In the build-up to Football Manager 2021 release it’s time to look at the potential Football Manager 2021 wonderkids and emerging talents to watch for FM21 release.
Putting attention to the next generation of talents – looking at the best young talents that’s not currently included in Football Manager, has become an annual tradition for me. For the fourth year in the row, I’m pleased to reveal my list of the top 21 potential FM21 Wonderkids and the ones to watch in Football Manager 2021 aged 16 or younger!
My review of the potential Football Manager 2021 wonderkids looks at 21 promising talents born in 2003, 2004 and 2005 that’s currently emerging at Under-17 level and below. Featured along with this player review comes the Passion4FM NextGen talents database which let you discover the potential wonderkids of Football Manager 2021 ‘before’ anyone else!
Learn more about the youth talents database and what’s included by visiting the download page for the Passion4FM NextGen database. The NextGen Database includes youth teams of some of the biggest clubs around Europe as well as the most highly rated football talents worldwide. We look to update the NextGen database until the release of Football Manager 2022.
Experience the next generation of talents in Football Manager 2021!
Download the Passion4FM NextGen Database and discover possible FM21 Wonderkids and promising youth talents born after 01.09.2003.
[ARG]/[MEX] Luka Romero – RCD Mallorca, Attacking Midfielder
Receiving his debut at a professional level at the age of 15 is unusual. Receiving it against Real Madrid in a competitive match is highly remarkable as it adds immense pressure. Coming on as a late substitute in the 2-0 loss against Real Madrid, RCD Mallorca’s Luka Romero became the youngest La Liga player ever at the age of 15 and 219 days.
Luka Romero was born in Mexico November 18th, 2004, while his dad Diego, a nomadic footballer played for Alacranes. A technically gifted playmaker, who is natural at attacking midfield and wide positions, came to RCD Mallorca in 2015, despite major interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. A few years earlier he even had a trial with Barcelona, but due to FIFA regulations of signing minors, the transfer never went through, due to the family’s reluctance of moving to Catalonia.
Labeled the ‘Mexican Messi’ due to the similarities in playing style and the unusual feat of being both a creator and main goalscorer, Luka Romero got the chance to train with the first team after impressing in the youth ranks.
On June 16th 2020, he got called up for the Villarreal match squad something that required special authorization from the RFEF due to being under the age of 16 and not holding a professional contract. Even though he managed to get 7 minutes of action against Real Madrid, it’s been limited playtime thereafter.
The left-footed playmaker draws similarities to both David Silva, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi. The Argentinian wonderkid features a similar low center of gravity, agility and flair as Messi. His quick feet excel in one on one situations – often using trickery and flair, body feints and smart movements to get past his opponents as he looks to get a shot on goal, through ball delivered or just opening up space for others to thrive. Dictating play between the lines with his sublime technical gifts and vision makes him stand out on the pitch.
According to ESPN, Luka Romero has managed the outstanding performance of recording 230 goals in 108 youth matches!
Taken into account that a number of his finest goals are scored from free-kicks and placed shots from the edge of the penalty box, the comparison to Messi is valid. His tendency to cut inside from wide or gets the ball in deep positions before darting forward with lightning pace and sublime close control has caught my attention. At a number of times, he has attracted three or more markers and managed to lure him with his dribbling and agility – quickly shifting pace and directions in his movements. Comping up in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper its not unusual to see a lovely chip over the goalkeeper or rounding him before easily put the ball into the back of the net from close.
The immense potential of Luka Romero makes him to a certain one to watch for FM21! Remember the name!
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[FRA] Lesley Ugochukwu – Stade Rennais, Midfielder
The Rennes academy conveyor belt is still producing the goods. Following the emerge of Eduardo Camavinga, who looks destined for a Real Madrid move in 2021, Stade Rennes continues its tradition of developing promising talents.
Next on the line are two promising talents that may take Ligue 1 with a storm in a few seasons. I’m of course speaking about Lesley Ugochukwu and Loum Tchaouna.
