FM23 Best Wonderkids: Top Young Talents

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 40 views

Hey guys! Are you diving into the world of Football Manager 2023 and looking to build a dynasty? Then you're gonna need some wonderkids! Finding those young, high-potential players is key to long-term success in FM23. These are the players who can develop into world-class superstars, leading your team to glory for years to come. So, let's get straight to it and uncover the best FM23 wonderkids you should be scouting right now.

What Makes a Wonderkid in FM23?

Before we dive into the list, let's quickly define what we mean by "wonderkid." In Football Manager terms, a wonderkid is a player under the age of 20 with exceptional potential. They might not be world-beaters right away, but with the right training and game time, they can become some of the best players in the world. Think of them as your future stars, the guys you can build your team around. These young talents usually have high potential ability (PA) in the game's database, which means their attributes can grow significantly over time. Spotting these players early and nurturing their development is crucial for any ambitious FM23 manager.

Finding top wonderkids isn't just about looking at their current stats. It's about identifying their potential and how well they fit into your tactical system. Some might be ready for first-team action immediately, while others might need a few seasons on loan to develop. The fun is in the journey of watching them grow and become key players for your team. Plus, signing wonderkids is a fantastic way to boost your club's financial future. If they develop into top players, their transfer value will skyrocket, giving you a huge profit if you ever decide to sell.

Why Focus on Wonderkids?

There are tons of reasons why focusing on wonderkids is a smart move in FM23. For starters, they're generally cheaper to sign than established stars. You can often snap up a talented 17 or 18-year-old for a fraction of the price of a seasoned pro. This allows you to invest your transfer budget in other areas of your squad or improve your club's facilities. More importantly, wonderkids offer long-term value. A player you sign at 18 can potentially play for your club for 10-15 years, becoming a club legend in the process. They also bring a different dynamic to your team. Young players are often more adaptable and willing to learn, making them easier to mold into your tactical vision. Nurturing these players and seeing them develop is one of the most rewarding aspects of Football Manager.

Top FM23 Wonderkids by Position

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! We've broken down the FM23 wonderkids by position to make it easier for you to find the perfect players for your team. Remember, player availability and valuations can vary depending on your save, so you might need to do some scouting to find these gems. Don't just look at their overall rating; focus on the key attributes for their position and their potential ability.

Goalkeepers

Every great team needs a solid goalkeeper, and finding a wonderkid between the sticks can set you up for a decade. Here are a couple of names to keep an eye on:

Gavin Bazunu (Southampton): Already a Premier League player at the start of the game, Bazunu has the potential to become a world-class keeper. His shot-stopping and reflexes are excellent, and he's comfortable playing out from the back.
Bart Verbruggen (Anderlecht): Verbruggen is a highly-rated young goalkeeper with excellent potential. He's a commanding presence in the box and a great shot-stopper. Definitely one to watch for the future.

Finding a top young goalkeeper is crucial for long-term stability. These guys can be your last line of defense for many seasons, and their value will only increase as they develop.

Defenders

A strong defense is the foundation of any successful team. These wonderkid defenders have the potential to become world-class:

Antonio Silva (Benfica): Silva is a commanding center-back with excellent tackling, heading, and positioning. He's also comfortable on the ball, making him a great fit for modern, ball-playing teams.
Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta): Scalvini is another top-rated center-back prospect. He's strong, aggressive, and excellent in the air. He can also play in defensive midfield, adding versatility to your squad.
Ivan Fresneda (Real Valladolid): If you need a right-back, Fresneda is your guy. He's a fast, attacking full-back with excellent crossing ability. He can also defend well, making him a complete player.

Scouting promising young defenders is key to building a solid backline. These players can provide stability and quality for years to come.

