FM23: How to find Wonderkids in Football Manager 2023?

Finding the next big thing in Football Manager 2023 is a rewarding experience. This guide goes beyond the basics, offering a comprehensive approach to unearthing wonderkids and maximizing their potential.

Understanding Wonderkids

A "wonderkid" in Football Manager is a young player with exceptionally high potential ability (PA). They are typically under 21 and possess the raw talent to become world-class players. Identifying and nurturing these players is crucial for long-term success in the game.

Setting Up Your Scouting Network

Before diving into searches, ensure your scouting network is optimized. This involves:

• High-Quality Scouts: Prioritize scouts with high ratings in Judging Player Potential and Judging Player Ability. These attributes directly impact the accuracy of their reports.
• Wide Scouting Range: Expand your scouting knowledge across different regions. This increases your chances of discovering hidden gems in lesser-known leagues.
• Appropriate Assignments: Assign scouts to specific regions or competitions based on their expertise. For example, a scout with South American knowledge is best suited for scouting in those countries.

Creating Effective Recruitment Focuses

Recruitment Focuses are essential for targeted searches. Here’s a refined approach:

1. Open the “Recruitment” menu and click “Create Recruitment Focus.”
2. Position: Instead of "Any Position from Tactic," consider creating separate focuses for specific positions. This allows for more granular searches based on required attributes.
3. Potential: Set the minimum potential to at least 3.5 stars (or higher if you're managing a top club). This filters out players with lower potential.
4. Age: While the 15-23 range is a good starting point, consider narrowing it down depending on your needs. For immediate impact, focus on 18-21-year-olds. For long-term development, prioritize 15-17-year-olds.
5. Important Attributes: This is where you go beyond the basics. Instead of just relying on potential, add key attributes relevant to the position. For example:
   • Strikers: Finishing, First Touch, Off the Ball.
   • Midfielders: Passing, Vision, Technique.
   • Defenders: Tackling, Marking, Positioning.
6. Adaptability: As mentioned in the original post, adaptability is crucial for players moving to different continents. Include this attribute in your search if you're targeting players from far-off regions. A player with low adaptability will struggle to settle in a new country, hindering their development.
7. Traits: Consider adding specific player traits to your search. For example, searching for players with the "Plays One-Twos" trait can be beneficial for attacking midfielders.
8. Ongoing Priority: Set the priority to "Ongoing" to ensure your scouts continuously search for players matching the criteria.
9. Assign Scouts and Analysts: Choose scouts and analysts with relevant expertise for the focus.
10. Confirm: Finalize your recruitment focus.

Going Beyond Recruitment Focuses: Advanced Scouting Techniques

• World > Transfers: Use the "Transfers" section to monitor transfers across the globe. This can reveal young players moving to new clubs, which might indicate high potential.
• International Youth Competitions: Keep an eye on international youth tournaments (e.g., U17 World Cup, U19 European Championship). These competitions often showcase the best young talents in the world.
• Player Search: Utilize the player search function and filter by age and potential. This allows for more targeted searches based on specific criteria.
• Scout Recommendations: Regularly check your scout recommendations. They often uncover hidden gems that might not appear in recruitment focuses.
• Agent Offers: Pay attention to agent offers. While many are irrelevant, some agents offer promising young players.

Maximizing Wonderkid Development

Finding wonderkids is only half the battle. Here’s how to maximize their development:

• Playing Time: Provide regular playing time, ideally in their preferred position. Loan spells to suitable clubs can be beneficial if they aren't getting first-team opportunities.
• Mentoring: Pair young players with experienced senior players with good personalities. This can significantly improve their mental attributes and professionalism.
• Training: Focus on training specific attributes based on the player’s position and role. Utilize individual training to address weaknesses.
• Development Plans: Create individual development plans to guide their progress and focus on specific areas for improvement.

Addressing Specific Search Queries:

• Finding Wonderkids in Specific Nations/Leagues: Use the "Nation" or "League" filter in the player search or recruitment focus to target specific regions.
• Finding Cheap Wonderkids: Look for players in lower leagues or with expiring contracts.
• Finding Wonderkids on a Tight Budget: Utilize free transfers, loan deals, or target players from smaller clubs with lower transfer fees.

By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to discover and nurture the next generation of football superstars in Football Manager 2023. Remember that patience is key. Developing wonderkids takes time and consistent effort.