Lesley Ugochukwu became on the 1st of July the first player in the 2004 age group to sign a professional contract with Rennes. He’s 188cm tall central midfielder of Nigerian decent, who got promoted to the Stade Rennais Under-19 team this summer. Born on March 26th, 2004 in Rennes, he’s the second youngest player in Rennes’ history to sign a professional contract, behind Eduardo Camavinga. The local talent is highly rated at Rennes standing out for his natural fitness, technique and work rate, able to fulfill the requirements of the box to box midfielder role with ease.
Loum Tchaouna was born on September 8th, 2003 in N’Djamena, Chad. A left footed forward standing out for his physic, smartness in movements and positioning inside the box as well as his finishing technique, Loum Tchaouna has scored 5 goals in 13 appearances for France Under-16 and France Under-17, which he’s currently part of.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4star]
[GER] Emrehan Gedikli – Bayern Leverkusen
Age: 25.04.2003
Position: Striker
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[POR] Herculano Nabian – Vitória Sport Clube, Forward
Portugal has lavished European football with technically gifted wingers, tactical acute defenders and playmakers in the likes of Bruno Fernandes. While Benfica, Porto and Sporting Lisbon are the three powerhouse clubs for the Portuguese international team there’s a new type of wonderkid emerging at Vitória Sport Clube.
Herculano Bucancil Nabian, who is born in Guinea-Bissau on January 25th 2004, started out his youth career at Alguirão before making the move to Belenenses. He’s been part of Vitoria S.C. since 2018 and has impressed with his goalscoring records despite being in a different mould than Porto’s teenage sensation Fabio Silva.
Currently part of the Portuguese Under-17 national team, he debuted for the Portuguese Under-15 national team in April 2019 and within 5 months he had debuted and got promoted to the Under-16s and Under-17s. All in all, he has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances for the Portugal youth teams, currently standing at 4 goals in 9 appearances for Portugal Under-17s.
A more complete forward building his game on great physic and pure goalscoring instinct, Herculano Nabian accomplished more than 40 goals in the last two seasons for the youth team of Vitória. The complete forward is 182 cm tall and is as great in aerial situations as on the ground as due to his strength his great at holding up play – acting like a target man or deep-lying forward. Besides hosting a great finish, his off the ball movements can quickly tear the opposition apart, either they are done with or without the ball.
The Portuguese wonderkid, in the mould of Adama Traore body, build wise must be the opposite markers nightmare. Who know’s what he’ll do next and interestingly enough he got the capabilities to turn every situation into a goalscoring opportunity, either with magnificent weighted through balls, powerful long shots or calmly turning away from his marker shielding the ball whilst creating space for himself.
Surprisingly, despite packed with muscles he’s rather agile and is able to dribble past opponents with athleticism and acceleration. Able to score goals from all ranges, whether it’s freekicks, long shots, headers or from close range, Herculano Nabian is a wonderful watch.
There’s no wonder Barcelona and Real Madrid are all monitoring the progress of the powerful striker and are eager to secure him before value increases too much.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[GER] Nnamdi Collins – Bor. Dortmund, Central Defender
It must be fun being Lars Ricken these days! As the manager of the BVB Evonik Football Academy, Lars Ricken has seen a number of future stars rise the ranks of Borussia Dortmund under his tutelage the reason years. Promoted from the under-17 team at the first of July, becoming one of the youngest Under-19 squad members, Pharell Nnamdi Collins rise to international fame has just begun!
Nnamdi Collins was born in Düsseldorf January 10th, 2004 and came from Fortuna Düsseldorf to Borussia Dortmund in 2016. Described as one of the best young defender talents across Europe, the 191cm tall ball playing defender has become an important figure for Dortmund U17 and the German Under-16 national team, which he’s captain for. This season he completed 4 goals and 1 assist in 21 appearances.
