigger team in a bigger league by now.
He’s a centre-back that’s well-suited to the modern game: tall and athletic, he dominates in duels (both on the groun and in the air) and is a talented passer from deep. His FM22 profile reflects his real-life skillset pretty well – he stacks up as really good ball-playing centre-back, capable of defending in different situations and progressing the ball from deep.
He’ll start your saves still recovering from his serious injury, but, by the time the summer of 2022 comes around, he should be back playing to a pretty good level in Portugal. Carmo is a great option for European-level clubs seeking a dynamic, ball-playing centre-back that can grow with them – think Leicester City or AC Milan.
BECIR OMERAGIC
DATE OF BIRTH
20/01/2002 (19)
POSITIONS
RCB, RB
CLUB
FC Zürich
NATIONALITY
Switzerland
VALUE
€3.3M – €9.8M
SUITABLE FOR
Mid-to-upper-level teams in the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A
Bećir Omeragić is probably the best young defender in Swiss football. With over 4,000 senior minutes already under his belt before his 21st birthday, he is experienced and mature for his age.
A starter at FC Zürich for a couple of seasons now, Omeragić typically plays on the right side of a back three, a role his skillset is well-suited to. A mobile and proactive defender, he also has quality as a ball-player. In Football Manager terms, he has the basis to develop into an accomplished centre-back. He lacks a bit of presence in the air but makes up for it with his impressive intelligence and functional mobility.
Other young defenders to keep an eye on in Switzerland’s Super League are FC St. Gallen’s Leonidas Stergiou and FC Luzern’s Marco Burch, both of whom are good value options.
NICO SCHLOTTERBECK
DATE OF BIRTH
01/12/1999 (21)
POSITIONS
LCB, LB
CLUB
SC Freiburg
NATIONALITY
Germany
VALUE
€10M – €30M
SUITABLE FOR
Champions League teams in the Bundesliga and Premier League
Nico Schlottereck is a Champions League defender playing in the Black Forest. A product of SC Freiburg’s modest but impressive academy system, Schlotterbeck has put together a breakout season in real life – and his Football Manager profile does a good job of reflecting his ability.
In game, Schlotterbeck has evereything you want from a centre-back at the highest level. He’s tall but mobile, with an athletic frame; he’s an intelligent and committed defender; he’s a very effective ball-player, equipped with the ‘brings ball out of defence’ trait which greatly enhances his ability to progress possession.
Despite his top value range coming in at a hefty €30 million, it shouldn’t cost that much to get him. Even if you have to stretch that far, Schlotterbeck is abolutely worth it. He’d be a great pick-up for European-level clubs in Germany and England. Get him before Bayern do.
JURRIËN TIMBER
DATE OF BIRTH
17/06/2001 (20)
POSITIONS
RCB, RB
CLUB
AFC Ajax
NATIONALITY
Netherlands
VALUE
€24M – €71M
SUITABLE FOR
Possession-based European-level clubs in the top-five leagues – like Atalanta or Spurs
Since breaking onto the scene following the outbreak of COVID–19, Jurriën Timber has established himself as a starter for a dominant AFC Ajax side and also impressed at a major international tournament with the Netherlands.
Very comfortable and composed in possession, Timber is a typical Ajax academy product in that regard. His ability on the ball is reflected in FM22: strong attributes for technique and passing, as well as solid ones for composure and vision, make him an ideal ball-playing centre-back. His lack of height may be a problem, but that can be mitigated by a few clever solutions – using him as a wide centre-back in a back three prime among them.
He’s one of the most highly-rated young defenders in the game as well, and a lot of clubs know that. He’ll often be linked to elite-level clubs like Bayern München and Chelsea, so you’ll have a battle on your hands to sign him.
FULL-BACKS
JEREMIE FRIMPONG
DATE OF BIRTH
10/12/2000 (20)
POSITIONS
RB, RWB, RW
CLUB
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
NATIONALITY
Netherlands
VALUE
€35M – €105M
SUITABLE FOR
Dominant teams at the elite level, like Manchester City and Bayern München
Jeremie Frimpong has been around a lot for a 21-year-old. Born in Amsterdam, he joined Manchester City’s academy in 2010. After breaking into the under-23 team there, Celtic signed him in 2019. Bayer Leverkusen picked him up in 2021.
He’s needed little time to make a substantial impact in the Bundesliga. Playing for a attack-first Bayer Leverkusen team, Frimpong is an electric presence on the right wing. He drivee forward from deep and dribbles in the final third whenever he can, making the most of his exceptional change of speed. If you can cover his defensive frailities, he will offer a huge outlet on the righ wing.
