There are few things more satisfying in the FIFA series than taking your team of veritable nobodies and turning them into world-beaters in the FIFA 17 Career Mode. Similarly, there are few joys greater than finding the best young players and turning those undiscovered gems into champions. FIFA 17 is no exception to that rule, and so The18 is here to help with a list of the best young players to buy in your FIFA 17 career mode.
Just a few points before we begin:
- We have avoided putting players that were present on our similar FIFA 16 article last year.
- This list aims to highlight those players that represent good value for money or are perhaps less likely to show up on your radar. Of course players like Paul Pogba, Paolo Dybala and Antoine Griezmann are about the best young players you can buy, but they'll cost you an arm and a leg and you probably already knew that anyway.
- Although this list is numbered, the players aren't ranked in anyway. We tried to get an equal mix of players in every position, and they are all players with huge potential. How useful they are totally depends on you.
No teams are going to run through your midfield with this lad in there.
The Dutch youngster hasn't had too much gametime at Manchester United under Jose Mourinho, but he displayed a lot of promise under Louis Van Gaal. His build and strength is such that you forget he is just 19 years old. With a potential of 87 and an ability to play at center back, right back or in central midfield, Fosu-Mensah is perfect to add a little steel in your side.
The Jamaican has turned a lot of heads with his tricky wing play.
One of the brightest talents to emerge from Jamaica in recent years, Leon Bailey currently plys his trade at K.R.C. Genk in the Belgian Pro League. He is a speedy winger capable of playing on either flank. At only 18 years of age and with a potential of 87, this your new Eden Hazard, at a fraction of the price.
Dolberg is the latest to come out of Ajax's famed academy.
The young Denmark and Ajax phenom who has been linked with Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund recently is more than worth your attention in FIFA 17. With a potential of 88, he is definitely one of the most promising strikers in the game. Ajax put up a hell of a fight letting him go, but you can wear them down.
Good left backs are hard to find. That makes Hernandez a very valuable asset indeed.
Buying fullbacks is never glamorous, but they can be one of the most important positions in your team, adding width and stretching the defense. For the left back position, consider adding Atletico Madrid's Theo Hernandez. He is equally competent at attacking, defending and crossing, making him one of the most well-rounded fullbacks in the game. With a potential of 88 to boot, he could be an important part of your side for years.
BARGAIN STRIKER ALERT!
Looking for a bargain striker? Here's your man. Abraham is available for cheap from Bristol City, and while his potential is a little lower than others on this list at 85, he is certainly worth a gamble. He has a very effective combination of pace, height, heading proficiency and strength, making him something of a jack-of-all-trades. Think of him like a bargain bin Romelu Lukaku.
Watch out Hugo Lloris. This kid is coming for your throne.
We know that when it comes to goalkeepers, most of you are going to choose Gigi Donnarumma, but we already put him on last year's list. With that in mind, here's an effective substitute should you opt against the Milan man. His potential is the same as Donnarumma's at 89 and he's also slightly cheaper.
The new Thierry Henry? Quite possibly.
A speed demon with an eye for goal and an ability to play anywhere along the front line. He's not the strongest, but when you build him to his full potential of 87, he can be devastating. Takes a little more patience and training than others, but he's worth it.
If you haven't heard of this kid yet, you will soon.
This kid is an absolute steal. As one of the most promising center backs at Ligue 1 side Nice, he has reportedly attracted the interest of Arsenal and Chelsea. In reality, the release clause for the French star is 50 million euros. In FIFA 17, you can nab him for five million. With a potential of 88, it's quite possibly the bargain of the game.
The newest face of Pep's Manchester City.
The Manchester City debutant who impressed against Tottenham as a substitute is equally impressive in FIFA 17. With a potential of 90, he is one of the best attackers in the game and like most Brazilians, his dribbling skills are excellent. More expensive than most on this list, so keep that in mind when weighing your options.
The fearless teenager is just as destructive in FIFA as in real life.
One of the most entertaining storylines of 2016 was the rapid rise of Manchester United's Marcus Rashford. His explosive pace and lethal finishing has proven too much for defenses at all levels of the game. As such, the youngster has recieved the FIFA treatment he deserves. With an overall potential of 90, like Jesus, he is one of the most promising attackers in the game.
There are few things more enjoyable than touching the ball past a defender and having Rashford scream onto it like a fighter jet. It's the small things in life, you know?
