5 lesser-known wonderkids you should consider for your FM23 save
Football Manager 2023, the latest edition in the highly successful football simulation series from Sports Interactive, was released today on Xbox, PC and Nintento Switch, with a Playstation release delayed.
With the release of the game, WhoScored have picked out five of the lesser-known wonderkids for you to consider in your FM23 saves. Everyone is aware of the exploits of Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham, so we picked out five under-the-radar diamonds in the rough that have the potential to become world beaters. These youngsters have shown their potential this season, as we look at how they have been performing for their respective teams.
These five wonderkids have been ranked in terms of their 2022/23 WhoScored rating, which is based on their average league performances over the current campaign.
Dango Ouattara (Lorient) - 7.45
The 20-year-old Burkina Faso winger from Lorient is the first wonderkid we think you should be scouting in FM23. Dango Ouattara is a starting winger for his side, capable on both the left and right flank. He currently has five goals and four assists in the 13 games he’s played for Lorient, only missing one through suspension. His contributions has helped bring Lorient from 16th at the end of last season to sixth in the table, a quite remarkable turnaround.
Within the game, he currently has a valuation of £5m and has two seasons left on his contract. His best position is the Attacking Midfielder Right, with his best role as the Advanced Playmaker position. However, he is also “Competent” on the left hand side, as well as being “Accomplished” up front.
Fabiano Parisi (Empoli) - 7.02
Up next in our wonderkids list, Fabiano Parisi is a left-back from Empoli. He has played 12 of their 13 games this season, and we think he could be a fine addition to your backlines. The Italy U21 international is currently averaging 2.5 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game. He scored his only goal of the season so far against Lecce in a 1-1 draw, scoring his side's first goal of the Serie A campaign.
Within the game, the 21-year-old is quite pricey, with a valuation of £23m. His wages are a bit cheaper at 3K p/w and he has three years left on his contract. His best position is Left-Back, with his best role as the Complete Wing-Back. He is listed as a “Natural” Left-Back, but is also “Accomplished” in the Left Midfield Position.
The South Korean midfielder comes third in our list having excelled across 13 appearances for Mallorca. Kang-In Lee has made six appearances for his national team, featuring in the side as early as 2019. He has scored twice this season and made three assists, winning two WhoScored man of the match awards in the process.
On FM23, Lee has a valuation of £12m with a wage of £8K p/w. He is “Natural” across the Attacking Midfielder Right, Centre and Left positions, highlighting his versatility. His best role is the Inside Forward role, being able to cut in on his strong left foot. He signed a four-year deal at the start of last season from Valencia, and currently has three more years until his contract expires in 2025.
Malo Gusto is next on our list, as the Lyon right-back has been impressive in the 13 games he’s played this season. He has been a key figure in Lyon’s defence this year and is one of their best performing players this term. Gusto was thrust into the first team last season, but has kept his place, and is slowly becoming one of the best young full-backs in the world. His performances have caught the eye of Manchester United.
In FM23, the Frenchman has a pricey valuation of £26m, with his contract set to be expiring in 2024. Like the other young players on this list, his wages are relatively low. His best position is in the Right Full-Back position, but he is also a “Natural” in the Right Wing-Back position.
Nico Williams (Athletic Club) - 6.96
The final player we look at is Nico Williams, who is arguably the most well known of the five on this list. The Athletic Club winger, where he plays with his older brother, Inaki, has made 13 appearances for the Basque side. He has scored three goals and made three assists, matching his brother's goal contributions, and has been a key figure for Athletic this season. He recently made his international debut for Spain, coming off the bench in both of their games in the last international break.
Having featured for his national side, there is no surprise that Nico Williams has an expensive valuation of £43m on FM23, with Athletic desperate to keep such a brilliant Basque player. He has the highest wage of any player on this list as well, currently earning £18K p/w in the first season. His best position is on the right wing, where he is a “Natural”, as well as in the Right Midfield position. Should you be playing as Athletic, you may want to keep this starlet happy, as signing a capable replacement may be impossible due to the Basque club’s strict transfer policy.