In terms of the next step, his skillset suits the dominant teams at the highest level – like Manchester City and Bayern München. Make the most of his attacking qualities from right-back.
WILFRIED SINGO
DATE OF BIRTH
25/12/2000 (20)
POSITIONS
RB, RWB
CLUB
Torino
NATIONALITY
Côte d’Ivoire
VALUE
€28M – €85M
SUITABLE FOR
Top-table teams in Italy (Inter) or European-level teams in England (Spurs)
Wilfried Singo exploded onto the scene in Serie A last season. His performances for an up-and-coming Torino side cught the eye immediately, and big clubs already have their eye on him.
He’s a great option for teams that play with wing-backs. Singo’s athleticism is his standout attribute: he combines size with speed and strength, making him a dynamic force that can dominate a wing on his own. He has technical quality as well, as a dribbler and defender, and has room to develop in terms of his mental attributes. His player traits ensures his ability to be a effective wing-backs too.
Singo suits European-level teams in the Premier League, like Spurs, or at the top end of Serie A, like Inter. Don’t be put off by his €28 million to €85 million value range, either. His contract is within the final two years, meaning his market value should tumble pretty quickly.
FRAN GARCÍA
DATE OF BIRTH
14/08/1999 (21)
POSITIONS
LB
CLUB
Rayo Vallecano
NATIONALITY
Spain
VALUE
€4.4M – €13.5M
SUITABLE FOR
Top-half teams chasing European qualification in La Liga or Serie A
Fran García is a bit of a pocket rocket. Despite his small stature, the Rayo Vallecano left-back and Spain under-21 international packs a punch.
His athleticism is of a high-level, both in terms of intensity and durability; he can sustain his quick bursts of speed across the entire 90 minutes. He also has the quality to open up the game in attack, with a fairly well-rounded attacking skillset that comprises of a good dribbling ability, more than decent deliviers, and a valuable long throw.
Playing for Rayo Vallecano, a lower-half La Liga side, Fran would be a strong wing-back option for teams 5-7 places above them in their respective league. He’d suit some of the strongers sides in La Liga or Serie A. It shouldn’t take too much to get him out of Vallecas either, a fee of around €8 million should do the trick, That’s good value.
ADRIEN TRUFFERT
DATE OF BIRTH
20/11/2001 (19)
POSITIONS
LB, LWB, LW
CLUB
Stade Rennais
NATIONALITY
France
VALUE
€1.5M – €4.5M
SUITABLE FOR
Strong teams in top-five leagues seeking a short-term back-up and long-term starter
Adrien Truffert has the makings of a well-rounded full-back that can do pretty much everything to a high standard. He’s versatile, athletic, technical, intelligent, and has a manageable personality – what more do you want?
He may not be an exceptional prospect, but he is a very solid one that could top out at a Champions League level if you maximise his development. His ability to play down the entire left flank makes him an especially useful option, especially if you’re looking for a young player to provide depth before stepping up to a starting role in 2-3 years.
Stade Rennais are worth following closely throughout your save, by the way. Not only do they have a strong crop of young players right now, they also have an exceptional academy that will produce multiple high-level newgens. Keep tabs on current players like Jérémy Doku, and go fishing for the best emerging talent.
DEEP MIDFIELDERS
MOHAMED CAMARA
DATE OF BIRTH
06/01/2000 (21)
POSITIONS
DM
CLUB
Red Bull Salzburg
NATIONALITY
Mali
VALUE
€7.6M – €23M
SUITABLE FOR
European-level teams in top-five leagues – Bundesliga and Premier League especially
Niggling injuries and an injust doping ban have delayed Mohamed Camara‘s breakout into the mainstream, but he’s making up for lost time this season. You may know him from his standout performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, for example.
Camara is an all-action dynamo at the base of midfield. He bustles around non-stop, breaking up play, skipping past challenges, drawing fouls, and moving the ball on. His skillset in FM22 is one of a mobile ball-winner; he isn’t particularly expansive or creative, but he is a bundle of energy that can cover space and recover possession.
His best role? The ball-winner in a midfield three. Camara can be the cover for playmakers and goalscorers. He’d suit more transitional levels like the Bundesliga and Premier League. He would be a good signing for clubs like VfL Wolfsburg and Newcastle United – and he won’t cost much.