His incredible acceleration and pace, great physic and composure with the ball has made an impression on me. His abilities to regain possession quickly and efficiently by utilizing his acceleration to get ahead of the situation rather than tackle have drawn similarities to Virgil van Dijk. With vision and great passing technique, the defender is able to play out from the back or bring the ball out if needed to create space. As well as great positioning and concentration, he’s a major threat in aerial situations both due to his aerial presence, the timing of his runs and body strength.
Rated highly at Dortmund and by Lars Ricken, wonderkid Nnamdi Collins has been making some impressing performances at the heart of the Dortmund defence. Securing a professional contract earlier this year, Dortmund has managed to keep hold of one incredible talent within the Dortmund Academy with the promise of having a clear pathway to the first team in the future.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[HOL] Mohamed Sankoh – Stoke
Age: 16.10.2003 (16)
Position: Forward
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [3halfstar]
[ENG] Samuel Iling-Junior – Juventus, Winger
NOTE! Juventus confirmed the signing of Samuel Iling on August 31th 2020 when his contract ran out with Chelsea..
When questions arise about which youth academies are the best, I’m sure Man Utd or Manchester City springs to mind. But in recent years, Chelsea has become a valid competitor. This season a total of eight homegrown players coming through the Chelsea Academy have been given their first team debut.
Reece James, Mason Mount, Billy Gilmour, Ian Maatsen, Faustino Anjorin, Armando Broja and Marc Guehi are just a few under-20 talents that Frank Lampard has given trust in.
With their extensive scouting network and longstanding recruitment policy of poaching youth around the world, Chelsea has managed to become one of the best youth teams in England. 7 FA Youth Cup trophies in 10 years, two times UEFA Youth League Champions and a number of youth tournament titles for their Under-16 teams deserve attention and praise.
The next generation of promising Chelsea Academy talents on the rise are Samuel Iling (2003), Charlie Webster (2004) and Jimi Tauriainen (2004). The latter was recently poached from Finland, as the Blues continues their attention to look at Scandinavia for promising talents.
Born in October 2003, and not eligible to sign a professional contract until that point, Juventus, PSG, Bayern Munich and Ajax have all raced for the signature of highly-rated youngster Samuel Iling since the pandemic came about, with the former in pole position to secure his signature. The former England U15s and Under-16’s winger, who has played is now part of the England Under-17 national team where he has received 5 appearances playing on either side.
A traditional winger or wide midfielder, who thrives at setting up others in goalscoring position, the current England Under-17 international has recorded 1 assist in eight U18 Premier League matches as well as 78 minutes of action in the UEFA Youth League.
Packed with stamina, work rate, natural fitness and the ability to set up his teammates from crosses, Samuel Iling’s ability and energy level to cover the entire left flank might make him a useful prospect to be converted into the modern wingback role, following in the successful path of Alphonso Davies.
The lack of goals compared to Jadon Sancho at the age of 16, who managed 12 goals in 14 appearances in the U18 Premier League, elaborates that Iling got much to work on in the final third, but with the ball at his feet he possesses the necessary skills to get to the byline by taking on opposite markers in one on one situations with his immense acceleration, great dribbles, and technique.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4star]
[GER] Torben Rhein – Bayern Munich, Midfielder
Football Manager 2021 can promise a host of incredible German wonderkids as DFB changed their regulations regarding minors as the age limit for professional contracts are lowered to sixteen. Torben Rhein, who unfortunately didn’t make the cut for FM20 is one of these highly-rated German wonderkids we happily experience in FM21 instead.
Born in Berlin on January 12th, 2003, Torben Rhein started his youth career at FC Stern Marienfelde 1912 eventually being swooped up by Hertha Berlin before Bayern Munich came calling in 2017. Torben Rhein can be described as a highly versatile midfield playmaker. Normally playing in the centre of the park, he’s also capable of taking the role as a deep-holding playmaker or as an attacking midfielder utilizing his vision, close control and passing technique to feed the forwards.
