5 Football Manager Wonderkids to look out for
The release of Football Manager, comes with the unenviable task of negotiating with some of Europe's most frugal clubs. Weeks of deal-making typically end in a collapse, and all of a sudden you've had to shell out £25 million on a 28 year-old Latvian right-back. To avoid the pains and strains of gem-finding,we have devised a list of 5 wonderkids; capable of transforming your club, all without the eye-wateringly high fee.
Starting at the base of your side is Maarten Vandevoordt. The 19 year-old Belgian goalkeeper may set you back up to £20 million, but it's certainly worth it considering his age and ability. Vandevoordt rates 14 for agility, 15 for reflexes, as well as 15 for passing, so he'll easily adapt to your attractive style of football. His kicking is 12 and could be improved upon, but that's certain to rise with age and experience.
Belgium seems to be the place to start. Noah Mbama is just 16 years old, but he's already made 8 appearances for Club Brugge. The centre-back is already 6'2, with 14 strength - so you don't need to be worried about him getting bullied at your club. His passing is 15 and composure at 14, meaning you can comfortably play out from the back. His pace is also 14, allowing you to play a higher line. Tackling ranks at 12 so could do with some quick improvement. Unfortunately, Mbamba could cost you up to £26 million, quite the risk for someone so young still.
Andreas Schjeldrup is already a key part of Nordsjælland's side. The 17 year old left midfielder has 3 goals in 13 appearances this season. The Norwegian oozes technical quality. He ranks 15 for dribbling and technique, as well as 14 for first touch and vision. Currently, he's not ready for a step-up to a top European club. Schjeldrup's strength is 6, balance is 6 and marking is just 4. There are certainly holes in the winger's game, but he may justify a purchase based on his technical quality. Plus, he shouldn't cost much more than £5 million.
Perhaps the most well known player on this list, Ivan Ilic. The Serb excelled last season for Hellas Verona. He seems to be the jack of all trades: his pace, stamina, vision, dribbling and passing all rank at 14. Although Ilic is not a master of any particular skill set, he is only 20 years old. Soon he could become the master of all trades. Ilic may set you back over £20m, but if you have a need for a promising central midfielder, then the Serb is a must have.
The wonderkid who should be at the top of your shopping list is Matias Arezo. He has already scored 32 times in 77 games for River Plate Montevideo in the Uruguayan Primera Division. Although it may not be the most competitive league, Arezo is still only 18, with bags of potential. He ranks 16 for heading, 14 for finishing and 15 for acceleration. The Uruguayan looks to be able to do it all. The best part is that Arezo won't set you back more than £2 million. No matter how big your club is, if you have a spare couple of million, secure Arezo's signature.