DANILO
DATE OF BIRTH
29/04/2001 (20)
POSITIONS
DM, CM
CLUB
Palmeiras
NATIONALITY
Brazil
VALUE
€5.4M – €16.5M
SUITABLE FOR
Mid-table to European-level teams in top-five leagues
Danilo has a well-rounded profile in Football Manager 2022. Primarily a defensive midfielder that sits at the base, his solid range of attributes means he could easily be developed into a box-to-box presence. In all, he only has five attributes beneath 10 in total – and most of them are pretty inconsequential.
His player traits help define his style as a deep-lying playmaker, and that’s the role Danilo’s probably best suited to from the off. He is an expansive passer that likes to spread play from deep, and he has the technical ability to do so. Projecting his potential, Danilo could develop into a very skilled passer that can break up play and hold his won physically.
In terms of level, Danilo could step into a top-five league straight away. La Liga would suit him, as would Serie A and Ligue 1. He shouldn’t cost more than €20 million.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDERS
DAVIDE FRATTESI
DATE OF BIRTH
22/09/1999 (21)
POSITIONS
CM
CLUB
US Sassuolo
NATIONALITY
Italy
VALUE
€24M – €71M
SUITABLE FOR
European-level teams looking for a relentless, goal-scoring midfielder
Following a stellar Serie B and youth international career, Davide Frattesi has slotted seamlessly into Serie A this season at US Sassuolo.
His hallmark qualities are endless energy, box-to-box presence and a goalscoring threat from deep, and they’re replicated pretty well in FM22. His physical attributes are of a high level for a 21-year-old and can fit in at the highest levels. He also has a well-rounded set of technical and mental attributes, all of which combine to create a dynamic box-to-box midfielder.
After a season at Sassuolo, Frattesi would be a great option for those managing at the biggest Italian clubs – even as far up as Juventus. He has the potential to develop into an impactful midfielder at a Champions League and international level. If you’re a solid Premier League club, you should try and steal him away from the Italian giants.
AURÉLIEN TCHOUAMÉNI
DATE OF BIRTH
27/01/2000 (21)
POSITIONS
CM, DM
CLUB
AS Monaco
NATIONALITY
France
VALUE
€51M – €153M
SUITABLE FOR
Anyone that can get him – likely the very best/richest of the elite
Aurélien Tchouaméni is an absolute tour de force of a midfielder in real life and in Football Manager 2022. He has everything – technical ability in multiple phases of play, a strong mentality and elite-level athletic skillset.
He can be anything you want him to be, really. Bar a consistent goal threat, Tchouaméni can do pretty much everything – he can sit at the base of midfield and organise play, he can patrol around and win the ball back, he can provide a forceful presence in higher spaces, or (as we would choose) do a combination of all three. It would be a waste to restrict Tchouaméni in a very specific role.
Given his Champions League level ability, world-leading potential and subsequent market values, Tchouaméni will be reserved for a select few clubs. You’ll have a huge battle on your hands to get him – but if you do bag him, he can lead your midfield for the next decade and beyond.
VITINHA
DATE OF BIRTH
13/02/2000 (21)
POSITIONS
CM, AM
CLUB
FC Porto
NATIONALITY
Portugal
VALUE
€16.5M – €49M
SUITABLE FOR
European-level clubs in every top-five league, Spain and Italy particularly
Vitinha should be a familiar name to Premier League fans and Football Managers; he spent last season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers and has been a highly-rated player in game for a couple of editions now.
Since returning to Porto, Vitinha has blossomed with a level of first-team football that wasn’t afforded to him by Nuno Espírito Santo. He was only allowed to show glimpses of his quality at Wolves; he’s showcasing it on a regular basis back in Portugal. His FM22 profile is an exciting one also – he shows up as a really good prospect for a ball-dominant role in midfield, one that pulls the strings. He isn’t dissimilar to João Moutinho.
He may be difficult to sign from Porto in the first summer but should be fairly attainable after that. it shouldn’t take any more than €30 million to sign him, and that’s excellent value for a player of Vitinha’s qualities.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS
FÁBIO CARVALHO
DATE OF BIRTH
30/08/2002 (18)
POSITIONS
AM, LW, RW
CLUB
Fulham
NATIONALITY
England / Portugal
VALUE
€14.5M – €43M
SUITABLE FOR
Premier League clubs looking to get ahead of the curve on another big EFL talent
With just one year left on his contract, one of the first things you should do when loading up a new save is checking out Fábio Carvalho. If you’re a top-tier club, the attacker is a fantastic opportunity to grab a good deal.
