5 Underrated South American Wonderkids in FM24

Explore the uncharted territories of FM24 with our guide on South American wonderkids, excluding Brazil and Argentina, for your next big find.

Uncovering Hidden Gems: South American Wonderkids in FM24

If you’re anything like me, when setting up a new save on FM, one of the first things I do is set up my scouting network. When doing this, I always make sure to send a couple of scouts to South America. With a number of countries with proud footballing heritage and a track record of producing some of the best players in the world, it’s no wonder why FM players flock to the continent every year to scout the latest wonderkids. While we regularly hear the same names - Endrick, Marcos Leonardo, Vitor Roque anyone? - this list will look at some of the South American wonderkids who have so far flown under the radar on FM24.

While not every Brazilian or Argentinian wonderkid will be well known, for the purposes of this list we won’t be considering any players from those nations. This is for the simple reason that they’re often better known than their counterparts from elsewhere in South America, and also more expensive due to the profile of their countries. This article has only looked for wonderkids from Venezuela, Colombia, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Paraguay.

Vicente Pizarro

First looking to Chile, we find a dynamic and hard-working deep-lying playmaker. At just 20 years old, Pizarro is remarkably polished for his age, and would already be able to contribute for a bottom-half Premier League side. With the attributes to contribute to a number of midfield roles, you’ll love his work rate and stamina, as Pizarro is capable of covering every blade of grass for your team. Continue to work on his passing, and you’ll find that his naturally high teamwork leads to a talented playmaker who can run your entire midfield. Capable of playing as a CM or a DM, Vicente Pizarro is capable of being a world-class midfielder when he reaches his prime.

Franco Gonzalez

He’s only 19, but what a baller this young man is. Comfortable either in the middle or on the right of your attacking midfield, Gonzalez isn’t just a creative force to be reckoned with, but a talented goalscorer when utilised correctly. His overall pace isn’t great, but his acceleration gives him the ability to burst past defenders over short distances. Paired with decent off-the-ball and anticipation, Gonzalez is more than capable of getting himself into position to show off his prodigious finishing ability.

Jorge Ortiz

If you’re looking for a young winger who can lead your side for years to come, look no further than Jorge Ortiz. Left-footed, but comfortable on either flank, Ortiz has a ways to go in developing his game further. While he’s already a decent option for a top flight side, his potential is huge, and he’ll develop nicely into a dangerous weapon for your side. He’s a little on dimensional reliant on good pace and crossing to create opportunities for others, but if you can develop his finishing to pair nicely with his good composure, you could have a very decent goal threat on your flanks for a long time.

Alexander Aravena

Aravena is the kind of attacker managers only dream of. 20 years old and able to play anywhere in your front line, Aravena can do a good bit of everything. He can pass, he can cross, he can finish, he’s quick, he’s skilful, he works hard and he has great determination. The only thing he doesn’t really have is aerial ability: he’s almost a complete non-factor in the air. However, when you have his skill with the ball on the ground, why would you need to head the ball?? Fit him into your front three and watch as he creates for himself and others at will.

Luciano Rodriguez

Another who fits the mould of the complete attacker is Luciano Rodriguez. Like Aravena, Rodriguez has all the technical ability in the world - including a decent aerial threat. What also stands out to me is Rodriguez’ free kick ability, making him an instant goalthreat for any side. However, the one drawback of signing the Uruguayan is his mental attributes. Sadly, he’s lacking in anticipation, composure, concentration and all the other attributes you want to see from a youngster you’d hang your hopes on. If you can improve these, you’ll allow him to make the most of his undoubted technical ability, and you’ll have a deadly finisher on your hands.

READ ALSO: Top 5 Wonderkid Strikers in Football Manager 2024

Conclusion

While Brazil and Argentina are widely respected for their ability to consistently produce talented youngsters, they don’t have a monopoly on South American talent. There are talented youngsters to be found all over the continent, and casting your scouting nets wider can reward you with some real hidden gems.