Along with Lasse Günther, Jamal Musiala, Luca Denk, David Herold, Liam Morrison and Armindo Sieb – all players born in 2003 – future looks definitely promising for The Bavarian fans!
Labeled as one of the most highly-rated talents emerging from the Bayern Munich Academy since David Alaba, Torben Rhein debuted for the Bayern Munich II receiving 8 minutes of game time against 1.FC Magdeburg on June 20th, 2020 after having impressed in the youth ranks since joining The Bavarians.
For the Bayern Under-19 team he’s played both as DM, MC and AM – recording 4 goals, 6 assists in 22 appearances (UEFA Youth League included), whilst last season he recorded 4 assists and 12 goals in 24 appearances. He’s also the current captain for the German Under-17 national team.
Standing out for his sublime vision and magnificent through balls Bayerns number 8 draws similarities to Kevin De Bruyne pinpointing passes vertically, diagonally, from free-kicks, or from one side of the pitch to another. His carefully weighted passes, who for a novice looks so simple, makes Rhein an important player for any sides. Featuring great composure, anticipation and positioning, he’s as much a technical playmaker as an intelligent holding player. With high levels of work rate and stamina, it seems he’s all over the pitch – always available for a pass!
What’s interesting, is that he’s capable of scoring goals from penalties, free-kicks and long shots with his right or left foot!
Despite he still got lots to work on with his play, the German central midfielder is already a star in the making and I can’t wait to play him in FM21!
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[ENG] Shola Shoretire – Man Utd, Winger
After Ole Gunnar Solskjærs entered Old Trafford, the youth recruitment and transfer policy of Manchester United has been significantly adapted and in my vision improved greatly. Focusing on poaching promising talents from major clubs around Europe, such as the renowned La Masia Academy, Ajax, Monaco as well as young prospects from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
Radek Vitik (16), Isak Hansen-Aarøen (15), Joe Hugill (16) and Logan Pye (16) are just a few names who enters the doors of the Aon Training Complex this summer.
Instead, I’d like to put attention to one of the homegrown players within the Man Utd Academy, technical gifted left winger Shola Shoretire. Born on the 2nd February 2004, the right-footed inside forward / inverted winger of Nigerian descent is one of the most highly-rated talents born in 2004 at Manchester United, together with former Tottenham attacking midfielder Omari Forson.
The next Manchester United wonderkid made his UEFA Youth League debut at the age of 14 and 314 days and is used to playing against boys 2-3 older than himself.
The teenage phenomenon is currently part of the Man Utd Under-18 side creating 3 assists in 13 appearances. The highlight of his career came in the 6th round of the FA Youth Cup scoring a wonderful goal against Wigan.
With an immense technique, close control, agility and amazing dribbles, Shola Shoretire might become a future replacement for Anthony Martial. His incredible ability to come out superior in one on one situations with great agility and flair has made an huge impression on me. The highly unpredictable winger has also the capability to play as an attacking midfielder feeding the strikers by using his great vision and passing technique. Often attracting the opposite markers as flees, Shola draws them upon himself creating the necessity space for his teammates to lavish in. His first-time shots and finishing technique is also decent.
The current English Under-16 international (2 caps) is one exciting prospect often excelling in tight spaces.
If you can’t wait to see Shole Shoretire in Football Manager 2021, download our FM20 NextGen Database today!
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[HOL] Ilyas el Moussaoui – Feyenoord
Age: 24.02.2004
Position: Centre Forward
[ESP] Ilias Akhomach – FC Barcelona, Inside Forward
My critic against the FC Barcelona board and how they have moved away from the focus on letting the best La Masia talents get a clear pathway to the first team has been severe. After Xavi Simons moved to Paris SG last summer there have been a number of highly-rated talents who have sought a first-team opportunity outside the Catalan city.
The question remains, who are the current crown jewels of the La Masia Academy? Who might follow in the steps of Ansu Fati breaking through for the first team in the years to come?