Midfielders

The midfield is where games are won and lost, so you need talented players who can control the tempo and create chances. Here are some FM23 wonderkid midfielders to consider:

Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund): Bellingham is already a superstar at a young age. He's a complete midfielder who can tackle, pass, dribble, and score goals. He'll cost a fortune, but he's worth every penny.
Gavi (Barcelona): Gavi is a technically gifted midfielder with excellent vision and passing ability. He's also a hard worker who can press and win the ball back. He's a future star for Barcelona and Spain.
Pedri (Barcelona): Pedri is another Barcelona wonderkid with incredible potential. He's a silky midfielder with exceptional dribbling and passing skills. He can unlock defenses with his creativity.
Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain): A dynamic and versatile midfielder, Zaïre-Emery can play in a variety of roles. He's strong, good on the ball, and has a great work ethic.

Having a strong midfield is vital, and these young midfield talents can become the engine of your team.

Attackers

Goals win games, and these wonderkid attackers have the potential to score plenty of them:

Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund): Moukoko is a prolific striker with excellent finishing ability. He's also quick and has great movement, making him a nightmare for defenders.
Endrick (Palmeiras): Endrick is one of the most highly-rated young players in the world. He's a versatile forward who can play anywhere across the front line. He's quick, skillful, and has a great eye for goal.
Ângelo Gabriel (Santos): Ângelo is a tricky winger with excellent dribbling skills and a good cross. He can also cut inside and score goals, making him a dangerous attacking threat.
Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United): Garnacho is a fast and direct winger with the potential to become a Premier League star. He's a great dribbler and has a good shot on him.

Finding a wonderkid striker or winger can transform your attack and bring you goals galore. These players have the potential to become top goalscorers in the game.

Tips for Developing Wonderkids in FM23

Okay, so you've signed a few wonderkids – now what? It's not enough to just have them in your squad. You need to develop them properly to unlock their full potential. Here are some tips for nurturing your young talents:

Give them game time: The most important thing for a wonderkid's development is playing time. Try to give them as many minutes as possible, whether it's in the first team, reserve team, or on loan.
Provide good training: Make sure your wonderkids are training with high-quality coaches and in a suitable training environment. You can also assign them individual training focuses to improve specific attributes.
Use tutoring: Tutoring is a great way for young players to learn from experienced professionals. Pair your wonderkids with older players who have good personalities and leadership skills.
Send them on loan (if necessary): If a player isn't getting enough game time at your club, consider sending them on loan to a team where they'll play regularly. Choose a club with a good training setup and a playing style that suits the player.
Be patient: Developing wonderkids takes time. Don't expect them to become superstars overnight. Be patient, give them opportunities, and they'll eventually reach their potential.

Developing young talents is a long-term project, but the rewards are worth the effort. Seeing a player you signed as a teenager become a world-class star is an incredibly satisfying feeling.

Scouting for Wonderkids: Where to Look

Finding wonderkids isn't always easy. They're not always obvious, and you need to know where to look. Here are some tips for scouting potential stars:

Use your scouts: Your scouts are your best weapon in the search for wonderkids. Send them to countries with strong youth academies, such as Brazil, Argentina, Spain, and Germany.
Check youth intakes: Keep an eye on the youth intakes at clubs around the world. This is when new batches of youngsters are generated in the game, and you might find some hidden gems.
Look for players with high potential ability: When scouting players, pay attention to their potential ability (PA). This is a hidden attribute that determines how much a player can develop.
Watch youth international matches: International youth tournaments are a great place to spot future stars. Keep an eye on the players who are performing well for their countries.
Use the player search: The player search function in FM23 is a powerful tool. You can filter players by age, potential, and other attributes to narrow down your search.

Effective scouting is essential for finding the best young players. Make sure you invest in good scouts and give them clear instructions.

FM23 Wonderkids: The Future is Bright

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to the best wonderkids in Football Manager 2023! These players have the potential to become superstars, and signing them can transform your team for years to come. Remember to focus on their development, give them game time, and be patient. With the right nurturing, they'll become the cornerstones of your dynasty.

Good luck in your search for FM23 wonderkids, guys! Go out there and build a team that dominates for years to come!