When starting a new Football Manager 23 save, the first thing that avid players of the game do is sign wonderkids, the young players in the game who have high potential. With the right management and coaching, they become some of the best players in the game.
A great way to begin a Football Manager 23 save is to establish a solid defense. There are some great defenders in the right-back, left-back, and center-back positions, and here are some of the best for wonderkids.
10 Nathan Patterson - RB
With 17 stamina and 15 determination already at 20 years old, this Everton right-back has a great ceiling and is definitely one to buy for any FM save. Playing first-team football for Frank Lampard at the club in real-life, meaning his price has only gone up.
The Scot will cost a premium, valued at around £50 million, but he will no doubt be worth it as he grows into a genuine world-class right back. One of the top clubs in Real Madrid needs a young right back to replace the aging Dani Carvajal and Nathan Patterson would be a great choice here.
9 Sael Kumbedi - RB
A cheaper option would be Sael Kumbedi, a 17-year-old right back from Olympique Lyon. With 14 decisions and 14 tackling already, Kumedi can grow into a defensive monster with the right game time and training.
He will only cost around $1 million a definite bargain buy and one to look for in any Football Manager 23 saves. Perfect signing for a Championship club, and he will help any gamer in their search for promotion to the Premier League.
8 Josko Gvardiol - CB
No question about it, Josko Gvardiol is the hottest defender on this list. At just the age of 20, the Croatian central defender is already world-class, and he can get even better. Showing this in real life with fantastic performances at the FIFA World Cup.
He will cost a premium of $80-90 million, but he makes that look like an absolute bargain. Quick, strong, good technically and mentally, he is the perfect defender. If Gvardiol is affordable, then a goalkeeper will not even be needed as he will be there defending everything. A must-buy.
7 Giorgio Scalvini - CB
The real Italian Stallion, Scalvini is a rock at the back and is available for a modest fee of around $20 million. Being just 18 Scalvini will grow into a beast and will no doubt be worth up to nearly 10 times that price!
Playing for Atalanta in Serie A, he already plays at an excellent level and there is no reason why he won't fit into any team. Physically he is a unit and also capable of playing further up in midfield. A center-back with really high potential.
6 Antonio Silva - CB
Antonio Silva is a really exciting prospect in Football Manager 23. At just 18 years old and available for $20 million, this one is a no-brainer. Buy this center-back for any side in the game.
With great physical and defensive stats, this Portuguese player will be one of the top defenders in no time and his price will only increase if gamers are looking to make a profit in their FM23 save. Is he the next Ruben Dias? It certainly looks that way.
5 Jurrien Timber - CB
Already an international player with the Netherlands, meaning his price is very high. Jurrien Timber will cost gamers around $60-90 million, but he will be worth it as he is one of the best young defenders in Football Manager.
Linked with the likes of Manchester United in real-life, fans of him will want to get their first in the game and utilize his fantastic pace and defensive stats to keep clean sheets and compete for glory.
4 Enzo Boyomo - CB
One for a player managing a lower-ranked team in the game, Boyomo is a 20-year-old center-back from Cameroon playing for Spanish second-tier side Albacete.
He will cost just under $2 million to pick him up, and it will be an absolute bargain as he is somewhat of a hidden gem and will grow massively for any club. A starting defender for many years as his ability grows with his age and becomes an absolute monster. It's also a great way to turn a profit.
3 Aaron Hickey - LB
Capable of playing on the left or the right, this full-back is versatile as they come. Naturally right-footed, Hickey plays on the left for Brentford but can be easily converted to suit the needs of the team.
With fantastic all round stats at just 20 years old, the Scot will go to the very top and will cost gamers a modest $30 million to join their club. But make sure to get in fast for him as this price tag will only go higher and higher.
2 Destiny Udogie - LB
Players will have to wait to pick up Destiny Udogie as the left-back is on loan at Udinese from Tottenham Hotspur in the game and will need to return to his parent club before a transfer is negotiated.
Valued at around $30 million, the Italian is absolutely rapid, so if pace is required for the team, make sure Udogie is on the shortlist. No doubt, a star in the future at just 19, he is already a good player, but he can get even better.​​​​​​​
1 Alejandro Balde - LB
Absolutely rapid, this left-sided player can operate anywhere down the left flank but is most at home in the left-back position. He is just 18 and will cost around $30 million. A bargain for how good Balde can get in Football Manager 23.
Let's hope that Balde in real life will match his potential in the game and go on to become a great star. No doubt Spain's number 1 left back in the future and gamers should pick him up early before his price skyrockets.
Football Manager 23 is available on Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.​​​​​​​