In my hunt I discovered Ilias Akhomach, Diego Almeida, Pablo Páez aka ‘Gavi’ and Ángel Alarcón, in additional to Marc Jurado, who’s been a Manchester United target for months.
Ilias Akhomach was born in Igualada on the 16th of April 2004. A left-footed inside forward capable of playing as forward signed a professional contract until 2023 on the first of July, being promoted to the Juvenile level ahead of next season.
As part of the golden 2004 generation of La Masia Academy, the current Spanish Under-16 international (3 caps) has impressed both with his versatility to play in different roles and position within the attacking unit in addition to his capabilities with the ball at his feet.
Featuring exceptional flair, great dribbles and good close control he’s superior in one on one situations working the ball with quick feet.
Still a young talent in development, Ilias Akhomach might become the next La Masia starlet to field Camp Nou.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[BRA] Vinícius Augusto – Internacional, Wingback
From the nation who brought us Daniel Alves, Marcelo, Cafu and Roberto Carlos comes another Brazilian fullback with immense potential! Welcome, Vinícius Augusto Tobías da Silva or simply Vinícius Augusto.
The current Internacional Under-20 is a fullback or wingback in the mold of Roberto Carlos featuring quickness and great one on one capabilities with his dribbling and technique. Born on February 23rd, 2004, Vinícius Augusto, who is capable of playing both as wingback or wide midfielder, has starting to make a name for himself with his impressive displays for the Brazilian Under-16 national team alongside inside forward wonderkid Sávio and striker Matheus Nascimento.
The Brazilian wonderkid wingback is seen as one of the most talented players within his age group – a rather remarkable label looking at the amount of great Brazilian talents emerging every year. Standing out for his composure in defensive situations to recover possession without much fuzz, his driving forward runs (with or without the ball) at great pace using body feints and efficient dribbles has made an impression to me. With an energetic playing style, Vinícius Augusto is able to cover the entire right flank, quickly turning defence into an attack. His ability to dispossess opposite wide players and intercept the ball path makes him as strong in defensive situations as in attacking ones. His passing technique and vision are also a welcome treat – able to pinpoint passes from one flank to another or advance play into more dangerous areas of the pitch draws similarities to what makes Marcelo and Daniel Alves important figures for their teams.
Being an important player in the 2019 final of the South American Under-15 Championship where he scored two penalties helping Brazil to win against Argentina, Vinícius Tobías was linked with a Manchester City move earlier in May, major clubs around Europe are monitoring his progress such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Not able to sign him before turning 18, Vinícius Augusto may be the next Brazilian wingback wonderkid who follows in the steps of Yan Couto to one of the European powerhouses.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[DEN] Jeppe Kjær – AFC Ajax, Inside Forward
NOTE! AFC Ajax confirmed the signing of Jeppe Kjær 14.08.2020 and will join the Ajax Uner-18 at 07.09.2020.
The next Martin Ødegaard might already be in the making in Denmark! AC Horsens’ Jeppe Kjær is a name to remember!
The 16-year-old right-winger (born in 2004) became the youngest ever Danish Superliga player as he entered the field for AC Horsens against IK Hobro earlier in June. A month later, the Danish wonderkid became the youngest goalscorer in the Danish Superliga, yet again against IK Hobro!
The attacking right-winger or forward has managed to get 16 appearances for AC Horsens, scoring 1 goal and recording 3 assists. The current Danish Under-16 international, who got his debut against England U16, was on trial with Juventus in 2019. At the moment, AFC Ajax is one of the clubs rumoured to be interested in his services.
Another technically gifted playmaker standing out for his perfectly weighted through balls, great vision and ability to thrive in small spaces. Often cutting inside with the ball, the left-footed inside forward boosts flair and sublime close control.
