FM23: Best Wonderkid Strikers To Sign

Hey there, FM fanatics! Are you ready to dominate the virtual pitch in Football Manager 2023? If you're on the hunt for goal-scoring machines to lead your team to glory, you've come to the right place. This guide dives deep into the world of wonderkid strikers – those young, talented players with the potential to become world-class superstars. We're talking about the guys who can bang in goals for fun, terrorize defenses, and become the legends of your save. Building a successful team in Football Manager isn't just about having a star-studded lineup; it's about identifying and nurturing young talent. Wonderkid strikers are the future of your team, offering not just immediate impact but also long-term value and potential for massive profits. So, let's get down to business and discover the best young strikers FM23 has to offer.

Why Focus on Wonderkid Strikers in FM23?

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why focusing on wonderkid strikers is a game-changer in Football Manager 2023.

• Long-Term Investment: Wonderkids aren't just for a season or two; they're the cornerstone of your team for years to come. Nurturing a young striker means you're investing in a player who can lead your line for a decade or more, becoming a club legend in the process. Imagine having a prolific goal scorer who consistently nets 20+ goals every season – that's the power of a wonderkid.
• Financial Windfall: Beyond their on-field contributions, wonderkids can significantly boost your club's finances. A player who develops into a world-class striker will skyrocket in value, allowing you to sell them for a massive profit down the line. This influx of cash can be reinvested into improving your squad, upgrading facilities, or securing even more young talent.
• Tactical Flexibility: Young strikers often possess a diverse skillset, making them adaptable to different formations and tactical approaches. Whether you prefer a target man, a poacher, or a complete forward, there's a wonderkid out there who fits your system. Their versatility allows you to tweak your tactics and keep opponents guessing.
• The Thrill of Development: There's a unique satisfaction in watching a raw talent blossom into a superstar. Guiding a wonderkid through training, mentoring, and first-team opportunities is one of the most rewarding aspects of Football Manager. You're not just buying a player; you're crafting a future legend.

Scouting for Wonderkid Strikers: What to Look For

Finding the next big thing in Football Manager requires a keen eye and a solid scouting strategy. Here's what you should be looking for when searching for wonderkid strikers:

• Key Attributes: Pace, finishing, composure, off the ball movement, and technique are crucial for any striker. Look for players with high ratings in these areas, as they'll be more likely to find the back of the net consistently. Other important attributes include anticipation, decisions, and flair.
• Potential Ability: This is the hidden stat that determines how much a player can develop. Use your scouts to identify players with high potential ability (PA), as they have the capacity to become world-class. A PA of 150 or higher is a good indicator of a potential superstar.
• Personality: A player's personality can significantly impact their development. Look for players with professional, resolute, or ambitious personalities, as they're more likely to train hard and reach their full potential. Avoid players with temperamental or low determination personalities.
• Scouting Range: Invest in a strong scouting network to uncover hidden gems from around the world. Send your scouts to regions known for producing young talent, such as South America, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Don't neglect your own youth academy either – you might have a future star hiding in your ranks.

Top Wonderkid Strikers in Football Manager 2023

Alright, guys, let's get to the good stuff – the list of top wonderkid strikers in Football Manager 2023! This isn't an exhaustive list, but it features some of the most promising young forwards in the game, categorized by their potential role and playing style.

The Goalscoring Prodigies

These guys are natural-born finishers, blessed with incredible instincts and deadly accuracy in front of goal. If you need someone to put the ball in the back of the net, look no further.

• Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund): Already a household name, Moukoko is a phenomenal talent with blistering pace, exceptional finishing, and the potential to become one of the best strikers in the world. He's a complete forward who can score all types of goals.
• Evan Ferguson (Brighton & Hove Albion): Ferguson is a towering presence upfront with excellent heading ability and a knack for being in the right place at the right time. He's a classic target man who can also contribute with link-up play.
• Endrick (Palmeiras - Joining Real Madrid in 2024): This Brazilian sensation is a hot property in the footballing world, and for good reason. Endrick is a dynamic striker with pace, dribbling skills, and a lethal shot. He's the complete package.

