Probably one of the features with the most potential of every FIFA release year after year is its career mode, and more importantly, the managerial mode therein. Someone who has been playing the game for a long time will know that managing a team is one of the greatest joys the game has to offer in the single-player mode, and while some may debate that the multiplayer mode of the game is the best thing the game has to offer, the managerial mode is just plain old-school, and some of us like the old ways better.
Heading back to the topic at hand, anybody managing a team, regardless of whatever level they are playing in, will know the importance of a balanced team and how crucial it is to get the best players on offer – both via scouting and transfer – with the best possible deal available.
Similar to every year, this year’s FIFA 14, which we rated highly in our previous review for the game, also comes with a number of high potential youngsters who have the capabilities of becoming a future star and become an integral part of your first team. And while searching for these players can be a real tough ordeal to face with patience being the primary constraint, this post is meant to make those search ordeals a bit less painful.
Now, a player is not only judged by his overalls or skills, but also by his age. You may go for guys like Ibrahimovic and van Persie now, but you also know that age is not on their side anymore, and even if the player decides to stay at your club until he retires, you need to consider as to how many years he might be able to contribute eventually (this being said: EA has a notorious habit of retiring players at 32).
The safest option here is to take up a talented youngster and nurture him for a while until he reaches that overall you always wanted for him. Sure it’s going to take some time for him to develop and you might not even want to give the guy regular playtime going by his current overalls. But if you take your chances and play your cards correctly with some occasional playtime in mid-week cup games, you actually secure your future.
Below is a list of five young talents that you may consider adding to your roster. Also, don’t go by their present 75 or less overall score, as some of them hold the capabilities of reaching even greater number in the coming years. The players have been sorted out by their name, club, and position. Also note that these players are not that costly and are always open to an option of regular first-team game, irrespective of the club.
Maximilian Meyer, Schalke 04, CAM: German football is special in a sense since the country’s board long ago sorted out its certain young footballers’ policy that’s paying off in the current times with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Mario Gotze coming in. Similarly, Maximilian Meyer is also a product of the same fraternity and policy.
Currently plying his trade at German Bundesliga side Schalke 04 as a midfielder, Maximilian Meyer was first known to be a part of Germany’s U-17 squad for 2012 UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship where he scored three times and helped Germany to reach the final which they eventually lost to the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out. Nonetheless, Meyer received the best player of the tournament award for becoming the top scorer.
Meyer made his senior team debut last season for Schalke when he was just 17 years old and currently stands at an overall rating of 65 which can escalate to a potential of 84 if offered regular chances, or 86 if you updated the game.
For me, it seems like watching regular German Bundesliga (apart from the Premier League and La Liga) has paid off since I got a close-up on Meyer when he was recently given the start in a game against Hoffenheim where he assisted Kevin-Prince Boateng's goal in the third minute, and was later booked in the 57th minute.
Check out Maximilian “Max” Meyer’s overall skills and goals below.
Cristian Bonilla, Atletico Nacional, GK: While you may boast about how effective your back four in defense is, but a good team is never completed without a promising goalkeeper, and it seems like young Colombian goalkeeper Cristian Bonilla fits the bill perfectly.
Since goalkeepers, and primarily good goalkeepers, are hard to come by in EA’s FIFA offerings, it’s important to spend some time here to sought out the right guy in goal for your team, but if you have the option to get Bonilla, it’s only recommended that you offer the best price.
Currently playing for Colombian club Atletico Nacional, the 20 year old has already made 25 appearances for the club last season, but not before he made his debut within the Colombian top tier at only 16 years of age with Boyaca Chico.
Often referred by Colombian media as a great prospect for the future, Bonilla is perfect fit if you are looking for a goalkeeper who can be a certified second choice ahead of your first team keeper. Bonilla currently has an overall of 74 but that can further go up to 85 with proper game-time.
Check him out below.
Adnan Januzaj, Manchester United, RM: Anybody who didn’t know Januzaj was had already taken a note of him after his recent success with the Red Devils.
At just 18 years of age, young Belgian Adnan Januzaj has turned out to be one of the most crucial players as far as United’s title aspirations are concerned. Even as far as pre-season goes, Januzaj enjoyed a great time with United, providing an assist in Rio Ferdinand's testimonial game and also replacing Robin van Persie in the line-up for the FA Community Shield.
Unfortunately, EA has not done justice to the player’s real credentials and has only provided an overall rating of 63 with an equally low stamina rating of 35. However, he has the potential to reach a number around 85 or even more if given opportunities.
Check out Adnan Januzaj below.
Aleksandar Mitrovic, R.S.C. Anderlecht, ST: Serbian footballer Aleksandar Mitrovic currently plays for Belgian club R.S.C. Anderlecht and is easily one of the less known and under-rated players you will ever come across until now.
Playing as a striker, Mitrovic, 19, recently moved to Anderlecht from Serbian club FK Partizan and has already made a notable impact for his new team by scoring twice in three games. Previous to that, at just the age of 18, Mitrovic was named among the top ten talents under the age of 19 in Europe.
With most of his powers relying on shot power and stamina, Mitrovic has already made three appearances for the Serbian national team. EA, as it seems, has also rated the player accordingly with more importance being given to his sprint speed, finishing and long shots apart from the usual. Aleksandar Mitrovic is currently rated with an overall of 73, but has the capability of reaching a potential of 87.
Check out his top five goals below.