Jeppe Kjær might be a great FM21 wonderkid bargain unless one of the major clubs swoops him up before FM 2021 release.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4star]
[GER] Youssoufa Moukoko – Bor. Dortmund, Forward
Since 2017, when the German wonderkid phenomenon Youssoufa Moukoko debuted for the German Under-17 national team at the age of 12(!), my eyes have been peeled on his progress. Four years later, since joining Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer from St.Pauli, his turned into one of the most clinical forwards German football have ever seen!
For the past three seasons, the teenager has scored an incredible 128 goals, recorded 26 assists in 84 appearances at Under-17 and Under-19 level. At the 2018/2019 season he scored a record-breaking 50 goals in the B-Junioren Bundesliga West division, helping his teammates to secure the league trophy scoring nearly half of all the team scored. In October 2019, the Cameroonian born forward wrote himself into the history books again by becoming the youngest ever goalscorer in the UEFA Youth League aged 14 years 11 months, (an achievement previously held by current FM20 wonderkid Rayan Cherki), whilst also becoming the youngest player to feature in UEFA Youth League a month earlier.
2020 will definitely be the year for Youssoufa Moukoko!
Not only has he been called up to the German Under-19 national team level, but kicked off the year by being able to train with the Borussia Dortmund first team squad. Now fully part of the first team after a change in age restrictions by DFB for 2020, his Bundesliga debut might come soon after turning 16 (November 20th, 2020).
For us wonderkid savvy FM’ers, the change of age regulations means that we’re finally able to experience Youssoufa Moukoko in Football Manager 2021, in addition to a number of great German talents born in 2003 / 2004!
Moukoko has always become in the headlight for his goalscoring abilities. With immense determination and work rate Moukoko seems to score goals for fun – claiming the top scorer title in the past three seasons! Perhaps we’re watching a future Ballon D’Or winner in the making?!
With his goalscoring records you could say it might be down to good teammates, but actually he creates most of the goals himself revealing his determination on the pitch to get the ball in the back of the net, either he has an unbelievable touch and a quick first time shot, or he has to force the ball over the line by forcing his way through.
Used to play against guys 4 to 5 year older than him since the age of 12, the teen prodigy has used smartness in off the ball movement and immense acceleration, in addition, to anticipate play fairly well to get one step ahead of the arising situation. Often targeting the space behind the opposite marker to accelerate in, he often let the ball past the defender before making a blind side run, eventually coming up in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Despite most of his goals are scored inside the penalty box, he’s powerful shots have proved to be a great asset as well.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [5star]
[HOL] Amourricho van Axel Dongen – AFC Ajax, Winger/Forward
The famous Ajax Youth Academy is a natural step in the hunt for the future wonderkids of Football Manager. Recent years, Sportpark De Toekomst has produce international stars on a regular basis – the latest to emerge is Sontje Hansen and Ryan Gravenberch. Ranked by the CIES Football Observatory as the best stepping stone club in Europe as of March 2020, de Godenzonen is magnificent at developing Dutch wonderkids.
The latest Dutch starlet to emerge is Amourricho van Axel Dongen. Together with Olivier Aertssen and Charlie Setford he was called up to the Ajax Under-18 squad this summer becoming one of the youngest players within the team.
Amourricho van Axel Dongen is a left winger who can also play as a forward. With Surinamese roots, he’ll follow in the footsteps a range of legendary footballers coming through the Ajax Academy. Born in 2004 (September 29th) he’s still not turned 16 but has managed to made some impressive displays for Ajax U17 scoring 7 goals in 9 appearances.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4star]
[BEL] Pierre Dwomoh – KRC Genk, Central Midfielder
The new Belgium wonderkid to watch is Pierre Dwomoh. Of Ghanasian roots, the central midfielder is tipped as one of the biggest talents in Europe at his age group.
Signed from Anderlecht at the age of 12, the highly-rated midfielder signed a professional contract until 2024 with KRC Gank, additionally to being promoted to the first team together with promising talent Luca Oyen which featured in our youth database prior to FM20.
