FM23 Wonderkid Defenders You Should Sign

FM 23 Best Wonderkid Defenders

From Josko Gvardiol to Sael Kumbedi, we've rated the best young wonderkid defenders that every player should sign in Football Manager 23...

When starting a new Football Manager 23 save, the first thing eager players do is sign the high-potential young players in the game, in other words the wonderkids. With the right management and tactical templates, they aim to turn the young talents (wonderkids) in their squad into some of the best players in the game.

Football Manager 23: Who Are the Top 10 Wonderkid Defenders?

A great way to start a Football Manager 23 season is to build a solid defense and finish matches conceding few goals. There are some great defenders in the right-back, left-back, and centre-back positions, and here are some of the best of those wonderkids...

FM 23 Best Wonderkid Defenders

10/10

Nathan Patterson - RB

At 20 years old with 17 stamina and 15 determination, this promising Everton right-back has a very high ceiling and is definitely a player worth signing. In real life, with Frank Lampard starting to give him minutes, it's clear he'll keep improving and his price will keep rising.

The Scottish wonderkid can be signed for a price of around £50 million, and while that may look steep at first glance, it will definitely be worth it once he becomes a world-class full-back. A giant like Real Madrid needs a young right-back to replace the aging Dani Carvajal, and Nathan Patterson could be a great choice here. A summer transfer move could be coming, so be ready!

9/10

Sael Kumbedi - RB

A cheaper option could be 17-year-old Sael Kumbedi from Olympique Lyon. With 14 decisions and 14 tackling already, Kumbedi can turn into an absolute monster on defense with the right playing time and good development coaching.

He'll definitely take some tough negotiating to sign, and he should be the first player you pick up in any Football Manager 23 save. This transfer will cost around $1 million, and it's among the best value signings you could make for a Championship club. Even if you're not at a top club and he's willing to play for you, don't think twice, add Kumbedi to your squad!

8/10

Josko Gvardiol - CB/LB

We're tired of writing about him, but he's not tired of improving. Gvardiol is going to be one of the greatest defenders of the future, and despite his already incredible stats, he's still only a 20-year-old wonderkid.

Signing him will cost you $80-90 million, but if you've got the money and want to get a truly great player, don't think twice, buy Gvardiol.

7/10

Giorgio Scalvini - CB

A true Italian Stallion, Scalvini is one of the highest-potential players to become a rock-solid presence at the back, and he can be yours for a modest fee of around $20 million. At just 18 years old, Scalvini is going to turn into a monster and will undoubtedly be worth up to 10 times that price!

6/10

Antonio Silva - CB

Antonio Silva is a genuinely exciting prospect in Football Manager 23. He's only 18 years old, and finding a buyer at $20 million is anything but smart. Sign this centre-back for any side and any part of the game.

With excellent physical and defensive stats, this Portuguese player will quickly become one of the best defenders, and his price will keep climbing by the day. Is he the next Ruben Dias? Going by his current form, he certainly looks like it.

5/10

Jurien Timber - CB

Already an international player with the Netherlands, so his price is quite high. Jurrien Timber will cost players around $60-90 million, but he's absolutely worth it as one of the best young defenders in Football Manager.

With his strong real-life Dutch connections linking him with Man Utd, this 21-year-old wonderkid is worth grabbing if you have the money, then enjoy the profit you'll make in 1-2 years!

4/10

Enzo Boyomo - CB

For a manager running a lower-tier team in the game, Boyomo could be a perfect fit. A 20-year-old Cameroonian centre-back who also plays right-back, he features for Albacete in the Spanish second division.

Signing him will cost a little under $2 million, and he'll turn out to be a major wonderkid who provides huge contributions for the club that takes him. Since his ability will grow along with his age and he'll turn into an absolute monster, he stands out as a first signing you can use for many years to come.

FM 23 Best Wonderkid Defenders: Top 3

3/10

Aaron Hickey - LB

This full-back, who can play on either the left or the right, is versatile as it gets. Naturally right-footed, Hickey plays on the left for Brentford but can be easily converted to fit a team's needs. Being comfortable on both feet, attack-minded, and sharp, Hickey is the type of player you should sign without hesitation.

Joining your club will cost not much more than $30 million :)

However, since that price tag will only keep rising in the coming years, make sure you move quickly for him.

2/10

Destiny Udogie - LB

Playing on loan at Udinese from Tottenham Hotspur, you'll have to wait to sign Destiny Udogie, since he first needs to return to his parent club before he can be transferred.

Worth around $30 million, this Italian is definitely fast, so if your team needs pace, make sure Udogie is on your shortlist. At just 19 years old, there's no doubt he's a future star wonderkid, already a good player but set to get even better!

1/10

Alejandro Balde - LB

This definitely fast left-winger can also cover the right flank whenever needed across every area of the left side, but his best positions are definitely left-back or left wing-back. Balde is only 18 years old, and signing him will cost around $30 million. If you're wondering just how successful Balde can be in Football Manager 23, all you need to do is take a close look at his stats above.

We hope Balde reaches his in-game potential in real life too and becomes a great star.