He can be difficult to sign at the start: Fulham don’t want to let him go for anything less than around €20 million. However, you should try to unsettle him then land his signature as soon as you can in January. If you can get him on a free, you will have a set-and-forget AM that can fill in across the front four as required.
Most importantly, he has a rounded skillset that should grow hugely as he gets more game time. Indeed, following the winter update, his attributes and potential have received a deserved bump. With just 11 months left on his contract, Carvalho can be one of the best value signings of your save if you pick your moment correctly.
ARSEN ZAKHARYAN
DATE OF BIRTH
26/05/2003 (18)
POSITIONS
AM, RW
CLUB
Dinamo Moscow
NATIONALITY
Russia
VALUE
€7.6M – €23M
SUITABLE FOR
Clubs on the fringes of the Champions League in Germany, France and Italy
Arsen Zakharyan is one of the best attacking midfielders of his generation in real life, and that has been reflected in Football Manager 2022.
He’s a well-rounded attacker. Strong mental attributes underpin Zakharyan’s skillset. He is especially adept at arriving into spaces with a good sense of timing, creating problems for defences with intelligent runs and clever movements. He also has the technical quality to hurt teams with his passing and finish. His versatility is a great asset too; you can mould him into whatever you need.
He is a “budget” Florian Wirtz. In fact, he would be a good option to replace Wirtz if you’re managing Bayer 04 Leverkusen. That’s the sort of level Zakharyan would fit in at early in the game. Be wary that it can be difficult (see also, expensive) to sign players from Russian clubs given their financial strength and higher wages.
WINGERS
ROONY BARDGHJI
DATE OF BIRTH
15/11/2005 (16)
POSITIONS
RW, AM
CLUB
FC København
NATIONALITY
Sweden
VALUE
€4.7M – €14M
SUITABLE FOR
Big clubs looking to secure the next big thing – get ahead of the curve
Roony Bardghji is a brand-new name in Football Manager 2022 – he’s so new, he wasn’t even in the game when it first came out.
The winter update added the Swedish attacker to the game, not least because of the impact he’s made with FC København in real life. He is a bonafide wonderkid in FM22; it’s very rare to find a 15-year-old as well-rounded as Bardghji is. He has everything needed to be a starter in mid-level leagues and even an impact player in top-level leagues. The only thing holding him back is his low stamina, but that will develop with age.
Whoever your managing, Bardghji should be on your radar. If you can pinch him away from FCK (it will take around €10 million to do so) then you have a young attacker with high-level potential. We’ve seen saves where he develops into an elite player at Real Madrid, even.
YUSUF DEMIR
DATE OF BIRTH
02/06/2003 (18)
POSITIONS
AM, RW
CLUB
SK Rapid Wien
NATIONALITY
Austria
VALUE
€8M – €24M
SUITABLE FOR
Any club that can get him – be it to sign and start, or buy and loan
You did have to wait and hope a little on Yusuf Demir, but since the winter update, his loan to Barcelona has ended and he is, once again, easily attainable out of Austria.
In Demir, you’ll get a player that can play anywhere across the front four, although he will be best utilised as an AM (C). If you are a strong top division team, sign him and send him on loan. If you can get him to any other type of club, he should be ready to go straight away as a good rotation option – his technical attributes are already very strong.
With enough minutes and the right development, and if FM22 is anything like FM21, then Demir should develop into one of the game’s premier young attackers. Given his attainability, he’ll be the perfect prospect to power an up-and-coming club as you try to rise through the ranks. If you’re a big club, you should sign and loan him out.
NONI MADUEKE
DATE OF BIRTH
10/03/2002 (19)
POSITIONS
RW, LW
CLUB
PSV Eindhoven
NATIONALITY
England
VALUE
€17.5M – €52M
SUITABLE FOR
Stronger team in the top-five leagues – clubs like Leicester City and Borussia Dortmund
Since breaking into the first-team at PSV Eindhoven, Noni Madueke has proven himself to be one of the most exciting wingers in European football.
His style is so engaging – he gets on the ball, twists and turns, drives at defences, bounces off defenders, and has the taent to set up a goal with a cross or score one with an accomplished finished. He’s best off the right-hand side, providing a dynamic threat that can cut onto his stronger left foot or drive to the byline on his right. His athleticism – defined by speed and robustness – is perfect for leagues like the Premier League and the Bundesliga.
It’ll take a significant sum to pick him up from PSV, but it would be well within the reach of European-level clubs in England and Germany. Madueke would be a great signing for clubs like Leicester City, Everton, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund. He can make an immeidate impact and develop further still.