Pierre Dwomoh, who’s born 21.06.2004, has been attracting the interest of Juventus and Bayern Munich in recent years but opted to extend his stay at KRC Genk as they promised a clear pathway to first-team football. The Belgium Under-17 international made 1 goal and 3 assists in 3 appearances for the UEFA Under-17 Euro Qualification last October playing as a central or attacking midfielder. For the 2019/2020 season, he received 4 matches in the UEFA Youth League.
The versatile midfielder, dubbed the new Belgian Paul Pogba due to his sublime technique, vision and flair, boosts work rate, creativity and ball control as he creates space for others by dictating the tempo – either he’s forced to hold up the ball or dribble forward. He excels when playing between the lines, using trickery and immense levels of ball control to dazzle the opponent with magnificent dribbles and touches that make him evade pressures.
Pierre Dwomoh will definitely give Kristian Thorstvedt competition for a first-team spot, as he’s the future replacement if performance levels drop. What the 2020-21 season will bring, who knows?! But I’m sure Dwomoh will receive his Genk debut sooner rather than later.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[BRA] Ary Eduardo – Gremio
Age: 29.09.2003 (16)
Position: Central Defender
[AUT] Luka Reischl – RB Salzburg, Forward
The teenage Austrian striker sensation Luka Reischl is the next wonderkid to make his mark coming through Salzburg’s Red Bull Academy. Following in the footsteps of Karim Adeyemi and Dominik Szoboszlai, the teenage phenomenon was closely monitored by Juventus and Manchester City as his goal tally has impressed both Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola, before signing a professional contract that keeps him at RB Salzburg until the summer of 2023 in the end of May.
According to reports by The Sun, Luka Reischl has scored an incredible 63 goals in 41 matches throughout his youth Academy career. Last season he managed 16 goals in 10 appearances.
The young striker is currently part of the Austrian Under-16 team recorded 2 goals in 7 appearances. The Austrian Torjäger is highly rated by RB Salzburg who has the immense belief he can become a future Austrian international starlet.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4halfstar]
[ITA] Leonardo Rossi – AC Milan
Age: 14.07.2004 (16)
Position: Centre Forward
[TUR] Emre Demir – Kayserispor, Attacking Midfielder
It’s quite exciting and interesting what’s happening in Turkish football lately. Boosting a number of highly promising attacking midfielders, Turkey has become the place to find cheap number 10s.
Burak Ince (2004), Mustafa Kapı (2002), Ömer Beyaz (2003) are all players who have made their Super Lig debut and who got immense potential. Another is Emre Demir of Kayserispor.
An attacking midfielder born in Mersin on the 15th of January 2004, Emre Demir made his debut in the season opener of Super Lig August last year playing as attacking midfielder for 1 minute becoming the youngest ever Super Lig player at the age of 15, 7 months and 2 days. Since then, he has received 15 appearances both on the right or left wing. His first goal came against Genclerbirligi on the September 11th, 2019 ensuring he wrote himself into the history books as the youngest goalscorer in Turkish Super Lig.
The current Turkey Under-17 international (8 caps) has only seen 71 minutes of action in 2020 but is a rough diamond in the making often thriving in the half spaces with dribbles and through balls. He boosts great flair, agility and vision which makes him a wonderful watch.
Passion4FM’s Potential Rating: [4star]
[POR] Hugo Félix Sequeira – Benfica, Attacking Midfielder
Brother of João Félix, Hugo Félix Sequeira signed a professional contract with SL Benfica in July – destined to follow in his brother’s footsteps. The creative attacking midfielder, born in Viseu on March 3rd 2004, received his official Benfica Under-17 debut last season scoring 1 goal in 2 appearances.
Before being moved up to U-17 National Championship level, he impressed for the Under-16s in the regional competition scoring 13 goals – becoming the team’s top scorer. Currently part of the Portuguese Under-16 national team scoring 1 goal in 5 appearances, Hugo Félix is a promising talent that stands out for his timed attacking movements and abilities to anticipate the play. Along with great vision and skills related to being in possession of the ball such as technique and dribbling he has everything it takes to thrive as a second striker or trequartista.
