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Football Manager 2018's world-beating Wonderkid XI
These are the hottest young players in FM18.
There are so many great games coming out at the moment – but there's one that can really take over your life. Yes, Football Manager is back, and it's as addictive as ever; you'll promise yourself that you'll play just one more game and before you know it, a quick session turns into a multi-season save.
As the in-game years progress, it becomes ever more important to build a youthful squad. Snapping up new talent to ensure future success is crucial, but the introduction of upgraded scouting mechanics in FM 2018 helps.
To make things easier, we've picked an XI of top wonderkids in this year's game. Each young star boasts incredible potential down the line, and by signing any of them, you'll be setting yourself up for future glory.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma is the best young keeper
© Sports Interactive
Football Manager 2018 features an array of talented young keepers, with 18-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma being the pick of the bunch. The AC Milan shot stopper boasts 17 reflexes, 16 agility and 15 handling attributes in-game and, as you'd expect, his potential is sky-high. Already operating at the highest level, Donnarumma will fit into any side from day one, and has the ability to become the world's very best goalkeeper in future seasons.
Defender: Felix Passlack
Dortmund defender Felix Passlack is at the beginning of a two year loan at Hoffenheim in FM 2018, so don't expect to sign him right away. The Germany U21 international is worth waiting for, however, as his overall ability can skyrocket in years to come. Following his Dortmund departure in 2015, Jürgen Klopp said: "I could start crying knowing that I won't be coaching this guy." Based on Felix's FM 2018 stats, it's easy to see why.
Defender: Niklas Süle
Bayern's Niklas Süle just about counts as a wonderkid – he's 21 at the start of the season, but turns 22 on September 3. Despite being fitted with a 'rotation' squad status, the German international packs a set of superb defensive stats, with 18 strength, 17 jumping reach and 17 pace amongst them. He doesn't come cheap though, and you'll require excellent negotiation skills to pry him away from the Bundesliga champions.
Defender: Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt doesn't have many weaknesses
© Sports Interactive
De Ligt is highly sought after in FM this year, with teams such as Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG all likely to place bids for the Dutch international early on. Expect to pay around £10-15m for the 18-year-old centre-back, who has excellent determination, jumping and bravery stats. Ajax aren't too reluctant to let him go either, so if you can fork out the funds, there's a good chance he'll make the move.
Defender: Theo Hernández
20-year-old Theo Hernández is just one of Real Madrid's mass of potential stars in FM 2018. The ex-Atlético left-back's in-game stats have yet to peak, but his five-star potential makes him worth sticking with on a regular basis. Although most comfortable in a defensive full-back role, Hernández remains highly-proficient in attack due to his excellent pace and stamina.
Midfielder: Ousmane Dembélé
Ousmane Dembélé's explosive pace is replicated in FM 2018, and is complemented by 17 dribbling and flair attributes. Valued at £52m, he commands a lucrative five-year contract, so it'll take something ultra-special to sign him for your squad. Even if you succeed, you'll probably be bankrupt at the end of it!
Midfielder: Rúben Neves
Ruben Neves is too good for the Champipnship
© Sports Interactive
It'll be a surprise to many that one of FM 2018's standout wonderkids plays in the Championship. Formerly of Porto, Wolves' Rúben Neves comes equipped with some outstanding stats in-game and a hefty valuation of £14.25m. The 20 year old isn't cheap, then, but he already operates at a Premier League level in terms of his ability, and boasts the potential to improve massively over time.
Midfielder: Kai Havertz
Young Kai Havertz became the Bundesliga's youngest ever debutant back in 2016, and has regularly featured in the Bayer Leverkusen setup ever since. The 18 year old's technical abilities are most noteworthy in FM 2018, with his 16 vision, 15 first touch and 13 flair attributes lending perfectly to a variety of roles. A versatile young talent, Havertz is capable of fitting in anywhere in the midfield, and can even play up front if necessary.
Midfielder: Vinícius Júnior
Vinícius Júnior is a top wonderkid winger
© Sports Interactive
17-year-old Vinícius Júnior boasts superb skills, a low valuation and outstanding potential in FM 2018. Unfortunately, Real Madrid scouted him out ahead of time, and there's no way of halting the Brazilian's transfer to the Spanish giants in July 2018. So you'll have to wait to sign him – or manage Los Blancos! Júnior is arguably the best wonderkid winger in the game, so be sure to give him plenty of game time.
Striker: Kylian Mbappé
If you're not PSG's manager, you'll find it near-impossible to bring Kylian Mbappé on board during the initial stages of this year's game. The 18 year old joined Les Parisiens in the summer of 2018, and given his costly £52m valuation and menacing set of stats, you won't want to face him too often. Packed with 18 flair, 17 dribbling and 17 acceleration attributes, the sky's the limit for this unstoppable French forward.
Striker: Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak is a bargain - sign him up!
© Sports Interactive
Ever since his 2016 transfer from AIK to Dortmund, 18-year-old Alexander Isak has remained largely in the shadows. Don't let that fool you though – the Swedish youngster has been dubbed the next Zlatan Ibrahimović by some, and his FM 2018 stats suggest that he'll live up to that moniker. Valued at £3.1m in-game, Isak is blessed with excellent pace and technical attributes, and given his short contract length, you might just snag an almighty bargain.
Football Manager 2018 is released on November 10. Our wonderkid XI was picked from the beta version of the game.