STRIKERS
KARIM ADEYEMI
DATE OF BIRTH
18/01/2002 (19)
POSITIONS
ST, LW, RW
CLUB
Red Bull Salzburg
NATIONALITY
Austria
VALUE
€9M – €27M
SUITABLE FOR
Stronger team in the top-five leagues, especially the Bundesliga
Karim Adeyemi is incredibly fun. 17 acceleration and 16 pace are the headline attributes of what is a strong advanced forward skillset, with 15 off ball and 14 dribbling useful for one-man counter-attacks. You can also utilise the German as a inside forward coming in from the right onto his left foot, although you will really want to get him attacking the box – he is more of a finisher than a creator.
Adeyemi is one to monitor for an upper mid-table team. If you can get him, he’s a player that can come into your team straight away and be effective. In your first season or two, he should be available for around €20 million. But if you’re willing to risk him going elsewhere, continue to monitor his contract situation and try to snag a bargain before his deal expires in 2024.
His lower reputation and market value in FM22 makes him a must-sign option for smaller clubs as well.
CHARLES DE KETELAERE
DATE OF BIRTH
10/03/2001 (20)
POSITIONS
ST, LW, RW, AM
CLUB
Club Brugge KV
NATIONALITY
Belgium
VALUE
€16.5M – €50M
SUITABLE FOR
European-level teams in the top-five leagues, like Leicester City and Bayer Leverkusen
Charles de Ketelaere is one of the most interesting young attackers emerging onto the scene in real life. The same could be said of him on Football Manager 2022; he offers one of the more unique attacking skillsets in the game.
One of the key aspects of that skillset is his versatility. He could play anywhere in FM21; that isn’t the case in FM22, but he can still play every attacking role. Moreover, despite being 1.92 metres tall, he has really sleek and well-rounded technical and physical game. You can develop him into whatever you want him to be, but the best option would be a dynamic off-ball mover with the quality to hurt teams as a scorer and creator.
He’d be perfect for teams like Bayer Leverkusen and Leicester City, those a rung beneath the properly big clubs, but he’d fit in well at the likes of Arsenal, Spurs, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan too.
LORENZO LUCCA
DATE OF BIRTH
10/09/2000 (21)
POSITIONS
ST
CLUB
AC Pisa
NATIONALITY
Italy
VALUE
€3.5M – 105M
SUITABLE FOR
Mid-to-lower table teams in Europe’s top divisions, especially Serie A – pick up as soon as possible
Lorenzo Lucca is one of the best young strikers available in FM22. You won’t be able to sign him in the first season, as he just arrived at AC Pisa this season, but keep an eye on him as you enter your second season.
In the latest game, Lucca is ready made to brutalise defences at a Champions League level. He makes perfect sense as a target forward, given his 2.01m frame, paired with elite-level heading and jumping reach stats. But you could definitely get away with using him as an advanced forward (or complete forward) if you can train him up as a link/creative passer.
Available for somewhere around the €8-10 million mark after the first window, he will join you as long as you are in a top division. So, if you’re looking for a player that guarantees goals, Lorenzo Lucca is your guy.
YOUSSOUFA MOUKOKO
DATE OF BIRTH
20/11/2004 (16)
POSITIONS
ST
CLUB
Borussia Dortmund
NATIONALITY
Germany
VALUE
€31M – €94M
SUITABLE FOR
The establshed big clubs looking to get ahead of the curve – buy him before he breaks the bank
Do anything you can to sign Youssoufa Moukoko. If you’re lucky, you could even get him on a free transfer at the end of his modest BVB contract in 2023. You’re best chance it taking advantage of the AI’s relatively poor ability to integrate and develop youth players, though.
He’ll likely be selective in which club he chooses, so you’ll need to establish yourself as at least a Europa League club in your first season before pushing on in your second season as you try to build your reputation. If you’re a bigger club, you can buy him earlier for somewhere around €40 million mark. From there, he can develop into one of the leading strikers in FM22.
His stats as a 16-year-old are incredible, physically, mentally and technically. All told, he’s a more than decent first division level striker from moment the game starts. Moukoko is the personification of the much-fabled “wonderkid”.
BENJAMIN SESKO
DATE OF BIRTH
31/05/2003 (18)
POSITIONS
ST
CLUB
Red Bull Salzburg
NATIONALITY
Slovenia
VALUE
€6.8M – €21M
SUITABLE FOR
The establshed big clubs looking to get ahead of the curve – buy him before he breaks the bank
Many have heard of Karim Adeyemi, but few will know Benjamin Šeško. He is a typical Red Bull striker – tall, quick, athletic. It’s no surprise that he’s been compared to Erling Braut Haaland, but they’re different players.