Can Hugo Félix become the next Portuguese wonderkid superseding João Felix’s reputation and records?
The Next Generation of FM21 Talents to Watch [Players Born in 2004/2005]
This list of the most promising talents born in 2004 and 2005 will be updated along with the work on the Passion4FM NextGen Database for FM20 and FM21.
- [SCO] Barry Hepburn, 07.03.2004 – Bayern Münich – Winger
- [4halfstar] [ENG] Omari Forson, 20.07.2004 – Man Utd – Attacking Midfielder
- [4halfstar] [ENG] Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, 08.08.2004 – Borussia Dortmund – Winger
- [4halfstar] [GER] Melkamu Frauendorf, 12.01.2004 – Liverpool – Attacking Midfielder
- [GER]/[IVC] Faroukou Cisse, 09.03.2004 – Bor. Dortmund – Central Defender
- [RUS] Sergey Pinyaev, 02.11.2004 – Chertanovo Moscow – Forward
- [FRA] Mohamed El Arouch, 06.04.2004 – Olympique Lyonnais – Attacking Midfielder
- [GER] Samuel Bamba, 13.02.2004 – Bor. Dortmund – Winger
- [HOL] Lamare Bogarde, 05.01.2004 – Feyenoord – Defensive Midfielder
- [POR] Carlos Borges, 19.03.2004 – Man. City – Winger
- [FRA] Malamine Efekele, 19.07.2004 – Monaco – Winger
- [ENG] Jude Soonsup-Bell, 10.01.2004 – Chelsea – Forward
- [HOL] Julian Dean Rijkhoff, 25.01.2005 – AFC Ajax – Forward
- [5star] [BRA] Sávio, 10.04.2004 – Clube Atlético Mineiro – Inside Forward
- [ESP] Ángel Alarcón, 15.05.2004 – FC Barcelona – Forward
- [4halfstar] [BRA] Matheus Nascimento, 10.04.2004 – Clube Atlético Mineiro – Forward/Winger
- [HOL] Gabriel Misehouy, 18.07.2005 – AFC Ajax – Attacking Midfielder
- [FRA] Breyton Fougeu, 06.01.2004 – Olympique Lyonnais – Forward
- [GER] Semin Kojic, 28.10.2004 – Schalke 04 – Forward
- [4halfstar] [TUR] Burak Ince, 20.01.2004 – Altinordu – Advanced Playmaker
- [ESP] Marc Jurado, 13.04.2004 – Man Utd – Wingback
- [ITA] Pietro Tomaselli, 17.11.2004 – Roma – Attacking Midfielder
- [BEL] Mario Stroeykens, 29.09.2004 – Anderlecht – Attacking Midfielder
- [POL] Iwo Kaczmarski, 16.04.2004 – Korona Kielce – Central Midfielder
- [POL] Kacper Urbanski, 07.09.2004, Lechia – Attacking Midfielder
- [CRO] Anes Krdzalic, 28.08.2004 – Dinamo Zagreb – Central Midfielder
- [ESP] Cristian David, 17.08.2005 – Real Madrid – Centre Back
- [BEL] Samuel Mbangula, 16.01.2004 – Juventus – Winger
- [ITA] Samuele Vignato, 24.02.2004 – Chievo – Attacking Midfielder
- [ITA] Simone Bonavita, 07.02.2004 – Inter Milan – Defensive Midfielder
- [POR] Ricardo Marques, 13.03.2004 -Benfica – Winger
- [FRA] El Chadaille Bitshiabu, 16.05.2005 – Paris SG – Centre Back
- [FRA] Willy Kambwala Ndengushi, 25.08.2004 – Man UTd – Centre back
A massive database of the next generation football talents. Features ~100 potential FM21 wonderkids and promising talents that are not included in Football Manager 2020 by default.
Top 21 FM21 Wonderkids – DOWNLOAD
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