The Creative Forwards

These strikers aren't just about scoring goals; they also bring creativity, vision, and flair to the attack. They can unlock defenses with their passing, dribbling, and movement.

• Benjamin Šeško (RB Salzburg): Šeško is a tall and technically gifted striker who can play as a target man or a poacher. He has excellent dribbling skills, a powerful shot, and the ability to create chances for his teammates.
• Adam Hložek (Bayer Leverkusen): Hložek is a versatile forward who can play anywhere across the front line. He's a clever player with great vision, passing ability, and a knack for scoring important goals.
• Marcos Leonardo (Santos): Leonardo is a diminutive but incredibly skillful striker with excellent dribbling and finishing abilities. He's a constant threat to defenders and can create something out of nothing.

The Hidden Gems

These are the lesser-known wonderkids who might not be on everyone's radar but possess immense potential. Snapping them up early could prove to be a masterstroke.

• Roko Šimić (RB Salzburg): Simic is a Croatian striker with a natural eye for goal. He's a clinical finisher with good movement and the potential to become a top-class poacher.
• Rodrigo Ribeiro (Sporting CP): Ribeiro is a Portuguese striker with pace, skill, and a deadly left foot. He's a versatile forward who can play as a winger or a striker.
• Mateo Retegui (Club Atletico Tigre - On Loan from Boca Juniors): Retegui is an Argentinian striker who's been turning heads with his goal-scoring exploits. He's a powerful forward with excellent aerial ability and a knack for scoring from set-pieces.

Training and Developing Your Wonderkid Strikers

Once you've signed your wonderkid striker, the real work begins. Nurturing their talent and helping them reach their full potential requires a strategic approach to training and development.

• Individual Training: Tailor your wonderkid's individual training to focus on their weaknesses and enhance their strengths. If they need to improve their finishing, set their focus to shooting. If they lack pace, focus on their quickness. Individual training is the best way to focus on specific attribute development.
• Mentoring: Pair your wonderkid with an experienced player who has a professional personality. Mentoring can help them develop their mental attributes, such as determination, teamwork, and work rate.
• Playing Time: Give your wonderkid regular playing time, even if it means rotating them with more established players. Consistent exposure to first-team football is crucial for their development. Loan moves can also be invaluable if you can find a club that will guarantee them game time.
• Match Experience: As your wonderkid gains experience, they'll become more confident and make better decisions on the pitch. Be patient and persistent, and you'll see them blossom into a top-class striker.

Tactics and Roles for Wonderkid Strikers

The right tactic and role can unlock your wonderkid's full potential. Here are a few tips on how to get the best out of your young strikers:

• Advanced Forward: This is a classic striker role that focuses on scoring goals. The Advanced Forward will look to run in behind the defense, latch onto through balls, and finish chances. This role suits strikers with pace, finishing, and composure.
• Poacher: The Poacher is a specialist in being in the right place at the right time. They'll lurk in the penalty area, waiting for opportunities to pounce on loose balls and rebounds. This role suits strikers with excellent anticipation, off the ball movement, and finishing.
• Target Man: The Target Man is a physical presence upfront who can hold up the ball, bring teammates into play, and win aerial duels. This role suits strikers with strength, heading ability, and first touch.
• Complete Forward: The Complete Forward is a versatile role that requires the striker to be good at everything. They need to be able to score goals, create chances, and contribute to the team's overall play. This role suits strikers with well-rounded attributes.

Remember to tailor your tactics to your wonderkid's strengths. If they're lightning-fast, play them in a system that utilizes through balls and counter-attacks. If they're a physical presence, play them as a target man in a more direct style.

Conclusion: Building a Dynasty with Wonderkid Strikers

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to finding and developing wonderkid strikers in Football Manager 2023. By focusing on young talent, you can build a team that dominates for years to come, both on and off the pitch. Remember to scout diligently, train effectively, and provide ample opportunities for your wonderkids to shine. With patience and dedication, you'll witness them transform into world-class superstars, leading your team to glory and etching their names into the history books. Now, go out there and find the next goal-scoring sensation! Your FM23 dynasty awaits! Happy managing!