The latter is more explosive and clinical, the former is more rounded. He has good speed across big spaces and can run off the shoulder well though. Moreover, he’s a strong snap-shooter and improvises well in the air. Those qualities are reflected well in his FM22 profile. Šeško has an excellent platform to develop off.
You’d do well to get in early on Šeško, pre-empting the big breakout that sees his value double in a short space of time. Like his team-mate Adeyemi, it won’t take all that much to lift him out of Austria either. He has all the potential to develop into an outstanding striker in your save.
WHAT ARE FOOTBALL MANAGER WONDERKIDS?
Wonderkid is a cliché term that’s synonymous with Football Manager. They’re young prospects – usually aged 16 to 18 – that have elite-level potential in the game. Freddy Adu is a prominent example for older managers, while Youssoufa Moukoko is a current case. They’re the superstar youngsters that are must-buys on every save.
But it’s also subjective. A wonderkid at Accrington Stanley is completely different to a wonderkid at Manchester City. Essentially, the surroundings dictate the status.
HOW TO SEARCH FOR WONDERKIDS IN FOOTBALL MANAGER 2022
You should start by getting your hands on a Scouted Football Handbook. We’ve profiled over 300 young players over the last three years, ranging from the lower level, like Harry Pickering, to the absolute elite like Erling Braut Haaland.
We will be your external scout, and scouts are equally important in the game. Building up a good core of talent-spotters and recruitment analysts should be a priority when building your club. No scouts on the search, no wonderkids.
HOW DO YOU DEVELOP YOUNG PLAYERS IN FOOTBALL MANAGER 2022?
As always, pathways are paramount. You have to make sure that your youngsters have access to meaningful minutes at the appropriate levels. If you have a first-team ready talent, phase him into the team gradually, during pre-season ideally.
If your prospect needs a bit more polishing, the loan system is a valuable tool. But pathways to senior level minutes are key. Assess your youngsters on a case-by-case basis, decide what they need, and enact your decision.
HOW DO YOU LOAN OUT YOUNG PLAYERS IN FOOTBALL MANAGER 2022?
Loans are an important tool in youth development, and they can be difficult to get right. It’s all about accurately assessing the levels your prospects can play at, then finding suitable environment for them to develop in. It’s especially important you consider the styles and shapes teams play, and league style is a factor too.
One way to ensure greater success is by building a network of clubs, like Red Bull and Manchester City have. Get your board to find affiliate clubs.
HOW DO YOU SIGN YOUNG PLAYERS ON FOOTBALL MANAGER 2022?
Squad planning is crucial. Check your depth charts, keep your shortlits updated, sort them by position even, and assess which areas you need to strengthen. Once you’ve done that, you can start signing young players that fit your demands.
Work to your budgets as well – don’t overstretch your club’s financial capabilities. If you’re a smaller club, future incentives and clauses (like fees after milestons, sell-on percentages, and even buy-backs) are a great tools to utilise.
HOW DO YOU SELL YOUNG PLAYERS ON FOOTBALL MANAGER 2022?
Again, squad planning is key. Making sure your young players are playing, whether at your club or elsewhere, is important; more minutes increases their value. Sell at the right time too, set a defined policy and stick to it.
Don’t be afraid to sell young players too. If you haven’t got the right pathway for them, move them on (with a chunky sell-on percentage or accessible buy-back clause) to generate even more profits.
WHERE CAN I BUY FOOTBALL MANAGER 2022?
Looking to buy Football Manager 2022? Visit our friends at 2game.com and use this link and the code ‘SCOUTEDFTBL’ for 10% off your purchase.
Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund), Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid) and Ilaix Moriba (RB leipzig/Valencia) are the highest rated young players in Football Manager 2022 – each have the potential to reach the very highest level, even Lionel Messi standard.
The best way is by building a strong scouting team, then assigning them to search for players under the age of 21 with at least four star potential. Other top tips are to scout youth international tournaments (like the U-20 Wolrd Cup) and scour youth international teams.
Lorenzo Lucca is one of the best value wonderkids in FM22. Otherwise, it depends on your demands, and make sure that whoever you buy has a pathway to first-team football. That is crucial to youth recruitment and development.
OUR LISTS OF THE BEST YOUNG TALENTS
