The 10 best left-back wonderkids in Football Manager 2024 | OneFootball

Football Manager 2024 is here and, unsurprisingly, it's breaking boundaries within the sports gaming world. At this point, it's expected, with Sports Interactive's masterpiece continually impressing football fans around the world. This year it's formed as one of the most polished sports games of all time, with everything from updated set-piece tactics, new licenses (say hello to the Japanese league), improved graphics and the consistent joy - and disappointment - of a final-day match to win the title. Yet every year, it's famous for one major thing; predicting the future of football.

It's a talent by itself, with Sports Interactive continually predicting the next superstar. Whether that was Kylian Mbappe at Monaco, Erling Haaland in Norway or even Jadon Sancho at Dortmund, it happens every single year. For example, Leeds midfielder Archie Gray has been shining in the Championship in his first full season, but this is not a surprise to FM players, with the youngster always performing as years progress in the game.

But, as was the case with the 10 best right-back wonderkids in FM24, left-backs are often seen as one of the least important positions on the pitch. Just ask Ashley Cole, very few idolised him as a role model decades ago, despite him being one of the most talented footballers around. However, with these 10 left-backs, you won't have to worry about that position for years - maybe decades - in FM24. With electric pace, impressive strength and even assured defensive awareness, these wonderkids will help you win titles all across Europe.

All of these stats are taken from the ever-reliable 'FMScout'. However, it is worth bearing in mind that potential changes in FM24 are dependent on a variety of factors out of your control - from injury to motivation, you even need some luck to be able to take these wonderkids to the best in the world.

FM24 left-back wonderkids

10 John Tolkin - New York Red Bulls - 21

Kickstarting the list, John Tolkin is probably a name you haven't heard of - at least if you're from Europe. However, the 21-year-old American has heaps of potential ahead of him, especially as America continues to grow as a football nation - the 2026 World Cup will only help with that! As a consistent starter for the New York Red Bulls, he has the pace, strength and awareness to deal with almost any MSL attacker - if you ignore Lionel Messi, who scored a stunning goal against New York on his debut. It's no surprise to see Sheffield United are linked with him, with a cheap fee compared to others on this list needed to sign him.

9 Destiny Udogie - Tottenham - 20

At the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Destiny Udogie - strongly considered one of the best left-backs in the world already. At just 20, he already has the qualities of a modern-day left-back as his performances at Tottenham have surprised the world. From his pace, strength and defending to his crucial dribbling and passing qualities, the Italian epitomises the change in football tactics - symbolising the renaissance Spurs are experiencing under Ange Postecoglou. However, because of this, he will not be a cheap player to lure away from Hotspur Way. With the Italian only joining last summer - and with Daniel Levy being one of the toughest negotiators around - it will be a challenge for even the biggest clubs.

8 Patrick Dorgu - Lecce - 18

The Italian league is famous for producing some of the finest defenders the world has ever seen. The names of Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro and Franco Baresi symbolise that, yet now Serie A has produced another impressive talent in Danish left-back Patrick Dorgu. The 19-year-old, who plies his trade for Lecce, is already a consistent performer for the Italian club - playing 12 matches this season. Yet because Lecce are one of the smallest clubs in the league, it means you will be able to lure him away from them with ease, especially if you have the financial backing of Champions League football.

7 Harvey Araujo - Fulham - 19

Harvey Araujo is one of Fulham's - and England's - most promising talents. The 19-year-old is a regular player for Fulham in the Premier League 2 whilst minutes in the first-team under Marco Silva only seem like a matter of months away. Araujo has regularly been applauded for his work rate and skill level at such a young age, and - although he's at one of the smaller academies - Fulham have moulded him into a player with heaps of potential. However, because of the saying 'English tax', it means Araujo will be an expensive option, even if he is not a regular player for the senior team.

6 Matteo Ruggeri - Atalanta - 21

Similarly to Dorgu, Matteo Ruggeri is another wonderkid playing in Serie A. Yet this time Ruggeri is not only playing in the domestic league, he is also impressing in the Europa League with Atalanta. At the age of just 21, that is a remarkable feat from the Italian. With 14 appearances this season, he has showcased his impressive pace and defensive awareness, whilst FMScout's potential rating of 83 suggests he has the ability to dominate the very top of European football for years - maybe even decades - to come. The possibilities are endless with Ruggeri at left-back in FM24.

5 Miloš Kerkez - Bournemouth - 19

When Miloš Kerkez moved to Bournemouth from AZ, there was a sense of shock across Europe, especially after his Golden Boy nomination. No one expected one of the world's most promising footballers to move to Bournemouth of all clubs, with other high-profile Champions League clubs scouting the Hungarian. However, teaming up with fellow wonderkids Alex Scott and Illia Zabarnyi, the team on the South Coast are forming an exciting group. Kerkez has had an impressive start to life in England despite Bournemouth struggling in the Premier League. However, the move to the club rules you out from signing him for the first season, so you'll have to wait to secure his signature in FM24.

4 Victor Kristiansen - Bologna (on loan from Leicester) - 20

Victor Kristiansen suffered the humiliating prospect of relegation last season with Leicester - just six months after moving to the club from Denmark. It's a heartbreaking moment for any footballer - let alone one who is regularly considered one of the best prospects in world football. It led to Kristiansen needing a break from England as a loan move to Bologna materialised, where he has featured inconsistently throughout the season, playing a crucial part with an assist in their 2-1 against Cagliari in September. Although he's not flying high, FMScout still ranks him as one of the best options, suggesting he can dominate football for years to come.

3 Amar Dedić - Red Bull Salzburg - 20

Red Bull Salzburg have produced a host of wonderkids over the years. From helping nurture Haaland before his move to Dortmund to letting Dominik Szoboszlai pull the strings in the middle of the park, the Austrian club are at the heart of academic football. As the carousel of football keeps on moving, so do RB Salzburg's wonderkids, with Amar Dedić the next to hit the conveyor belt. With three goals and three assists in just 13 league matches this season, the Bosnian's potential is clear. His price might even be cheap, with RB Salzburg regularly selling their wonderkids every season.

2 Alejandro Balde - Barcelona - 19

Barcelona - and La Masia specifically - has a history of producing some of football's greatest talent. A quick look at Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Lionel Messi would showcase that, with the trio dominating world football for years. The academy has a knack of producing world-class players in each cohort and that isn't stopping anytime soon. Alejandro Balde played a key part in their La Liga success last season, with seven-goal contributions in 33 matches. Xavi became a strong admirer of Balde and it's easy to see why, with his incredible pace, impressive defending and partnerships with fellow defenders epitomising the Barcelona DNA.

1 Valentín Barco - Boca Juniors - 19

Last, but not least, Valentín Barco is one of the most talked about players in South America. The continent is rich with footballing history - just look at the talent they've produced. Yet it seems like World Cup winners Argentina have produced another one, with Barco shining for Boca Juniors. The left-back has been regularly linked to Manchester City and Brighton - who might even be playing Football Manager themselves with their scouting history. Yet, it's easy to see his talent, with his performances for the club showcasing his impressive but raw talent. At just 19, he has the world at his feet.